In China, the martial arts are known as wushu. Born millennia ago, these
ancient war arts bear little relationship to the flamboyance and fantasy of
"kung fu" movies. Rather, wushu is a rich and challenging discipline; the
unification of body and mind is its supreme goal.
Great Lakes Wushu provides instruction in Yin Style Baguazhang and Chen Style Taijiquan (T'ai Chi Ch'uan). Strength, health, and fighting
skills are rewards of wushu training. The cultivation of inner qualities such
as steadfastness, humility, and will, however, is the bedrock upon which the art
is rooted. Wushu evolved over centuries on the battlefields of China. Today, it
serves as a total fitness regimen, an effective means of self defense, an art
that demands our best efforts.
Gongfu (kung fu) literally means time and toil. It is the fruit of sincere
hard work and patience. Its benefits are manifold. Studying gongfu is like
polishing a mirror to perfection - it is a way to know yourself.