SPORTS+and+RECREATION


====Have you ever played a sport that made you feel self-confident and gave you a sense of protection? In China, children play many sports but especially love Martial Arts. Chinese Martial Arts are an influencial ingredient of Chinese culture. Tai Chi, Kung-Fu and Kandoshin provide beneficial results and also encourage athletes to have more discipline. ====

This picture demostrates the Tai Chi motive of promoting inner peace and calm.
====Tai Chi encourages peace and eliminates stress. The statement, "... [Tai Chi involves] movements that were originally designed for self-defense and to promote inner peace and calm" (Tai Chi), shows that Tai Chi is not used only for violence. Balance of energy is important in Chinese culture and Tai Chi helps gain the equality of the body. Tai Chi also has many health benefits, such as flexibility. ====


====Have you ever seen the new movie, Kung-Fu Panda? This movie is a great example of a very important aspect of Kung-Fu's ideals and beliefs. They feel that animals keep their natural fighting instincts and therefore, are better at protecting themselves. People who practice Kung-Fu imitate animals (like in the movie) and try to get a better understanding of natural fighting techniques. One source declares, "...philosophy of these fighting arts and culture has in turn been influenced by other elements of Chinese culture..." (History). Kung-Fu, also called Wushu, has greatly effected many aspects of the Chinese and their daily routines. Many Martial Arts have changed their strategies and methods. However, Kung-Fu proudly maintains its original practices, poses and beliefs. ==== ====  ==== ====Kandoshin was developed in the 1900s, and is used for protection. Athletes who practice Kandoshin believe that ultimate truth can be uncovered through great effort. They also feel that their labor can cleanse mankind and make everyone purified. Kandoshin is, "... a freestyle fighting arts organization which unites many contemporary and ancient martial arts..." (Kandoshin). So, unlike Kung-Fu, Kandoshin has modernized many of their original practices. One of the greatest accomplishments of Kandoshin is the precise fusing of new and old fighting. Kandoshin has many goals, like preserving the Buddhist religion and finding truth. ==== ====Athletics have a positive effect on the customs of the native people and foreigners. Discipline in Martial Arts is very important. The practices of Tai Chi, Kung-Fu and Kandoshin have significantly encouraged Chinese culture in a very positive way. Martial Arts help people all over the world relate to Asia and their customs. Without Martial Arts, life in China would not be very exciting or harmonious. CITATIONS: Praying Mantis. [Online image] Available http://www.authentickungfu.com/poc/seven-on.jpg, March 14, 2009. Buddhist Temple. [Online image] Available http://www.duncanentertainment.com/gallery/thumb/Buddhist%20temples%20Bagan-Burm.jpg, March 14, 2009. Kung Fu Panda. [Online image] Available [|http://www.elmulticine.com/imagenes/carteles/Kung-Fu-Panda.jpg, March 10, 2009. [[http://www.shaolin-society.co.uk/History_of_Gung-Fu/Tai_Chi_Chuan/TaiChiHistory.jpg|Tai Chi Beliefs. [Online image Available http://www.shaolin-society.co.uk/History_of_Gung-Fu/Tai_Chi_Chuan/TaiChiHistory.jpg, March 10, 2009.]] ]] ====

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