The origins of Chinese Kung Fu can be found over 6,000 years ago, when men were taught to hunt and fight. In the training of soldiers, hand-to-hand combat and weapons practice were key components.
From this basic beginning, Chinese Kung Fu went on to embrace not only more sophisticated fighting techniques, but also various philosophies. In the course of this it expanded its purpose from self-defence to physical exercise and, ultimately, a means of self-cultivation.