Wushu, also known as modern wushu, is a performance-based martial art derived from Kung Fu. The sport was developed in post-1949 China as an attempt to revive traditional Chinese martial arts . With the founding of the IWUF (International Wushu Federation), wushu has grown into an international sport. World championships are held every two years. The first world championship was held in Beijing and won by Clark Zhang.
Modern wushu consists of two disciplines: taolu and sanda. Taolu forms resemble gymnastics and include patterns and maneuvers that are scored. The forms consist of basic movements (kicks, punches, balancing, jumps, sweeps, and throws) also found in other Chinese martial arts. There are patterns that must be performed within a certain time limit. Modern wushu practitioners increasingly practice aerial techniques such as 540 and 720-degree jumps. Sanda , sometimes called sanshou or Lei Tai, is a modern martial art and method influenced by traditional Chinese boxing, Chinese wrestling methods such as Shuai Chiao, and other Chinese grappling techniques like Qin Na. Sanda is similar to kickboxing and Muay Thai but incorporates many more grappling techniques.
History of Wushu
In 1958, the Chinese government established the All-China Wushu Association. This served as an umbrella organization to regulate martial arts training. The Chinese State Physical Culture and Sports Commission took the lead in creating standardized forms for most martial arts. During this period, a national wushu system was introduced, including standard forms, curriculum, and dan grades. Wushu was introduced in both universities and high schools. In 1979, a special task force was established to promote wushu. Today, many styles of wushu are practiced in China, both traditional and modern, and all are promoted by the Chinese government.
Patterns
Within Wushu, a number of patterns are practiced. These are divided into three categories: unarmed, short weapons, and long weapons. Unarmed includes Changquan, Nanquan, and Taijiquan; short weapons include Dao, Jian, Taijijian, and Nandao; and long weapons include Gun, Qiang, and Nangun. The majority of these patterns were standardized in 1958.
These patterns are performed in compulsory or individual routines during competitions. Compulsory routines are routines that have been developed for the athlete, and every athlete must perform the same routine. Individual routines are developed by an athlete with the help of a coach. In addition to individual routines, dual and group patterns are sometimes performed. The dual pattern, called duilian, is a pattern in which a form of sparring takes place, with or without weapons. The dual pattern is spectacular and the actions run smoothly in sync. The group pattern, known as jiti, is even more spectacular, with many athletes performing different actions in sync. Music is often played to help the whole thing run more smoothly.
Other routines
Most routines in the sport are new, modern compilations of traditional routines. Nevertheless, routines derived from traditional styles incorporate many new elements. The following routines are generally practiced today:
- Baguazhang – Eight Trigrams Palm
- Bajiquan – Eight Extremes Fist/Boxing
- Chaquan – Cha Fist/Boxing
- Chuojiao – Poking Feet
- Ditangquan – Ground-Prone Fist/Boxing
- Fanziquan – Overturning Fist/Boxing
- Houquan – Monkey Fist/Boxing
- Huaquan – Hua Fist/Boxing
- Paochui – Cannon Punch
- Piguaquan – Chop-Hitch Fist/Boxing
- Shequan – Snake Fist/Boxing
- Tantui – Spring Leg
- Tanglanghushi – Praying Mantis and Tiger Style
- Tanglanquan – Praying Mantis Fist/Boxing
- Tongbeiquan – Through-the-Back Fist/Boxing
- Wing Chun (Yongchunquan) – Eternal Spring
- Xingyiquan – Shape-Intent Fist/Boxing
- Yingzhaoquan – Eagle Claw Fist/Boxing
- Zuiquan – Drunken Fist/Boxing
