Here’s another preview of our Kung Fu For Kids Program. This Read-a-loud centers at 2nd/3rd grade, but plays up to 5 and down to K with a little help from the reader.
Kung Fu
Kung fu, like all martial arts, begins and ends with respect. To show respect to the great masters of history and around the globe, there are a few facts we should get straight. First, “kung fu” really means something like “to be really great at something you care about because you practiced a lot.” It’s a special quality of something, like a grilled cheese tastes best only if mom makes it for you.
The real word for martial arts in China, the birthplace of kung fu, is “wushu”. Say it a few times fast…wushuwushuwushu. Wushu stars in China are as popular as sports heroes here in the USA. They endorse clothing, have their faces on McDonald’s adds, and appear on TV. Some are so popular they even star in Hollywood movies, like Jet Li and Jackie Chan.
There are thousands of ways of doing kung fu, and we are going to follow one of the most reliable methods: imitating animals. The power of the tiger, the cunning of the rat, and the grace of the eagle will be ours if we set our mind and bodies to it. Kung fu will make us stronger, healthier, and better ready to defend yourself in a dangerous situation.
People often ask about whether kung fu is about being able to fight. In a sense the answer is yes. It fights disease, and fear, and is used to escape from unfriendly people. It is wise to follow the boxer’s rule: “defend yourself at all times”.
In the Chinese language, all the words written as pictures. The word for martial art has two parts: a spear and a shield. It means “to stop the spear”. In other words, to master kung fu means acquiring the ability to end all fighting though bravery, peace of mind, and skill.
With that in mind, let’s begin our kung fu journey.
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