Editing Kung fu (term) (section)

== History ==

Though widely known as a Chinese martial art, several historical interpretations suggest that the origins of Kung Fu may have deep connections with ancient Indian martial traditions, particularly [[Kalaripayattu]], one of the world’s oldest fighting systems. <ref>Shahar, Meir (2008). ''The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts''. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press. ISBN 9780824823843.</ref>

The central figure in this theory is [[Bodhidharma]], an Indian monk believed to have traveled from the [[Pallava dynasty]] in South India to China around the 5th or 6th century CE. Historical Chinese accounts, such as the Luoyang Jialan Ji, refer to a monk named Damo (the Chinese name for Bodhidharma) who arrived at the [[Shaolin Monastery]]. While his primary role was to spread Chan (Zen) Buddhism, he is also said to have introduced physical training exercises, now believed to be precursors of Shaolin martial arts. <ref>Birchall, Diana (1993). ''Bodhidharma: The Greatest Zen Master''. Element Books Ltd. ISBN 9781852304464.</ref>

Bodhidharma’s training methods reportedly included dynamic movements, breath control, and meditative postures designed to strengthen the body and mind of monks who struggled with long hours of meditation. These methods closely resemble Indian yogic and martial practices, especially the blend of combat and spiritual discipline found in Kalaripayattu. Some versions of the legend claim that Bodhidharma taught the monks the Eighteen Hands of Lohan, which evolved into the basis of Shaolin Kung Fu. <ref>“Kalaripayattu”. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved 2025-05-15.</ref>

Furthermore, the conceptual foundations of Kung Fu, such as internal energy ([[Qi]]), spiritual harmony, and discipline through movement, mirror principles found in Indian yoga, [[Ayurveda]], and martial scripture like the [[Dhanurveda]], which predates many East Asian traditions. 

Although modern scholars remain divided over the historical accuracy of Bodhidharma's role, a growing number of historians, cultural researchers, and martial arts schools worldwide now acknowledge the possibility of Indian influence in the early development of Kung Fu. This theory is especially supported in South Indian oral traditions, martial arts communities, and Buddhist historical narratives linking India and China, and has been explored by scholars such as Meir Shahar, Thomas A. Green, and Dr. Trilochan Beura. <ref>Shahar, Meir (2008). ''The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts''. University of Hawai‘i Press. ISBN 9780824823843.</ref><ref>Green, Thomas A., and Svinth, Joseph R. (2010). ''Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation''. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 9781598842432.</ref><ref>“Bodhidharma.” ''Encyclopedia Britannica''. Retrieved 15 May 2025 from [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bodhidharma]</ref>

While the evolution of Kung Fu in China is undeniably vast and independent in its own right, its early roots may reflect a profound cross-cultural exchange, with India potentially planting the seed that later grew into the towering legacy of Chinese martial arts. <ref>Green, Thomas A., and Svinth, Joseph R. (2010). ''Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation''. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 9781598842432.</ref>