kung fu

[kuhng foo, koong]

noun

1. an ancient Chinese method of self-defense by striking blows at vulnerable areas of an attacker's body using fluid movements of the hands and legs.

kung fu

/ ˈkʌŋ ˈfuː /

noun

1. any of various Chinese martial arts, some focusing on unarmed combat, others involving the use of weapons

Word History and Origins

Origin of kung fu¹

From the Chinese word gōngf ú literally, skill

Word History and Origins

Origin of kung fu¹

from Chinese: skill, accomplishment

Example Sentences

Under his leadership, the temple started opening schools outside China and formed a travelling troupe of monks who performed Shaolin kung fu shows - the temple's signature style of martial arts.

From BBC

In China, officials involved in the project to remaster kung fu films said they were eager to work with AI companies.

From Los Angeles Times

Also to Mexico, and a Korean martial arts school pulled straight out of some old Shaw Brothers kung fu movie, which doesn’t make sense culturally, but consider what we’re discussing.

From Salon

In what ways has your experience with scoring kung fu films influence your classical composing style?

From Los Angeles Times

“It was six months of shooting. I was basically in every scene. I had to be funny on Tuesday, do kung fu on Wednesday and cry on Friday. It was very grueling,” Yang said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• judo 
• karate 
• wrestling