As an important component of the cultural heritage of China, Chinese martial art owns a history of several centuries. It is also called Wushu. More and more people have been attracted by its unique charm and come to China to learn it. If you are a Wushu lover, you should not ignore the following introduction of it.
The meaning of Wushu
Literally, "Wu" means military, and "Shu" means art. Wushu therefore means the art of fighting, or martial arts. Martial training includes Ti (kicking), Da (punching), Shuai (throwing), Na (controlling), Ji (hitting), Ci (thrusting), etc. Related to each style are basic forms, or sequences, which may involve defense strategies, offense, retreat, mobility and immobility, speed and slowness, hard or soft postures, emptiness and fullness, with or without weapons. Wushu was born and has steadily grown and attained perfection as an integral part of Chinese culture. As such it is bound to be influenced and conditioned by other forms of culture, first and foremost by philosophy, art and literature, and religion.
The function of Wushu
Wushu was originally a military training method, bearing a close relationship with ancient combats. Practical skills, such as strength training, fencing, staff sparring, spear training are still used now by policemen and soldiers in China. Today Wushu has been organized and systematized into a formal branch of study in the performance arts and has become an athletic and aesthetic performance and competitive sport. Every movement must exhibit sensible combat application and aestheticism.
The classification of Wushu
Chinese Wushu is classified into various styles according to different regions, different schools and families, as well as different fighting techniques. Routines are performed solo, paired or in groups, either barehanded or armed with traditional Chinese weaponry. Wushu can be viewed in terms of two categories, including Taolu (Forms with or without weapons) and Sanshou (Free Sparring).
Taolu is a performance of set offensive and defensive Wushu movements based on Chinese Wushu principles. It includes the following four main categories: Bare-Handed Forms, Weapon Forms, Duilian, and Group Forms.
The main styles of Wushu
Barehands: Changquan (Long fist), Nanquan (Southern Fist), Taijiquan (Taiji Quan).
Short Weapons: Dao (single-edged sword), Jian (double-edged sword), Taijijian (Taiji double-edged sword), Nandao (Southern single-edged sword).
Long Weapons: Gun (Staff), Qiang (Spear), Nangun (Southern Staff).
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