Difference between Kung Fu and Tai Chi
Key difference: Both, Kung Fu and Tai Chi are Chinese form of martial arts, while the difference lies between their techniques. Kung Fu are external form of martial arts, their practices emphasizes more on the strength and speed of an individual, whereas Tai Chi is an internal martial art form, whose exercises emphasize more on the balance, stability and sensitivity of an individual.
.jpg "Kung Fu")
Kung fu involves a wide range of Chinese martial arts. They are the most dedicated and disciplined form of exercises, which are practiced and followed all over the world. Their origin was traced from the 4th century and was originated at the Shaolin temple, China.
In Chinese, the term Kung Fu relates to:
Kung fu – (gong) "work" or "achievement
Fu- intensity
Kung Fu is a science in itself, which trains an individual to move the body in a continuous circular motions and turns. It refers to an individual’s commitment and dedication towards the skill and art, which is obtained by hard work. It is the most ancient form of martial arts practiced in China. In Kung Fu, the aim is to cause as much damage as possible without losing balance, so strikes are extremely quick and controlled. Its actions are habituated from the animal moves and styles and are initiated from one of five basic foot positions, which are normal upright posture. The remaining four stances are dragon, frog, horse riding, and snake. It is an open martial art, which means that, its styles can be adapted only by those practitioners who are perfect in their actions.
.jpg "Tai Chi")
Tai Chi (also T'ai chi ch'uan / Taijiquan) is a Chinese origin form of martial arts, which generally focuses more on meditation and stability. It was influenced form the Taoist and Buddhist monasteries. Today, it is one among the appreciated from of exercises.
The word T'ai chi ch'uan / Taijiquan are formed by the combination of three hanzi:
(Hanzi – Wade-Giles / Pinyin – Meaning)
T'ai / Tai – supreme, grand, great
Chi / Ji – ultimate, extreme
Ch'uan / Quan – fist, boxing
The term ‘Tai Chi’ means "supreme ultimate fist", "boundless fist", "supreme ultimate boxing" or "great extremes boxing". This art form is practiced in both ways, for defense as well as for maintaining health. It is the internal Chinese martial art form. Its hard and soft martial art techniques, demonstration competitions, and longevity are practiced technically for variety of personal reasons. It works to improve the muscular strength, flexibility and fitness. Tai Chi movements emphasize the importance of weight transference, which helps balance and prevents falls. The actions in the martial art are entirely dependent on the opponent’s action and move. The Tai Chi principles were developed in terms of being sensitive to and responsive of another person's 'chi' or vital energy. Some of the Tai chi forms are practiced as slow movement. The entire study of t'ai chi ch'uan primarily involves three aspects:
- Health
- Meditation
- Martial arts
Comparison between Kung Fu and Tai Chi:
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Kung Fu |
Tai Chi |
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Short description |
Kung Fu is a primary unarmed Chinese martial art. |
T'ai chi is a Chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation and balance and health. |
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Also known as |
Wushu and many |
"T'ai Chi Ch'uan" or Taijiquan |
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Movements |
The movements are floating and circular in types with all concentration on that specific action and move. |
The movements come from majority of weight on one foot and are slow, graceful movements that mimic the flow of energy through the body. |
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Nature |
They are generally defensive and danger form of martial arts. |
They are not that defensive as compared to that of Kung Fu types. |
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They are |
As a whole it is concentrated in both, the external and internal form of exercises. |
As a whole it generally concentrates more on the internal form of meditation along with the exercises. |
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Uniforms and Clothing |
The clothes and uniforms varies by style and school, but often includes kung fu pants (a loose fitting, elastic band cloth garment), kung fu shoes and a belt. |
Tai Chi uniforms are exactly the same as Kung Fu uniforms (sometimes spelled Gong Fu uniform). |
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Type |
It is both the hard and soft martial art. |
It is a soft type of martial art. |
Image Courtesy: hulkshare.com, taijionmaui.com
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Tai chi kung fu...
Mon, 11/06/2017 - 16:55
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