Since kung fu is more than 1,000 years old, there are hundreds of styles of kung fu. Old styles are mixed to create new styles. Then there are many families of styles. Kung fu styles also change from region to region, as kung fu reflects a way of living.
The kung fu styles can be divided into soft and hard styles. Soft styles mean diverting momentum to unbalance an opponent. They are used to bring opponents into striking range. These styles use less physical force and more internal energy and skills. Hard styles direct the energy outward. These are used to strike with the force.
Kung fu can also be divided by the form of movements. This subtle distinction classifies kung fu styles as circular and linear. As the name depicts, circular styles use around and aside movements in relation to the opponents. Linear styles use direct, straight-line movements. Most kung fu masters use a mixture of these two styles.
Then there are distinctions of styles, like internal and external styles. Here, internal styles emphasize the non-tangible elements like meditation, body control, perception and mind control. These styles are also known as mystical styles. Internal styles are part of soft styles. External styles use body mechanics and force. Weight, strength and positioning are used to gain the advantage. External styles are hard styles.
As a kung fu master learns from his surroundings, there are many styles which are adopted from the behavior of the animals. The famous example of this is monkey style, which is adopted from the behavior of monkeys.
Finally there is no end to the discussion on kung fu styles. A kung fu master learns from the environment and himself, or makes his own style.
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