Between the 5th and the 3rd century BC. J. – C., the Asian world lived one of the most tormented periods of its history. In China, this was the Warring States era, when perpetual wars between the five kingdoms sowed chaos across Asia. The roots of Kung Fu can be traced back to ancient writings, dating from this period, which reveal the existence of hand-to-hand and armed combat techniques; of a carefully worked out organization of the armies and of the formidable effectiveness of these warriors. Therefore, it took several centuries before a Kung Fu school appeared, that is to say a structured organization whose commitments were to maintain, propagate and develop the Martial Art.
Philosophy is to the mental body what techniques are to the physical body.
Paradoxically, these chaotic times were also the golden age of Chinese philosophy, because the surrounding disorder was fertile ground for reflection and the emergence of the three basic philosophies of Eastern culture. The philosophers of that time sought to understand the origin of violence, as well as the means to restore order, peace and harmony among men. Beyond the obvious aspects of martial arts, Kung Fu explicitly targets the development and fulfillment of human beings in all their dimensions. If our philosophy guides our actions, allows us to use knowledge and techniques correctly, the latter are intended to be the perfect reflection of this precious teaching.
Techniques are the means of achieving a goal, while philosophy is the raison d’être of that goal.
Nowadays, philosophy still occupies a central place in the teaching of traditional Kung Fu schools. Several rules, regulations, habits and customs, as well as certain school practices are based on the principles derived from the three basic philosophies of Eastern culture. For example, Buddhism guides practitioners on the path to self-improvement, among other things through understanding the ego and controlling emotions. Taoism allows practitioners to better understand the functioning of body and mind, to develop greater efficiency in the practice of Kung Fu and in oriental medicine. And Confucianism is the source of the organizational structure of the School, ensuring its proper functioning and effective transmission of knowledge.
