Martial Arts or Wushu. have been created and developed for self-defense and survival throughout human history.  Correct Chinese Wushu training improves physical ability. health and willpower.  It gives an individual an excellent method of exercise. a personal art form. a competitive sport and a basis for self-defense and sparring.  Total martial training includes Ti (kicking). Da (punching). Shuai (throwing). Na (controlling). Gi (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 (literally. ˋˋmartial methodsˋˋ) was historically termed ˋˋWu-Yiˋˋ or martial arts.  Fairly recently. the Chinese government changed the term to ˋˋGuoshu.ˋˋ or ˋˋnational methodˋˋ.  The term most popular in North America is ˋˋKung-fuˋˋ which actually means oneˋs ability in any skill. not necessarily martial.
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           Wushu (or Kungfu) appeared in ancient China as early as 2.500 years ago. During the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States Periods (770 - 221BC). a method called Daoyin was evolved to promote health.

           In a tomb of Western Han Dynasty (206BC - 24AD). discovered near Changsha in Hunan Province. a silk scroll was found on which figures were drawn in different postures -- sitting in meditation. bending. or squatting. At the end of Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220AD). a renowned medical doctor. Hua Tuo. created a set of exercises called Wuqinxi (Five Animals Play). mimicking the movements of animals. One of Huaˋs disciples. also a devotee of Wuqingxi. was said to have lived over 100 years. Wu Pu. another Huaˋs follower. was reputed to have sound teeth and acute hearing and sight at his late 80s. Hua Tuoˋs inventive work has a far-reaching influence on the history of Chinese Wushu.

           During the Song (960-1279) and Ming (1368-1644) Dynasty. there appeared a large number of exercises. including Baduanjin (an eight parts exercise). Yijinjing (a system of muscular exercise). Taijiquan (also called Chinese shadow boxing). and Qigong (breathing exercise).

           Today. both in China and around the world. millions of people are fascinated by Chinese Wushu and benefit from it. It is believed to be effective in preventing and curing some diseases like cold. indigestion. and eyestrain.

           Among the many forms. Taijiquan may enjoy the highest popularity. Characterized by gentle. rhythmic movements. natural breathing. physical and mental coordination. it is of particular good to the old and weak. and those suffering from chronic diseases.

           History has it that Taijiquan first derived in Henan Province some 300 years ago. in the late Ming Dynasty. It conforms to the principles of ˋˋthe vigorous subdued by the soft.ˋˋ and ˋˋovercome a force of 1.000 pounds with one of four ounces.ˋˋ Having undergone significant changes. its movements become more relaxed and graceful. When practicing Taijiquan. you need to be tranquil but alert in mind and coordinate vigor and gentleness. In 1956. a set of simplified Taijiquan of 24 forms was developed to stimulate its popularization.

           Shaolinquan is one of the well-known forms of Wushu with a long history. Situated in Henan Province. the Shaolin Temple can be dated back about 540. An Indian Buddhist priest named Bodhidharma (Damo in Chinese pinyin) traveled to China. When he arrived at the temple. he was refused to get in the door. So Damo went to a nearby cave and meditated until the monks recognized his religious prowess. Legend says that he bored a hole in the cave with his constant gaze. Later he taught the monks a set of exercises. which derived from Indian Yoga. And it is believed to be the origin of Shaolin Gongfu. The Shaolin gongfu is mainly used to protect the temple. It complies with the Buddhist principles of non-violence.

Chinese Kungfu (Characteristics & Function) 
          Do you know Bruce Lee. Jet Li or Jackie Chan. all famous Chinese film stars adept in Wushu? Wow. how magic and terrific! Anyone who has seen classical Chinese Kung Fu movies will be deeply impressed by the Chinese Wushu. which is called Kung Fu or Chinese martial arts in the west. This yearˋs hottest Kung Fu movie is the Hollywood box office hit. Chow Yun-Fatˋs CROUCHING TIGER. HIDDEN DRAGON. another martial arts epic.

Wushu (also known as kung-fu or martial arts) is one of the typical demonstrations of traditional Chinese culture. It is a sport which utilizes both brawn and brain.

The theory of Wushu is based upon classical Chinese philosophy. while the skills of Wushu consist of various forms of fighting: fist fights. weapon fights. and other fighting routines (including such offence and defence acts as kicking. hitting. throwing. holding. chopping and thrusting) and unarmed combats.
          Wushu is not only a sporting exercise but also an artistic form. It is used to cure illness as well as for self-defence and is a comprehensive form of culture of the human body.
          Literally. wu means military while shu means art. thus Wushu the art of fighting or martial arts. Wushu is an important and unique component of Chinese cultural heritage with centuries of cultural history attached. Wushu not only includes physical exercise but also Chinese philosophy. meditation and aesthetics.
          Wushu enjoys a long history and great popularity in China. Thanks to its uniqueness and charisma originating from traditional oriental culture. Wushu is captivating the attention of more and more people in other nations. 
          In the past. Wushu was developed for the sake of military prowess and physical well being. Wushu was seen as crucial to a soldierˋs survival in the time of hand -to -hand combat. Today. military function has faded and it has been organized and systematized into a formal branch of study in the performance arts by the Chinese. while itˋs physical welfare and athletic functions become dominant. Hence Wushu is popular among the whole nation of China. practiced by men and women. young and old alike. Today many people practice Wushu to pursue health. defense skills. mental discipline. entertainment and competition.
          Wushu can be practiced solo. paired or as a group. barehanded or armed with ancient Chinese weapons. In centuries past. Wushu developed into many systems and styles. The most famous systems include Shaolin Temple system and Mt. Wudang System. Only the Shaolin system has hundreds of styles. Among the many styles are Chang quan (long fist). Nan quan (southern fist). Taiji quan (shadow boxing or supreme ultimate fist). Xingyi quan (mind fist). Baqua quan (eight directions fist). The former two belong to the external style which emphasizes physical strength and abilities while the latter three belong to the internal style that depends upon internal power-qi. The ancient weaponry of Chinese Wushu consists of many represented by 18 named weapons.
          Recently. Chinese Wushu has been modernized. Training and competing standard systems have been set up. Continuing its fighting function. Wushu becomes a more athletic and aesthetic performance and competitive sport. More and more foreigners come to learn the mysterious Wushu. In order to promote Wushu internationally. China Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival will be held twice annually.
          Wushu is now to be a sport of the Olympic Games soon.