35+ Kungfu Quotes To Guide You In Life

Georgia Stone
Dec 12, 2023 By Georgia Stone
Originally Published on Feb 03, 2021
Edited by Luca Demetriou
Chinese Kung Fu Art in Jakarta Indonesia.
Age: 0-99
Read time: 5.9 Min

Kung fu is an umbrella term used to refer to Chinese martial arts.

In China, kung fu is also known as 'quanfa' and 'wushu.' Although it is a form of exercise, kung fu has elements of spirituality that are rooted in self-discipline and concentration.

It primarily involves a mode of unarmed personal combat, much like taekwondo and karate. Kung fu, like most other forms of martial arts, has immense mental benefits like relief from stress, self-confidence, and alleviation of depression, besides the obvious physical improvements. Further, it teaches one to practice and nurture positive values like trust, respect and perseverance.

If you like what you read, do check out our [Karate] and Kung Fu Grasshopper quotes as well!

Inspirational Kung Fu And Martial Arts Quotes To Understand Life

If you need peace of mind and body, there is nothing better than martial arts. Here are some great fighter quotes, kung fu quotes, and quotes on martial arts that you'll love.

1. "To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special..."

- Bruce Lee.

2. “Never respond to an angry person with a fiery comeback, even if he deserves it...Don't allow his anger to become your anger.”

- Bohdi Sanders.

3. “The best fighter is never angry.”

- Lao Tzu.

4. "Even with his poor eyesight, he can see the truth. Why is it that you cannot?"

- The Soothsayer, 'Kung Fu Panda 2,' 2011.

5. "You can use martial arts to tell a different story. Ang Lee used martial arts in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' to talk about love."

- Jet Li.

6. "To know nature is to put oneself in perfect harmony with the universe. "

- Caine, 'Kung Fu,' Season One, 1972.

7. "Use your martial skill for the good of humanity."

- Ip Man.

8. "Kung fu lives in everything we do. It lives in how we put on a jacket and how we take off a jacket. It lives in how we treat people. Everything is kung fu."

- Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, 'Karate Kid'.

9. "I want to build up my philosophy... my philosophy with kung fu is to respect people."

- Jackie Chan.

10. “I can show you the path but I can not walk it for you.”

- Master Iain Armstrong.

11. “Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense.”

- Motobu Choki.

12. “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

- Bruce Lee.

13. "A kung fu man lives without being dependant on the opinions of others, and a master, unlike the beginner, holds himself in reserve."

-  Bruce Lee.

14. "The best form of self defense is to become invisible... If you can't do that learn Wing Chun!"

- Wong Shun Leung.

15. "If you want to unlock the full power of kung fu, it is not going to be easy: you are going to have to work, you are going to have to sacrifice and you are going to have to suffer – over a long time."

- Master Iain Armstrong.

16. "To make a kung fu film is like a dream come true, because I'm a big fan of kung fu movies and I'm learning kung fu for a long time."

- Stephen Chow.

17. "Learning Kung fu has only one purpose: To train one's reaction into a natural response. Such reaction is essential."

- Master Yuan Xiu Gang.

18. "The old Oriental shamans had a much different view when they recalled the movements of kung fu."

- Lujan Matus.

19. “Tai Chi Chuan, the great ultimate, strengthens the weak, raises the sick, invigorates the debilitated, and encourages the timid.”

- Cheng Man-ch'ing.

20. “Tai chi does not mean oriental wisdom or something exotic. It is the wisdom of your own senses, your own mind and body together as one process.”

- Chungliang Al Huang.

'Kung Fu': Master Po Quotes

Young man practicing martial arts.

If you've watched the 'Kung Fu' TV series that aired in the 1970s, you may like these wise words said by Master Po.

21. "Would you make the whole world a temple? Be like the sun, and what is within you will warm the earth."

- Master Po, 'Kung Fu,' 1972.

22. "Be nothing, and you will have everything to give to others."

- Master Po, 'Kung Fu: The Hoots,' 1973.

23.  "It is essential, always, to keep one’s balance."

- Master Po, 'Kung Fu,' 1972.

24. "Do you not know that what you see is made of reflections, sent back to your eyes?"

- Master Po, 'Kung Fu,' 1972.

25. "Fear is the only darkness."

- Master Po, 'Kung Fu,' Pilot, 1972.

26. "If a man dwells on the past, then he robs the present. But if a man ignores the past, he may rob the future."

- Master Po, 'Kung Fu,' Pilot, 1972.

27. "Caine: I am now of age, I must put away such memories.

Master Po: Between father and son there is a bridge which neither time nor death can shatter. "

- 'Kung Fu,' 1972.

'Kung Fu': Master Kan Quotes

If you need some words of wisdom, you could read some inspirational Master Kan quotes from the 'Kung Fu' TV series.

28. "Strike each flame, within the width of a hand from the wick [candle]. In this way the flame is snuffed out, yet the candle is not touched."

- Master Kan, 'Kung Fu,' 1972.

29. "We know that where there is no contention, there is neither defeat nor victory. The supple willow does not contend against the storm, yet it survives."

- Master Kan, 'Kung Fu: King Of The Mountain,' Season One, 1972.

30. " Sometimes a stranger, known to us for moments, can spark our souls to kinship for eternity."

- Master Kan,'Kung Fu: The Ancient Warrior,' Season One, 1973.

31. "Remember always that a wise man walks with his head bowed; humble like the dust."

- Master Kan, 'Kung Fu,' Season One, 1972.

32. "Learn more ways to preserve rather than destroy."

- Master Kan, 'Kung Fu,' Season One, 1972.

33. "Perceive the way of nature and no force of man can harm you. Do not meet a wave head on: avoid it."

- Master Kan, 'Kung Fu,' Season One, 1972.

34. "To hit a target… is to exercise the inner strength."

- Master Kan, 'Kung Fu,' Season One, 1972.

35. "Young Caine: Master, what is the best way to meet the loss of a loved one?

Master Kan: By knowing that when we truly love, it is never lost..."

- 'Kung Fu: The Ancient Warrior,' Season One, 1973.

36. "We do not punish for trust."

- Master Kan, 'Kung Fu: The Tide,' 1973.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotesfor everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for kungfu quotes then why not take a look at Kitesurf quotes, or kayaking quotes.

main image credit: Andreas H / Shutterstock.com

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Georgia Stone

Bachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia Stone picture

Georgia StoneBachelor of Arts specializing in French with Film Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Year Abroad) specializing in Literature, History, Language, Media, and Art

Georgia is an experienced Content Manager with a degree in French and Film Studies from King's College London and Bachelors degree from Université Paris-Sorbonne. Her passion for exploring the world and experiencing different cultures was sparked during her childhood in Switzerland and her year abroad in Paris. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys using London's excellent travel connections to explore further afield.

Read full bio >