These photos reveal the mind-boggling training regimens of kung fu masters

Reuters/Kim Kyung Hoon

Chinese kung fu master Li Liangui practices at a park in Beijing.

Most of us know kung fu only in reference to Bruce Lee, but the term is actually far broader than the dubbed movies of the 1970s and '80s let on.

In English, we use kung fu as an umbrella phrase for the all types of Chinese martial arts. But in Chinese, the words refer to any skill - combat-related or otherwise - that requires patience and discipline, according to the New York Times.

And though kung fu's popularity surged in the early 20th century, it's really an ancient art - some styles even date back thousands of years.

Today, participation numbers appear to be dwindling, but some devoted practitioners are still keeping the practice alive. Here's a look at the how two modern-day kung fu masters in China hone their craft.