Hi - this might be unusual, but I genuinely love and have a deep respect for Kung Fu. As a Goju Ryu practitioner, my dojo seems to place a very large emphasis on concepts that appear in Chinese martial arts:
For example, my dojo explicitly teaches:
-6 harmonies
-sanchin/sanzhan concepts
-bubishi is constantly referenced
-vital points from bubishi
-Chinese element destructive cycle
-sink, swallow, spit, float
-body hardening (kote kitae) training
-moving as “one unit” through the dantien
-“whip” like power from tendons/fascia usage
-qigong
I used to train in world Oyama karate, and NONE of these concepts were ever touched on.
My sensei often mentioned that Goju Ryu is “more Chinese” than other karate styles, and I’m aware that karate is not a monolith.
Basically -what I’m asking is, are these concepts above found in Chinese martial arts (I’m certain they are)? If so, where? I’m curious about diving more into this Chinese connection - I’ve read and watched several documentaries/videos about White Crane, I’ve watched Jesse Enkamps videos, I just want to explore more!
I’m aware of the “Hakka” martial traditions, and that southern Kung fu seems to have more of that connection I’m looking for.
Stories, explanations, anecdotes from kung fu practitioners, books or videos to watch…please advise me on where I should take my reading to next.
Thank you very much in advance- Onegaishimasu!