Chinese Gong Fu: Toward a Body-Centered Understanding

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Gong fu, the indigenous martial art of China, was exported into American popular culture through numerous kung fu movies in the 20th century. Perhaps the most renowned of the martial arts in the U.S., gong fu remains often misunderstood, perhaps because of its esoteric practices that include aspects of Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and other syncretic elements.

Using the science of embodiment-the study of the interaction between body, mind, cognition, behavior and environment-practitioner and teacher R.F. Gonzalez explores the relationships among practitioner, praxis, spirituality, philosophy and the body in gong fu. Drawing on familiar routines, films, artifacts and art, the author connects the reader to ancient Chinese culture, philosophy, myth, shamanism and ritual.