What Is Kuntao?

Kuntao ( 'Kuntao' in Chinese ) is a Hokkien term referring to martial arts practiced by the Chinese community of Southeast Asia — arts which have been influenced to one degree or another by silat. The words kuntao, chuan fa, and kenpo are often translated as "fist way" or "way of the fist." Unfortunately, the word "way" adds a Zen implication that does not really convey the true meaning of the word kuntao or its usage to Westerners.

The literal translation of kun tao is "a game played with the hands" and "rule" or "law." Taken together, one can say that it means, "rules of a game played with the hands," but that is still confusing. To define kuntao we really need to look at how the word is used.

Kuntao is used to describe combatants, so perhaps a "game played with the hands by combatants" could essentially mean "boxing rules" or "boxing principles." While that definition is closer to the intended meaning of the word, because of our Western experience with boxing, it still does not clearly describe the real meaning behind the term.

In the West, we use the term "boxing" to describe what happens in a boxing ring where the combatants wear padded gloves and strike with clenched fists. But those who know Asian martial arts understand that they are not so limited. To them, kuntao refers to fighting with no such restrictions.

The best definition of kuntao, and one that works well from both Eastern and Western perspectives, is "fighting principles" — that is the principles of fighting, adopted physical rules of motion or methods trained for effective application in combat. No limitations by fist, rules, or the vaguer "way" — again, just "fighting principles."

 
Our  emphasis  is  on  the  practical.
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Last update:  Aug. 6, 2016
by Bob Orlando
Web Site of Bob Orlando: Instructor in Kuntao-Silat (Chinese kuntao and Dutch-Indonesian pukulan pentjak silat), author of two popular martial art books: "Indonesian Fighting Fundamentals" and "Martial Arts America: A Western Approach to Eastern Arts"; and producer of four martial art videos: Fighting Arts of Indonesia, Reflex Action, Fighting Footwork of Kuntao and Silat, Fighting Forms of Kuntao-Silat. Offering practical martial arts instruction to adults living in and throughout the Denver metropolitan area including, Lakewood, Littleton, Morrison, and Golden Colorado.