"Naturalness is called the Way (Tao). The Way has no name or form; it is just the essence, just the primal spirit"

In practical terms, the philosophy of Kung Fu originates from three main principles. The first is non-resistance, yielding to your opponent's force. The second is circular movement, using fluid circular motion. The third is the water principle, flowing yet penetrating movement through an opponent's defences. One is encouraged to relax the mind and body as you practice, to allow techniques to be like water.

By not opposing force by force, the Kung Fu practitioner continues his opponent's motion by accepting his "flow of energy" as he directs it and overcomes him by borrowing and diverting his own force.

Yin/Yang

So as to understand the changing movements of an opponent one should first come to terms with the meaning of the Tai Chi (grand ultimate or Yin/yang symbol). Tai Chi Chuan (Fist or style of Kung Fu) is based on the Yin/Yang principle. Yin and Yang together are one inseparable, yet interdependent force of unceasing interplay of movement. They are two coexisting forces of one indivisible whole. One therefore does not oppose strength or give way completely, but is as pliable as a spring and is the complement not the opposition to an opponent's force.

By means of Kung Fu training we internalise the basis of power and become aware of the feeling of hardness/softness, linear/circular and the oscillation between tension and relaxation.