Crane Style Kung Fu, Martial Arts Styles and Types

Crane Style Kung Fu, learn about this martial arts style and impact on other types of martial arts

No one knows exactly where all the styles of martial arts came from.

One theory is that it came from Tibet and move its way into China. Other theories say that it was developed in China. No matter where it came from crane is the oldest most pure form of kung fu.

The theory that it developed in China says that the creator was a Shaolin monk who was watching a bird and an ape fight. He thought that the crane would certainly die, but the crane was able to attack the ape and get away.

Crane style is characterized by high kicks and winglike movements with the arms. The hands are formed into a beak with the fingers touching the thumb. The hand darts in and out like a pecking beak.

One famous example of crane style is the final fight in the original karate kid movie. The hero stands on one leg and raises the other like a crane. His arms are raised over his head like the wings of a bird. He jumps, landing on the raised foot and kicked the other out in a high kick.

The movements are also long, sweeping, and flowing. The footwork is also a very important aspect to focus on. There are a lot of kicks in crane style. They can be high, medium, or low kicks. Stomps are also an integral part of this style of kung fu. The movements should all be very fast and have a lot of power behind them.

Crane also teaches control over the opponent, and letting the opponent tire himself out. This is done by evasion and minimal attacks. Any attacks should be as precise as possible.

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