SPORTS+and+RECREATION

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Sports and Recreation
= Sports and Recreation is a very important part of Chinese Culture. Some sports, such as Kung Fu, go way back to the beginning of China's time. Other sports like Ping Pong, are very popular today. Snooker is a sport that was created in China and over time it has spread through out the world. =

= Kung Fu = In ancient China, Kung Fu was the key to survival. People had to find a way to hunt and defend themselves from others so Kung Fu was created. It is a form of Martial Arts that combines hand-to-hand combat with weapon usage and self-defense. Kung Fu has been in China ever since the nations beginning and is the backbone to the Chinese Culture.

History
The beginning of Chinese Martial Arts date way back before history was even written. Its origins "can be traced over 3,000 years to self defense needs, hunting activities, and military training in ancient China" (Wikipedia). The reason why Kung Fu was created was for early Chinese to protect themselves from animals and other tribes. As new ways to fight were developed,they were passed on from parent to child. Each generation kept improving the previous one and eventually Kung Fu as we know it today came to be.

Styles
Over the last two to four thousand years many different styles have been created and many of them have been named after animals. There are many of styles because "Kung Fu is a broad term that is used to describe all martial arts of chinese origin" (Goju Ryu Karate). These hundreds of styles are classified by family, groups, or schools. Many of these moves actually mimic real animal behavior. One of the most popular moves is known as Crane. This style is very elegant with a lot of agility and lightness. The main strategy behind it is to war the opponent out. Some of the other moves are called panther, tiger, and snake.

Kung Fu Experts
Kung Fu is spreading around the world and there are already many who have conquered its skill. Yui Fei is one of the greatest because she is credited for creating Eagle Claw and Xingyi. Ng Mui was a Chinese female who founded Wing Chun, which is a very popular style in southernChina. Kung Fu has also become important in the movie business. Many movies have included martial arts because they think its cool. An example of this is Jackie Chan, who stars in the Disney movie //Around the World in 80 Days//. Jackie Chan from "Hong Kong is a martial artist and actor widely known for injecting physical comedy into his martial arts" (Wikipedia).

By Ricardo P.

= Ping Pong =

By David L.

= Snooker = Snooker is a very fun sport to play. It is just like the american sport Pool or Billiards but has some different rules. There are 15 red balls worth one point each, and six balls each of different colors. those colors are pink, blue, green, yellow, brown, and black. They all have different point values. the main objective of the game is to score more points than the other person you are playing against. It sounds simple but there is a unique strategy to this sport. You need a lot of patience. You never know what the other player is going to do and he might trap you or set you up for something you don't want to do. You can also set yourself up for something good but you need to be able to wait for the right moment. This game is a great game to learn and can teach you lessons in strategy and patience while still being fun.

By Parker C.

=Work Cited=

"Chinese Kung Fu-Kung Fu Styles." __Chinavoc.com__. 24 Feb. 2009 <[]>

"Chinese Martial Arts-." __Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia__. 24 Feb. 2009 <[]>

"History of Kung Fu" __"Sopot's campus ofUniversity of Gdansk__." 24 Feb. 2009. 

Jackie Chan [Online Image] Available http://[|www.completemartialarts.com/.../ jackiechan.htm], March 22, 2009

Kung Fu Panda [Online Image] Available http://www.[|heroworkshop.wordpress.com/. ../08/kung-fu-panda/], March 22, 2009

"Martial Arts: Kung Fu." __Goju Ryu Karate-Traditional Okinawan Go Ryu Karate Do @ Lyon-Karate.com__ Feb 24. 2009 <[karate.com/ma_kung_fu.php.|http://www.luon-karate.com/ma_kung_fu.php.]>

Ping Pong [Online Image] Available http://[|www.thesun.co.uk/.../ news/article1603833.ece], March 19, 2009

Snooker [Online Image] Available http://[|www.chinadaily.com.cn/.../ 25/content_6345558.htm], March 19, 2009

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