Kung-fu is a Chinese term meaning "hard work". It, as the name implies, refers to many systems of Chinese martial arts, but in the USA is often used synonymously with Shaolin Kung-fu, a particular form of Southern Chinese martial art. Other examples of forms of Kung-fu include Wing Chun, Bajiquan, Baguazhang, or Taichiquan.

The practice of Kung-fu tends to focus in large part on the conditioning of the body with specific forms, that might, for instance, focus on the develop of rooting, stability, strength, fluidity, or the practice of techniques that may later be developed in combative application. As opposed to more modern "Wushu" styles, Kung-fu forms almost always focus on the cultivation of more intangible conditioning of the body, rather than overtly athletic, acrobatic, or aesthetic movements that may be more prominent in performance-focused Wushu.