Wushu

Wushu also known as modern wushu or contemporary wushu, is both an exhibition and a full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. Created in the People's Republic of China after 1949, wushu has spread globally through the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), which holds the World Wushu Championships every two years; the first World Championships were held in 1991 in Beijing.

Wushu is composed of two disciplines: taolu forms and sanda sparring. Taolu forms are similar to gymnastics and involve martial art patterns and maneuvers for which competitors are judged and given points according to specific rules. The forms comprise basic movements (stances, kicks, punches, balances, jumps, sweeps and throws) based on aggregate categories traditional Chinese martial art style and can be changed for competitions to highlight one's strengths. Competitive forms have time limits that can range from 1 minute, 20 seconds for the some external styles to over five minutes for internal styles.

Some facts about Wushu:

• Wushu is Chinese National Sport

• Used for Olympics, PAN-American tournaments and World Tournaments

• Jet Li is known for worldwide (National Champion)

• Very acrobatic, lots of gymnastics combined with martial arts

• Physically demanding, high energy, great for kids and young adults with extra energy

• Increases focus, concentration, develop courtesy, respect, discipline

• Great for increasing self-esteem and confidence

Barehanded Events:

• Changquan (Long Fist)

• Nanquan (Southern Fist)

• Taijiquan (Taiji Fist)

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)

Southern Shaolin Academy

5 Scotch Road

Ewing, NJ 08638

Tel: (609) 883-0303 Fax: (609) 883-0225

Email: info@daoconcepts.com