Wushu, also known as modern wushu, is a performance form derived from Kung Fu. The sport was developed in China after 1949 in an effort to revive a traditional Chinese martial art. With the establishment of the IWUF (International Wushu Federation), wushu has grown into an international sport. A world championship is held every two years. The first world championship was held in Beijing and was 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) that also appear in other Chinese martial arts. There are patterns that must be performed within a certain time. Modern wushu practitioners increasingly practice aerial techniques such as 540 and 720-degree jumps. Sanda, sometimes also called sanshou or Lei Tai, is a modern martial art and method influenced by traditional Chinese boxing, Chinese wrestling methods like Shuai Chiao, and other Chinese wrestling techniques such as Qin Na. Sanda resembles kickboxing and Muay Thai but includes many more wrestling techniques.
History of Wushu
In 1958, the Chinese government founded the All-China Wushu Association. This served as an umbrella to regulate martial arts training. The Chinese State Commission for Physical Culture and Sports took the lead in creating standardized forms for most martial arts. During this period, a national wushu system was introduced, which included standard forms, curriculum, and dan ranks. Wushu was introduced both at universities and high schools. In 1979, a special action group was established to promote wushu. Today, many styles of wushu are practiced in China, both traditional and modern, all promoted by the Chinese government.
Patterns
Within Wushu, there are several patterns 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. Most of these patterns were codified in 1958.
These patterns are performed in compulsory or individual routines during competitions. Compulsory routines are 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 form of sparring, with or without weapons. The dual pattern is spectacular, and the actions are nicely synchronized. The group pattern, known as jiti, is even more spectacular, with many athletes performing different actions in sync. Music is often played to better coordinate the performance.
Other routines
Most routines in the sport are new, modern compilations of traditional routines. Nevertheless, the routines derived from traditional styles include many new elements. Nowadays, the following routines are generally practiced:
- 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
