What goes into mind when you think of kung fu, also known as wushu? Maybe the image of Shaolin monks(和尚) fighting with a serious look in their eyes, or popular children’s movies like Kung Fu Panda.
Recently, Laurence J. Brahm, a documentary filmmaker from the United States. Brahm began a journey of a kung fu pilgrimage(朝圣), traveling to cities in China and the US to search for the origin(起源). Brahm himself is a kung fu lover who has been practicing for more than 40 years. For him, practicing this craft was more than fun.
Around 10 years ago, Brahm was unable to use one of his legs for about two years. But by practicing martial arts(武术), he was able to recover step by step. Now kung fu has become a daily activity for him. “Martial arts can help us connect our body, connect our blood flow, and also help connect us into our environment to increase our awareness.” Brahm said. Still others find other meanings in the practice.
“Chinese kung fu is full of Chinese philosophies(哲学) and core(核心) values”. Hong Kong actor Bruce Leung told Xinhua. Non-fight is one of these values, which is shown both in the name and the practice. Wu, is made up of two characters—dagger-ax, and zhi, meaning “to stop”. So Brahm’s sees Kung fu as “a mirror of Chinese culture”.
The traditional values of kung fu, actually, are in the minds of all Chinese people. “Why does China want to be in harmony with other nations?” It’s part of the psychology(心理). Brahm also believes that today’s world needs to restart equal exchanges between countries, and that culture and sports, such as kung fu.
【小题1】What does Laurence J. Brahm explore in searching for kung Fu?| A．Styles of kung fu. | B．People’s impressions of kung fu. |
| C．Functions of kung fu. | D．The history and meaning of kung fu. |
| A．It’s a way to kill time. | B．It’s a way to make money. |
| C．It’s a way to stay healthy. | D．It’s a way to keep awake. |
| A．It influences China’s policy about sports |
| B．It can spread Chinese culture worldwide. |
| C．It shows the world the importance of Chinese culture. |
| D．Its values are seen in China’s attitude to other countries. |
