Kung Fu literally translated means energy (Kung) and time (Fu). Although Kung Fu is commonly used to refer to the Chinese Martial arts in actuality it is used to refer to any skill or talent that requires time and effort to develop. The actual chinese word for martial arts is "Wu Su"; Martial technique.

Kung Fu has developed for over 3000 years and has many different disciplines and styles. One of the greatest in terms of training methods and technique developed in the Buddist Temple at Shaolin by an Indian Monk known as Da Mo. When he came to the Shaolin temple in 527 A.D he saw that alot of the monks were sick and weak. It is said that Da Mo meditated for 9 years and as a result produced two books to help the cultivation of the Buddhist spirit and to strengthen the physical body. The development of the Internal and External power lead the monks to further study and practice so they could use it for Self defence against robbers and thieves. It was necessary for the monks to have the ability to protect themselves on their travels while preaching and also to protect the monasteries valuable assest.

Thirty years after Da Mo's death many immoral monks left the temple and roamed the countryside robbing and killing resulting in the closure of the temple by the Emperor (Chou dynasty). When the Sui dynasty came to power the Shaolin temple was allowed to resume it's activities (600 A.D). Strict guidelines where then put in place to prevent any further unscrupulous behaviour, this is why Martial Morality and Martial technique go hand in hand in the education of students today.

From 600 A.D - 1600 A.D. the monks developed their martial arts, meditation and healing skills. Although the monks were educated in a common system various different styles of Kung Fu developed and were practiced right up to modern times using barehand techniques and weaponary.

About The YMAA Styles (External): - The skills of the Shaolin Monks have been acquired throughout the history of China and today it is reknowned throughout the world. The styles trained at YMAA developed from the Shaolin systems and the Masters integration into society.

During the Song Dynasty (980 A.D. - 1278 A.D.) the Shaolin Monks continued to gather more martial skills from outside the temple. During this time one of the most famous Shaolin Monks, Jueyuan travelled around the country to learn and absorb skills into the Shaolin teachings. He met with a number of famous martial artists and returned with them to the Shaolin temple. As a result of these masters studying together the book "The Essence of the Five Fist" was created. The book included the training methods and techniques of the Dragon, Tiger, Snake, Panther and Crane.

In 1928 the Chinese government setup the Nanking Central Kuo Su institute to help revitalise the Martial Arts. This institute invited many of the top Kung Fu Masters together under one formal organisation with Chang Chih-Chiang as its director. Five famous Masters known as the "Five northern Tigers" were invited to teach at the institute, they specialised in the Northern Kung Fu styles. Also invited were the Chin Woo masters. These masters greatly influenced the teachings at the institute and side by side developed the best techniques for each martial range (striking, wrestling, locking and throwing!). As a result the diverse styles developed at the institute are popularly known as Longfist Kung Fu.