Wushu
Wu Shu, also known as Wushu or Kung Fu, represents a comprehensive term encompassing various Chinese Martial Arts and serves as the origin for numerous Asian Martial Arts. At times, it's referred to as the Jet Li Style. Wushu comprises both Internal forms like Taiji Quan and External styles like Shaolin Long Fist.
Initially, Kung Fu and Wushu were perceived as synonymous. In the mid-1900s, the Chinese government aimed to standardize and nationalize martial arts practices. Consequently, Wushu in Mainland China underwent modernization to establish universal standards for training and competition. The government facilitated the creation of standardized forms for major Chinese arts, culminating in a national Wushu system defining standards for forms, teaching methods, and instructor evaluations. Simultaneously, Wushu education was incorporated into high school and university curricula.
Generally, Wushu evolved into an athletic and visually appealing performance and competitive sport, emphasizing speed, complexity, and presentation. Conversely, "kung fu" or traditional Wushu remained rooted in customary combat practice. Wushu serves multiple purposes such as modern exhibition, competitive sparring, physical fitness, incorporating both barehand and weapon techniques.
Wushu competitions are typically segregated into two disciplines: Taolu (forms) and Sanda (sparring). Taolu involves choreographed movements showcasing athletes' skill and proficiency, with judges scoring based on specific criteria. Recent Wushu competitions are renowned for advanced acrobatics, featuring high-level spinning and jumping kicks, among others. Sanda or Sanshou, the sparring discipline, focuses on standing or striking combat, incorporating various grappling techniques derived from Shuai Jiao and Chin Na.
Initially, Kung Fu and Wushu were perceived as synonymous. In the mid-1900s, the Chinese government aimed to standardize and nationalize martial arts practices. Consequently, Wushu in Mainland China underwent modernization to establish universal standards for training and competition. The government facilitated the creation of standardized forms for major Chinese arts, culminating in a national Wushu system defining standards for forms, teaching methods, and instructor evaluations. Simultaneously, Wushu education was incorporated into high school and university curricula.
Generally, Wushu evolved into an athletic and visually appealing performance and competitive sport, emphasizing speed, complexity, and presentation. Conversely, "kung fu" or traditional Wushu remained rooted in customary combat practice. Wushu serves multiple purposes such as modern exhibition, competitive sparring, physical fitness, incorporating both barehand and weapon techniques.
Wushu competitions are typically segregated into two disciplines: Taolu (forms) and Sanda (sparring). Taolu involves choreographed movements showcasing athletes' skill and proficiency, with judges scoring based on specific criteria. Recent Wushu competitions are renowned for advanced acrobatics, featuring high-level spinning and jumping kicks, among others. Sanda or Sanshou, the sparring discipline, focuses on standing or striking combat, incorporating various grappling techniques derived from Shuai Jiao and Chin Na.
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Key elements of Wushu comprise:
Barehanded
• Changquan (Long Fist)
• Nanquan (Southern Fist)
Short Weapons
• Dao (Broad Sword or Saber)
• Jian (Straight Sword or double-edged sword)
• Nandao (Southern single-edged sword)
Long Weapons
• Gun (Staff)
• Qiang (Spear)
• Nangun (Southern cudgel)
Other Traditional Kung Fu
• 9 Section Whip (Single and Double)
• 3 Section Staff
• Rope Dart
• Guan Dao (Chun Qiu Da Dao)
Barehanded
• Changquan (Long Fist)
• Nanquan (Southern Fist)
Short Weapons
• Dao (Broad Sword or Saber)
• Jian (Straight Sword or double-edged sword)
• Nandao (Southern single-edged sword)
Long Weapons
• Gun (Staff)
• Qiang (Spear)
• Nangun (Southern cudgel)
Other Traditional Kung Fu
• 9 Section Whip (Single and Double)
• 3 Section Staff
• Rope Dart
• Guan Dao (Chun Qiu Da Dao)
