Chinese martial arts, sometimes referred to by the Mandarin Chinese term wushu (simplified Chinese: 武术; traditional Chinese: 武術) and popularly as Kung Fu (Chinese: 功夫) are a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries. Some styles concentrate on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness and are labeled external (外家拳, wàijiāquán).

Chinese martial arts can also be categorized by location, as in northern (北拳) and southern (南拳), separated by the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang, simplified Chinese: 长江; traditional Chinese: 長江).

The Basics (基本功, jibengong) are a vital part of any martial training, as a student cannot progress to the more advanced stages without them; Basics are usually made up of rudimentary techniques, conditioning exercises, including stances. Basic training may involve simple movements that are performed repeatedly; other examples of basic training are stretching, meditation, striking, throwing, or jumping. Without strong and flexible muscles, management of Qi or breath, and proper body mechanics, it is impossible for a student to progress in the Chinese martial arts. A common saying concerning basic training in Chinese martial arts is as follows:

内外相合，外重手眼身法步，内修心神意氣力。

It can be translated as:

Train both Internal and External.

External training includes the hands, the eyes, the body and stances. Internal training includes the heart, the spirit, the mind, breathing and strength.