Wushu
What is Wushu?
Wushu or "the art of fighting" - is the general term for all self-defense sports, some of which may be carried out with the fists or the legs, or with the help of swords or lances. It is a great martial art with roots dating back thousands of years in China, and has been recognized as an ancient Asian art for the self-discipline of mind and body. Westerners are more familiar with the term Kung Fu, which translates loosely into "skill," and was popularized by Bruce Lee movies and the TV show "Kung Fu."
Wushu has two main categories: routine exercises and free combat fighting as its forms. The practice of Wushu provides an excellent release of stress through self-discipline in meditation and breathing. The practice also demands skill, concentration, and consistent and dedicated effort. For those who persevere, the rewards are great: strength in mind and body, and the development of physical, mental, and spiritual resources.
The Different Styles of Wushu
Different temples in China will teach different styles of Wushu but the basics are usually similar to each other. Styles encompass both soft and hard, and internal and external techniques. They include grappling, striking, nerve-attack and weapons training. However, Wushu is generally categorized into three styles. Long Fist (Chang Quan), Traditional Fist, and T'ai-Chi (Taiji Quan). Long Fist includes both Shaolin fist and weapons such as sword, spear, staff, and saber. Other weapons, often known as "soft weapons" include the sectional whip chain and the rope dart. Long Fist is the foundation for all of the traditional styles of external Wushu. Traditional fist emphasizes the fighting techniques of only one style. T'ai Chi, unlike external Kung Fu, is based upon unifying the chi or energy of the body. While the internal power generated can be used as a primary tool for self-defense, most T'ai Chi practitioners focus on the health benefits the art provides. Another internal Wushu style is Baguaquan.
Wushu
The History of Wushu
Wushu's history is extremely controversial. However, there are two main theories about its beginnings in the form of Kung Fu. A large number believe that Bodhidharma, (also called Ta Mo), an Indian Buddhist monk is the founder of Kung Fu. Throughout history credit has been given to Bodhidharma as a creator of Sil Lum Kung Fu or the man responsible for introducing the martial arts to China. But some believe that Kung Fu was already in existence long before Bodhidharma arrived in China. There are vague references to a King in China some thousands of years ago who trained his men in techniques of hand-to-hand combat to use against invading barbarians. Some historians date it as far back as the Shang dynasty (16th century B.C.). Others date it back to the time of Huang Ti Emperor (475-221 B.C.). The first written record we have of Chinese martial arts is from a Taoist acupuncturist from the 5th century.
"Wu Shu" is the Chinese term that translates into "military art." Wushu in its early stages served as a means to build up health, fitness, cure disease, prolong life, temper the fighting skills and character and wills, and train military skills, for the members of the societies. Intense military conflicts progressed the further development of Wushu. Wushu matured and formed complete systems of offense and defense.
During late Shang and Zhou Dynasty (1027-777 B.C.), Wushu was not only used for military training but became part of the school education subjects. As time progressed, innumerable people tempered and processed Wushu in different ways. During the period of Warring States (770-221 B.C.), the heads of states and government advocated Wushu in their armies and kept Wushu masters for their own purposes. During the Tang and Sung Dynasties (618-1279), many civil Wushu organizations came into existence. Military Wushu developed more systematically and exhibitions of Wushu arts were held in the armies as morale boosters and military exercises.
Wushu Develops Internationally
By China's Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), Wushu had formed its basic patterns and was at its height. The Republic Government established the Central Wushu Institute in Nanjing in 1928. After its establishment, local Wushu institutes were created in provinces, cities and counties. Two National Wushu Meets were held by the Central Wushu Institute in 1928 and 1933 in Nanjing, which carried out competitions on long weapons, short weapons, free sparring and wrestling. In 1939, the Chinese Wushu Team gave a demonstration in Berlin at the XI Olympic Games. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Wushu has become a part of the socialist culture and the people's physical education and sports. The latter half of the 20th century has seen a great upswing in the interest in Wushu globally due to the lectures and exhibitions given by Wushu delegations, teams, instructors and experts.
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What is Wushu?
Wushu or "the art of fighting" - is the general term for all self-defense sports, some of which may be carried out with the fists or the legs, or with the help of swords or lances. It is a great martial art with roots dating back thousands of years in China, and has been recognized as an ancient Asian art for the self-discipline of mind and body. Westerners are more familiar with the term Kung Fu, which translates loosely into "skill," and was popularized by Bruce Lee movies and the TV show "Kung Fu."Wushu has two main categories: routine exercises and free combat fighting as its forms. The practice of Wushu provides an excellent release of stress through self-discipline in meditation and breathing. The practice also demands skill, concentration, and consistent and dedicated effort. For those who persevere, the rewards are great: strength in mind and body, and the development of physical, mental, and spiritual resources.
The Different Styles of Wushu
Different temples in China will teach different styles of Wushu but the basics are usually similar to each other. Styles encompass both soft and hard, and internal and external techniques. They include grappling, striking, nerve-attack and weapons training. However, Wushu is generally categorized into three styles. Long Fist (Chang Quan), Traditional Fist, and T'ai-Chi (Taiji Quan). Long Fist includes both Shaolin fist and weapons such as sword, spear, staff, and saber. Other weapons, often known as "soft weapons" include the sectional whip chain and the rope dart. Long Fist is the foundation for all of the traditional styles of external Wushu. Traditional fist emphasizes the fighting techniques of only one style. T'ai Chi, unlike external Kung Fu, is based upon unifying the chi or energy of the body. While the internal power generated can be used as a primary tool for self-defense, most T'ai Chi practitioners focus on the health benefits the art provides. Another internal Wushu style is Baguaquan.Wushu
The History of Wushu
Wushu's history is extremely controversial. However, there are two main theories about its beginnings in the form of Kung Fu. A large number believe that Bodhidharma, (also called Ta Mo), an Indian Buddhist monk is the founder of Kung Fu. Throughout history credit has been given to Bodhidharma as a creator of Sil Lum Kung Fu or the man responsible for introducing the martial arts to China. But some believe that Kung Fu was already in existence long before Bodhidharma arrived in China. There are vague references to a King in China some thousands of years ago who trained his men in techniques of hand-to-hand combat to use against invading barbarians. Some historians date it as far back as the Shang dynasty (16th century B.C.). Others date it back to the time of Huang Ti Emperor (475-221 B.C.). The first written record we have of Chinese martial arts is from a Taoist acupuncturist from the 5th century.
"Wu Shu" is the Chinese term that translates into "military art." Wushu in its early stages served as a means to build up health, fitness, cure disease, prolong life, temper the fighting skills and character and wills, and train military skills, for the members of the societies. Intense military conflicts progressed the further development of Wushu. Wushu matured and formed complete systems of offense and defense.
During late Shang and Zhou Dynasty (1027-777 B.C.), Wushu was not only used for military training but became part of the school education subjects. As time progressed, innumerable people tempered and processed Wushu in different ways. During the period of Warring States (770-221 B.C.), the heads of states and government advocated Wushu in their armies and kept Wushu masters for their own purposes. During the Tang and Sung Dynasties (618-1279), many civil Wushu organizations came into existence. Military Wushu developed more systematically and exhibitions of Wushu arts were held in the armies as morale boosters and military exercises.
Wushu Develops InternationallyBy China's Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), Wushu had formed its basic patterns and was at its height. The Republic Government established the Central Wushu Institute in Nanjing in 1928. After its establishment, local Wushu institutes were created in provinces, cities and counties. Two National Wushu Meets were held by the Central Wushu Institute in 1928 and 1933 in Nanjing, which carried out competitions on long weapons, short weapons, free sparring and wrestling. In 1939, the Chinese Wushu Team gave a demonstration in Berlin at the XI Olympic Games. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Wushu has become a part of the socialist culture and the people's physical education and sports. The latter half of the 20th century has seen a great upswing in the interest in Wushu globally due to the lectures and exhibitions given by Wushu delegations, teams, instructors and experts.
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