Which are all kung fu martial arts?
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There is kung fu (aka gongfu) and Wushu.
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Wing Chun kung-fu: Like most of the stylized kung-fu systems out there they get caught up in the who's instead of the why's and how's. The fixed positions and the inability to expand out of their systems fighting position leaves it vunerable to take downs, angled attacks, multiple person situations, and takes too long to implement the ideas to practical use.\n\nTaekwondo: You're represented by the biggest morons out there WTF and ATA. These orginizations are out for your money, boosting their prestige, and brain washing you into believing that there is a purpose to what they are doing. All the while, WTF specifically, handing you this crock of shit on how long taekwondo has been in existance. Because of their predjudice outlook toward the karate/Japanese culture in which it originated from they've developed a sport based on a game played over 1000 years ago and make people think they're actually learning how to defend themselves. They refuse to look toward proper training for fighting effectively taking them out of the true realm of martial arts. Now there are some fairly solid TKD orginizations out there but they're not represented by the vast majority thus undermining any attempt at validating their system.\n\nKempo: Like saying car, there is no true identity for this system of martial arts. Are we Japanese, American or Chinese. Who give a rats ass. Most systems have tried their damndest (is that really a word?) to validate a fairly effective group of fighting techniques while others get bogged down in the muck of trying to lay claim to some wierd Chinese Shaolin authenticity. Kenpo/Kempo has been represented over many years as some of the hardest hitting, most ferocious fighters in existance. There was a reason they became popular but because of greeed they watered it down to a state where you'd be lucky to find an instructor that wouldn't get you killed in your first encounter on the street. Now a majority of kempo guys are fat, out of shape bastards who are more interested in getting your check book then getting in shape. They have gone the way of TKD but fortunately most schools are changing for the better and maybe in the next decade or so they can rise to the prestige they deserve.\n\nShaolin Kung-fu/Wu Shu: Doesn't exist people it's fucking myth, as a martial arts you are learning to be a fucking gymnast/ballet dancer. Fucking stage performers are all they are. If you like that shit fine but stop licking the balls of these so called Chi masters as if most their stuff wasn't parlor tricks and simple athletic acrobatic techniques. Simple and to the point.\n\nOther systems of Kung-fu: if you aren't training in modern ways then you're not training in Kung-fu. Systems were not to be mired down to tradition they were supposed to change with the time, passing on techniques that worked and adding new ones on to make their respective kwoons "bad ass". Unfortunately you've all seen too many Jet Li and Jackie Chan circle jerk movies and believe half that shit is real. It's the fucking movies people get over it.\n\nJudo: Fucking turning into a bunch of pansies I swear, they outlaw so many moves we're soon going to be left with nothing but a pussified sumo match where only pushing is allowed.\n\nJujitsu: The problem here is identity. Like so many arts Jujitsu wears many masks and covers many different areas of grappling. Some Jujitsu systems look like modern MMA events while others are so bogged down in theoretical shit that they have no comprehension on what works and what doesn't work. Bottom line is if you haven't done it against a fully resisting opponent you'll have no idea if it'lll really work. Most of these practitioners get tied down to tradition and never question for a second their "masters" teaching because they've seen him/her throw some cooperative bitch around. Find Jujitsu that works people.\n\nBrazillian Juj
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Let me start by defining and exampling martial arts before I answer. Martial Art = The art of war. What makes up a martial art: Percussion (striking), Projection (throwing), Immobilization (joint locks), and Armament (weaponry). Here are some examples of different systems:\n\nKarate: Okinawan. Covers Percussion. Civil Art. Kara- meaning open or empty depending on translation. -te originally meant Chinese Hand but they later changed it to just hand after the Chinese were driven out. Derived from White Crane Kung Fu. Believes in hardening the body against strikes and striking hard is the key.\n\nKung Fu: External Chinese. Most cover percussion, projection, and armament, with a few covering immobilization as well. Usually either martial or civil art. There are SO many systems within the term kung fu that it is hard to describe this system effectively. To say the least the best Kung Fu I have seen was in Dallas, and was translated to the Water-Fire Kung Fu.\n\nAikido / Aiki-jujutsu: Japanese. Covers immobilization with slight touch on projection. Civil Art. Was originally derived from Nihongo Jujutsu or Japanese Jujutsu (honestly I hate that I have to specify WHICH jujutsu compared to Brazilian or American… as if you would get an French taco or Russian sushi). Aikido has sadly become one of the snobbiest “styles” out there and they insist that what they do would work in real combat, although only about 10% of EVERYONE who is involved with that system knows what they’re doing. Though I will admit those that do, can do some beautiful Aiki.\n\nJudo: Japanese. Covers projection. Sport Art. Another derivative of Nihongo Jujutsu. A sport derived from the throwing system used in Japan’s combat. As with all sports, there are certain things that they threw out as “illegal moves” due to their effectiveness therefore making the “style” weaker.\n\nBrazilian: Japanese origin. Covers a portion of Immobilization and Projection. Martial Sport. This “style” was made famous by the Gracie family after they were originally taught by a Japanese man who refused to show them any more than the grappling section of Jujutsu. So they concentrated on the art of ground fighting. Most people that do Brazilian are extremely competitive and aggressive in nature.\n\nTaekwondo: Korean. Percussion. Sport Art. This is a primarily kicking “style” and is considered one of the most famous “styles” in use. Another system that is sport / competition based they rely heavily on flexible and fast legs. Originally a derivative from a certain school of Karate which name eludes me at this moment.\n\nKrav Maga: Israeli. Um… Percussion? Military wannabe. I REALLY don’t suggest this system unless you’re looking for a Billy Blanks on steroids kinda feel. This system was built to teach the foot soldiers of Israel a quick, brutal and less than effective hand-to-hand fighting method in a matter of a week, so seriously, don’t bother.\n\nThose Russian arts: Mainly knife junkies who think they know what they’re doing. More flashy than anything else, don’t fall for the hype.\n\nPilipino: Mostly Stick and knife, and they are not for the faint of heart, although not much art to the system, it seems those whom you can find who actually know what they’re doing are pretty good with a knife and stick but that’s it.\n\nMMA: Mixed martial arts. Probably the worst thing that has ever happened to martial arts besides Krav maga. The concept of mixing martial arts is taking a system that is inferior and mixing it with another inferior system to hopefully make up for the gaps left by the other one. For example: Karate doesn’t have Immobilization, so lets throw in Aikido and Brazilian, and those don’t have projection so lets throw in Judo, and all of those don’t have armament so lets throw in Pilipino. \n\nThere are zillions of others that I’ve missed because in order to catch them all, I’d have to write a book, which is stupid, but here’s the
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I would probably say that Jeet-Kune do (JKD)is the most effective form of fighting style there is.  It was developed by the late Bruce Lee and combined techniques using various styles - including techniques from American Boxing, Wing Chun, and French Fencing.\nPeople can go on for a lifetime saying which is the best style but how can one compare with so many styles and variables in any fight situation?  It is about preference and what one looks for in a Martial Art - wether you want a style that just uses the hands or both hands and feet...or perhaps one that protects against knives etc. etc.\nPlus it depends on how good you are - a brilliant green belt in Karate could take out a poor black belt in another style of Karate but who is to say it is the fighters' ability or the flaws in Martial Arts style?
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SHAOLIN STYLE -\nthe master speaks to his students\n\n\nWhat's Shaolin style? Shaolin style builds moral character, promotes excellent circulation, strengthens the body, creates the limbs coordination, increases agility of the mind and the body, and trains Wushu skills to such a degree that victories can be gained in all forms of conflicts.\n\nWhat's the practice? Advance is like lightning. Retreat is like the wind. The head moves like the waves. The feet are as solid as stones. The body flows like a flying dragon. The hands move like shooting stars. All movements spring forth from the human mind and human being nature. Attacks are hard and strong but not excessive, they can bend like the reed in the wind, changing from one type of attack to another. The attacks contain fakes and surprising strikes that combine to react to your enemies'defense. In Shaolin style, defence is like a gentle girl, soft but not weak. Attacks are tiger like, violent and appropriate. If one wishes to defeat his enemies in a fighting, he must overcome his weaknesses in practice. Practice leads to skill. Skill leads to perfection, and perfection leads to the supernatural.\n\nIf you fight the enemy, the mind is the emperor, the gall bladder is the general, limbs are the soldiers, the eyes and ears are banners. In combat patience leads to victory. Prepare properly in order to observe the enemy closely. Before attacking you must know what you will sacrifice and what you will achieve. In the movements where the conflict pauses, you must decide whether to attack or retreat. Reveal your intentions in order to set a trap for your enemies. You must know your enemies'and your own strengths and weaknesses, attack his weak points with your strengths, "always" hit your enemy before he can strike you. If you are stronger than your enemy, crush him with direct and forceful attacks. If you are weaker than your opponent, use gentle defence to drain and redirect his strength against him. The mind and the body must be perfectly coordinated.\n\nWhat are the movements and positions of Shaolin style? Shaolin style is composed of movements up and down, left and right at angles, as well as advance or retreat, attacks or defences. Upward movements should be like raising a heavy stone. Downward movements should be like breaking a brick. When enemy strikes forcefully, break his attack at an angle. When opponent locks you into a trap, slip from his grasp. Advance and Retreat must be complete science. Strikes must twist as they attack and withdraw. Strikes should snap like a whip.\n\nAll elements of the human body and soul are united in Shaolin style. The eyes unify the mind, the mind unifies the spirit, the spirit unifies the breath, the breath unifies the force, the force unifies the hands, the hand unifies the feet, the elbow unifies the knee, the shoulder unifies the hip, the unification of all these parts creates power which will vanquish all enemies.\n\nWhen facing an enemy, eyes observe all parts of his body. The enemies'eyes will telegraph his intention by the direction of his gaze. Before your enemy's hand can connect with you, his shoulder will move first. All kicks will be telegraphed by movements of his hips. Gnashing of teeth means a head attack. Shrinking of the body reveals an elbow enpi. When close up, strike with the knee. If the fist does not quite reach enemy, use the fingers to jab. In close quarters, the shoulders and hips are excellent defences.\n\nShaolin style is as vast and complex st the universe. This site will barely scratch the surface of its depths. For our readers we can end with a saying from an ancient Shaolin Master: "Study Shaolin style in great depth, then absorb the special qualities of other styles. Set for your high ideals. Study for wisdom and train the body. Never fear evil. Always fight for Justice."
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Their are several. One in particular is Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, as shown by its effectiveness in real life combat and the MMA world. Certain striking arts, such as boxing/kickboxing- Muay Thai are also common combat skills trained throughout the miltary. Ther are probably others, nothing specifically as it's best to be well rounded. I'd imagine other arts that specialize in pressure points and specific fatal technique- crav?
519606
That's Kung Fu training.  Thousands of punches.  Anyone who takes any form of kung fu and many other martial arts will have to practice their punches as often as possible.  The more punches the better you will be.
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Bruce Lee actually explained it pretty well in relatively simple terms: think of Karate as an iron bar, think of Kung-Fu as an iron chain.\n\nBoth are very powerful, but emphasize different aspects (philosophies, reasonings, not necessarily movements) to fighting.\n\nTangibly, I would say it has been my experience in Korean systems at the beginning of my martial arts training, we practiced hard on blocking and then counter-attacking. Since my Chinese systems training, emphasis has been placed more so on evading while attacking simultaneously.
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That really depends on which martial arts. Fencing, kenjutsu, chinese weapon martial art, kendo, etc. they are all different from each other. It's really difficult to name them all. Furthermore, each martial art created afew defensive stance as well.
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Martial arts is a blanket term for hand to hand fighting, mostly referring to fighting styles originating in Asia. And people came to practice it for self defense, or war.
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Tang Soo Do is great. It is not all just about fighting. It teaches you alot more. Check out this site to learn more:\nhttp://www.wtsda.com/
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Trust me, you have not "out grown" anything. It is not possible to be such an expert you can no longer continue to progress and learn. If you don't hold at least a 6th degree and have been studying Kung Fu for a few decades you can not really claim to be an expert.\n\nAs to learning Judo, I encourage everyone to get experience outside their normal style. I can't reccommend one form over another, they're all great, and I think Judo would complement Kung Fu well. However, you may wish to consider Aikido instead, or in addition to, Judo, asyou may find it easier to adapt to the movements.
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There is no "best" or "most powerful" martial art. There are many good powerful arts. It is the artist, not the art.
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Some schools do go a little overboard i don't think it has much to do with the art you are learning you will find that the Chinese Japanese and Korean are the most disciplined if it is turning you of i recommend you look for a kickboxing school even Muay Thai  they are allot more relaxed than the other traditional arts.
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The origins of Kung Fu (also written as Gung Fu , and today bearing the meaning of a Chinese martial art) are hidden behind many myths of outrageous deeds and impossible folklore. Much of its recorded history has been lost, with only a few fragments surviving. \n\nIts beginnings can be traced back more than three thousand years in China, when personal combat first developed into a science. But it is only during the Han Dynasty (around 200 CE) that records of empty-hand and empty-hand against weapon combat techniques and strategies are printed in a chapter of Han Shu I Chih. The earliest records of martial arts schools date back to the era of the Six Dynasties (264-581 CE). The next major chapter in the history of Chinese martial arts is traced back to contributions from Ch'an Buddhism, and the foundation of the infamous Shaolin Temple.
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There is a very old and very true saying... \n\n"The Jack of all trades is a master of none."\n\nI believe it is a good thing to learn multiple martial arts. The issue is that many martial arts are fundamentally so different that it is hard to learn them together.  Arts like Tae Kwon Do and Aikido are so different from one another that learning them together is not a problem. Other martial arts such as many forms of Kung-fu are do conceptually different from Tae Kwon do that learning the art will be very difficult, if not virtually impossible. \n\nFor instance. Aikido uses circle to enter into your opponent and bring him down with any number of throws, pins or locks. Tae Kwon Do uses strait lines to enter into an opponent and then either attack with a strike (Kick or punch) or block their strike and then counter strike. Many forms of Chinese Martial arts don’t block, but rather parry attacks. They also use circular or more common angular movements to enter into an opponent and prefer multiple rapid attacks using chi as power rather then the one or three step sparing drills used in Tae Kwon Do.  Furthermore, many forms of Chinese martial arts are as much mental (philosophical/strategical)  as they are physical. It will be hard to do one thing one way in one class and another way in another class. Also, traditional Kung-fu instructors will not train a person who is studying another martial art. Not because they think there are is the best or some such nonsense as that, but because they are afraid that if you divide your thoughts and energies between their art and the other art(s) then you will not be able to give 100% of your time to their art. \n\nRemember, many Martial Arts, (Unlike Tae Kwon Do) take many, many years to become even the least bit proficient in. Learning forms is not the only goal. In a traditional Chinese Martial Arts school it often takes several moths to learn a single form and then a year or more to get to a level of proficiency that the Sifu thinks you are ready to learn another form. I've known more then my share of people that have dropped out of Chinese martial arts schools because they felt they weren’t learning anything new after working on the same form for six months. \n\nThe problem you will face is that Tea Kwon Do is linear and hard. Most of your forms are Move, then strike. Step left into a front stance, then perform a down block, followed by an upper block, step right into a right front stance and then do an eyelevel front punch. Chinese martial arts forms are different. As you step into a stance you are striking and before you settle into the position, you are already moving again. It is much more fluid. Everything flown one into the next. TKD is more Choppy. In fact, if the forms are not performed in a Step by step fashion, you aren't doing them right. (I have a 2nd Dan and use to judge at tournaments) \n\nAll I am saying is that is would be hard to master an art that requires your undivided attention if you are not giving your undivided attention. It's something to think about.
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Tai Chi in it's various forms is the most popular. Wushu means martial arts as basically does kung fu.