The history of Kung Fu is extremely controversial as the exact date of its development is not known. There are two main theories about the beginnings of Kung Fu. A large number believe that Bodhidharma, (also called Ta Mo), an Indian Buddhist monk is the founder of Kung Fu. And some believe that Kung Fu was already in existence long before Bodhidharma arrived in China. Throughout history credit has been given to Bodhidharma as a creator of Sil Lum Kung Fu or the man responsible for introducing the martial arts to China. Some historians date it as far back as the Shang dynasty (16th century B.C.).
Martial arts spread throughout China during the Republic (1912 - 1948). Military tactics were taught in all schools and fighting arts became very popular in China. Kung Fu made its way to the United States in the days following the gold rush of 1848. It was an integral part of the lifestyle in Chinese labour camps and mining towns in California.
Practice of Kung Fu increased dramatically in 1863 with the importation of Chinese labourers to work on the Central Pacific Railroad. However, few people; even Chinese, were allowed to study the art. Early Kung Fu schools in the states perpetuated the secret society mystique. As time passed the strict tenets eased and Kung Fu slowly came into the public light. Throughout the U.S., Kung Fu gained popularity in the 1960's and '70's because of Bruce Lee's movies and the TV show, "Kung Fu."
