There are hundreds of different Kung fu Styles, each with their own sets of techniques and ideas. The concept of martial arts styles appeared from around the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Before the Ming period, martial arts skills were commonly differentiated mainly by their lineage. There are common themes among these kung fu styles which allow them to be grouped according to generalized “families”, “sects”, “class”, or “schools” of martial art styles.

There are kung fu styles that mimic movements from animals, or otherwise refer or allude to animals or mythical beings such as dragons, and others that gather inspiration from various Chinese philosophies or mythologies. Some deeply-internal styles tend to focus strongly on practice relating to harnessing of qi energy, while some more-conspicuously-external styles tend more to display skills and abilities in competition or exhibition.

Traditional Chinese martial arts (传统中国武术 chuántǒng Zhōngguó wǔshù)

The following Chinese martial arts have not been influenced by other cultures and have a lineage that predates World War 2. Multiple branches of most every Chinese martial art system exist and are properly notated on separate individual pages which discuss the history of the specific system.

Post-World War II systems of Chinese martial arts

The names of the following martial arts systems were either created after World War 2 and / or were influenced by other cultures.