WTF is Wushu?

How was everybody's Easter? I hope it was great! For me, it's mostly been lots of chocolate and soft drinks, ending with lots of regret... Luckily though, we had informal training on Friday, and it was awesome!

I recently learned that just because universities are on holiday doesn't mean I get to slack, so my apologies for not posting last week.

Since so many people have trouble explaining what Wushu is to their friends and family, even when they are working the stall during O-week *ahem*, I'll write a little about Wushu and hopefully it'll help everyone out. The history of Chinese martial arts is a long and vibrant one, some speculate it's been around for more than 4000 years. I'm too lazy to write that much, so I'll just talk briefly about modern Wushu. If I have spare time (hahahahahahaha) I'll properly update the "About: Wushu" page on the site.

A brief history of Wushu
Developed in the 1950s, it standardized the learning of martial arts in China with standard forms, teaching curriculum, and instructor grading. Because this was in the wake of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, the teaching of traditional forms was suppressed. It wasn't until the Era of Reconstruction (1976–1989) that it started to relax, and the way Wushu was taught was reevaluated. As a result of many changing sociological factors in China and the de-politicization of Chinese sport, a more market driven approach was taken and the Chinese government now promotes both traditional and modern Wushu approaches. The first Wushu World Championship was held in Beijing, China (1991). The first World Junior Wushu Championship was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2006)( I was there!!!!!). They are both held once every 2 years.

WTF is Wushu?
It's both an exhibition sport and a full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. Competitive Wushu has two components: Taolu (套路) and Sanda (散打 or Sanshou). Similar to the Kata in Karate, Taolu involve martial art patterns and maneuvers for which competitors are judged and given points according to specific rules. I might go as far as to say it is also quite similar to the floor event in Gymnastics. Modern barehand Wushu styles include (Links go to relevant parts of playlist linked below, except Taichi) :

1. Changquan (长拳 Long fist) : refers to long-range extended wushu styles. The most widely-seen of the wushu forms, it is difficult to perform, requiring great flexibility and athleticism.
2. Nanquan (南拳 Southern Fist) : refers to wushu styles originating in southern China. Typical characteristics of this style are very stable, low stances, powerful movements and intricate hand motions. 
3. Taijiquan (太极拳 Taichi) : This style is famous for its slow, relaxed movements. The movements are based on the traditional styles such as Yang (杨), Chen (陈), Wu (吴), Wu (武) and Sun (孙). 

All three forms are modernized versions of their respective styles. Aside from barehand styles, there are also quite a few weapon styles:

1. Dao (刀 Broadsword) 
2. Nandao (南刀 Southern Style Knife)
3. Jian (剑 Straightsword) (Bonus)
4. Taijijian (太极剑 Taichi Straightsword)
5. Gun (棍 Staff)
6. Nangun (南棍 Southern Staff)
7. Qiang (枪 Spear)

In the past, International Wushu competitions used compulsory routines. However, after the 2003 World Wushu Games it was decided that routines choreographed by the individual competitors would be the norm with the introduction of Nandu(难度 Difficulty Movements). The motivation behind the change was to help the sport progress and improve the overall quality of athletes.While there was some minor controversy surrounding the change, the outcome wasn't half bad.

The other side to Wushu that is not often seen by the general public is it's full contact component, Sanda. It is a combat sport that is influenced by Chinese boxing and contains elements of wrestling and grappling. Sanda bears some similarities with Muay Thai and Kickboxing. Sanda competitions are commonly held alongside Taolu competitions.

(Unfortunately this is an area where I have little experience with, so I apologise for the lack of further explanation)

Does anyone famous practice Wushu?

Could a sport as young as Wushu have produced any notable figures? Of course! There are some notable celebrities that were trained in Wushu such Jet Li (need I say more?), Donnie Yen (Ip Man, Shanghai Knights, Blade II) and Ray Park (Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, X-men, G.I. Joe : Rise of the Cobra). 

TL;DR : It's Chinese Martial Arts. Duhhhhhh.

Playlist: Beijing Wushu Team 2005 Demo ( I highly recommend it, its pretty entertaining and contains stuff I didn't link in here)