Traditional Wushu (commonly referred to as kung-fu) has a long and diverse history. It originated from the need for self-defense, survival as well as an art of war. Over its thousands of years of development, different styles and practices emerged featuring various methods, content, philosophies, tactics and techniques. Though traditional wushu is a method of attack and defense, its practice has deeply intertwined with ethical and moral principles, aimed at preserving the principles, methods and legacies of previous generations.
 
There are some styles featuring mainly hand techniques, other focusing on leg techniques or even wrestling; focusing on attack and defense, while some strive to promote health and well-being. Traditional wushu also includes an extremely vast array of traditional weaponry handed down from the age of cold weapon. With numerous clans, sects and family systems, traditional wushu is diverse and colourful. It is practised by people from all walks of life, irrespective of race, gender, age, social class or physical condition.

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传统武术（俗称功夫）历史悠久。它起源于自卫、生存和战争的需求。在数千年的发展过程中，出现了不同的方式、内容、哲学、策略和技巧及不同的风格和实践。虽然传统武术是一种攻防技术，但其实与伦理，道德，原则，有着密切关系，志在维护前人的智慧和文化遗产。

有一些门派主要以手法技术为主，其他则重于腿法技术，甚至是摔跤技巧；专注于攻击和防御，而一些则致力于促进健康。传统武术还包括从冷兵器时代开始传承的传统武器，琳琅满目，包罗万象。而随着时代变迁，传统武术已经变成一种多元化的运动。无论任何种族，性别，年龄或社会阶层人士，都适合练习。