National Wushu Training

The term “Wushu” means “martial art” in Mandarin Chinese. Modern Wushu has its roots in ancient China. According to Chris Crudelli in “The Way of the Warrior,” there were originally many different styles of Wushu, because each clan had its own system of self-defense. Wushu is known for beautiful, flowing movements and gymnastic qualities. Wushu is still highly valued in China and began spreading throughout the world in the 20th century.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHistory of Wushu
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In ancient China, Wushu was developed as a means of self-defense and a way to promote health and discipline. It was also used to train soldiers for combat. Wushu was not a single style. Instead, the word "Wushu" was used to describe all martial arts styles that were developed during that time. Wushu was unified in China in 1949. A standardized set of rules and training techniques was created to help establish Wushu as a competition sport.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWushu Training In China
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Wushu is taken very seriously in China. In fact, many students live at Wushu schools year round. Training at these schools is time-consuming and vigorous. Author Chris Crudelli describes a typical day as beginning with 6 a.m. training. The morning training session lasts until lunch. After lunch, students attend academic classes. Another Wushu training session lasts from 7 to 9 p.m.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWushu in America
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Wushu's history in America began in the 1850s when Chinese laborers brought their martial arts with them during the California Gold Rush. These fighting styles were kept secret until the 1900s. The Chinese martial arts were finally taught to non-Chinese students in 1960, but they did not become popular in the United States until Bruce Lee became famous as a movie star and Kungfu practitioner. As Wushu became more widespread in America, it became clear that the sport needed to be organized, or U.S. teams would be ineffective at international competitions. The United States of America Wushu Kungfu Federation was created in 1993 to unify the Chinese martial arts in America.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTraining
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Wushu practitioners must build speed and stamina. Students must also train for balance and agility, because Wushu forms often require gymnastics. Schools teach both empty-hand (or barehand) techniques and weapons. Empty-hand training includes Longfist, Taijiquan (known as Tai Chi in the U.S.), and Baguazhang, or Eight Diagrams Boxing. Wushu students also learn a variety of weapons, including the broadsword, dagger, spear, staff, nine-section chain whip, three-section staff and hook swords.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCompetition
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Modern Wushu is primarily a competition sport. Students can compete at both national and international levels. Competitions are typically divided into two categories: san shou (sparring) and taolu (forms). Sparring matches can be empty hand vs. empty hand, empty hand vs. weapons, and weapons vs. weapons. All sparring matches take place on a raised platform and are governed by a specific set of rules. Judges award points at Wushu forms competitions, based on specific criteria as well as artistic value.
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[National Wushu Training: https://fi.sportsfitness.win/Martial-Arts/Kung-Fu/1005007687.html ]