Chinese kung fu, a treasured item on UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List, appeals to people all over the world. It is proven to be a shortcut for foreigners to get familiar with Chinese culture. Therefore, it is widely considered the hallmark of Chinese culture.
But what is kung fu? Where does kung fu come from? What is the essence of kung fu?
Searching For Kung Fu, a documentary film and short-video series produced by China Daily Website and directed by Laurence Brahm, an American film director, writer and explorer, is the latest attempt to figure out the right answers.
The series includes a documentary film Searching for Kung Fu, short-video series Searching for Kung Fu – Thirty-Six Strategies and Searching for Kung Fu –12 Traditional Chinese Values.
The Thirty-Six Strategies is originally a collection of ancient Chinese strategies applied to military engagement. But today, many people use this ancient wisdom in business, sports as well as their daily life, often through unconventional means.
Weaving together the 36 strategies and Chinese kung fu techniques, the short video series gives viewers a glimpse into the hidden secrets of the traditional martial art. It also reveals how ancient wisdom can be used to handle strategic challenges people face today, with both interesting examples in Chinese history and folklore and refreshing case studies from contemporary life.
Shot in English, the short video series consists of 36 one-minute episodes and carries both Chinese and English subtitles. Please click the play button to watch.
