Chinese kung fu is perhaps the single Chinese cultural tradition that is most widely recognized the world over. What was once an obscure fighting art practiced in secrecy by monks, rebels and warriors in ancient China is now part of the global pop culture as is evident by international block buster movies like Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon, Kill Bill and The Matrix and Hero.
This presentation will elucidate on the historical, cultural and philosophical dimensions of Chinese traditional martial arts. We will trace the ancient Buddhist and Daoist spiritual foundations as well as the myriad styles of martial arts and how the arts reflect Chinese thought and culture. We will also explore how these traditional arts grew in the West with Bruce Lee’s films and even the rise of Falun Gong. and how Kung fu has influenced other fields such as film, dance, and health.
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