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Wushu
(martial arts), an ancient fighting system from China,
has aroused the interest and imagination of many far
beyond the bounds of its national origins. As a proven
means of self defense and health improvement, it is
practiced by millions of people of all ages, colors,
and cultures. Chinese Wushu has been called Ji ji
(striking techniques), Wuyi (martial arts), and KungFu
(skilled practice). The International Wushu Federation
(IWF), established in 1990, unified the names into
Wushu. |
| Wushu
is known for its beauty and aerial techniques, modern
wushu was created out of the ravages of the cultural
revolution. Modern wushu has standardized traditional
combat techniques for the purposes of organization
and therefore is more suited for competition than
other forms of martial arts. According to the types
of exercises and the characteristics of the techniques,
wushu can be arranged into the three following catagories:
Talou (routine practice), Neigong (internal practice),
and Sanda (fighting practice). Routines are performed
solo, paired or in groups, either barehanded or armed
with traditional Chinese weaponry. Wushu is known
for having long and difficult routines with special
emphasis of high level acrobatic and aerial movements.
In short, wushu is the most exciting and dynamic martial
art to be seen, felt, and ultimately practiced. |
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How
is wushu related to kung fu and taijiquan? "Wushu"
is the correct term for all Chinese martial arts therefore
kung fu and wushu were originally the same. In essence,
much emphasis has been placed on speed, difficulty,
and presentation. Consequently, wushu has become an
athletic and aesthetic performance and competitive
sport, while "kung fu" or traditional wushu
remains the traditional fighting practice. Taijiquan
is a major division of wushu, utilizing the bodies
internal energy or "chi" and following the
simple principle of "subduing the vigorous by
the soft." |
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Although
still in developing stages in many countries, wushu
is an established international sport. In 1990,
wushu was inducted as an official medal event in
the Asian Games. Since then World Championships
have taken place with 56 nations participating.
Wushu is also vying for the Olympic games in the
21st century.
In
recent years, Wushu has become a fast growing martial
arts and is accepted as a sport. Wushu has also
been exposed in cinema best portrayed by pioneers,
namely Jet Li.
At
our Academy, we train the most recent international
compulsory routines which include the following:
•
Changquan (Longfist)
• Nanquan (Southern Fist)
• Jian Shu (Straightsword)
• Dao Shu (Broadsword)
• Gun Shu (Staff)
• Qiang Shu (Spear)
• Nandao (Southern Sabre)
• Nangun (Southern Staff)
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Parts of this description were taken from www.beijingwushuteam.com
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