Over the years, kung fu developed into different styles such as Wing Chun, Drunken boxing and styles based on animal movements like the crane or snake. Some styles emphasize the fluidity of the body and fast movements, while others employ unique hand and foot techniques. The reason for such diversity was simple. People rarely traveled far from their homes and kung fu evolved in different locations. In northern China, martial arts emphasized kicking and leg work. In the South, various forms of boxing were most common.

Kung fu training is quite extensive and extremely disciplined. It is for the patient, and mentally strong person. All parts of a practitioner's body and mind are targeted. There are different techniques that require deep meditation, special stances and forms of posture, joint rotations and stretching, forms, basic stages, weapons training , sparring, and the use of one's individual 'chi'.

Kung fu has been openly embraced by popular culture. Nowadays, many films, books, and musical artists make references to Chinese martial arts. Practitioners have a large choice of schools around the world to choose from.