In Chinese, wushu is a generic term used to describe any form of martial arts, with 'wu' being the Chinese character for 'military' or 'martial', and 'shu' meaning 'arts'. Wushu can be divided into two categories:traditional and modern. Traditional wushu was practised primarily as a means of self-defence and protection, but over the course of the 20th century, the emphasis of modern wushu has shifted away from pure combat. Modern Wushu now incorporates elements of recreational pursuit, mental discipline and aesthetic perfection of forms and movements, with a focus on sport and physical fitness. MUTW currently offers training in both traditional and modern wushu.
Wushu has a rich history, being an important part of the Chinese cultural heritage. In the past, knowing martial arts was a matter of survival for many Chinese, given the many upheavals that have taken place during China's longs history. Because of China's large population and geographical area, wushu developed many different forms and styles. Two of the most famous places where wushu has been practised are the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province and Wudang (Wu Tang) Mountain in Hubei Province.
Wushu continues to grow in popularity across the world, already being the most popular national sport in China and an official medal event in the Asian Games. Australia has its own national tournament which has been held at the University of Melbourne several times, welcoming teams from all over the nation.
