Wushu FAQ

Some information about the various styles of Wushu

• - What is Wushu?
• - External Styles
• - Internal Styles
• - Wushu Weapons
• - Imitation Styles

What is Wushu?

Wushu (or Kung Fu) is a general term given to all forms of Chinese Martial Arts and is regarded as the origin for many of the Asian Martial Arts. Wushu can be Internal (such as Taiji Quan) or External (such as Shaolin Long Fist). Wushu can be used for competition and sparring as well as physical health, and can incorporate barehand or weapons techniques. More information on some of the more popular styles of wushu can be found below, although there are thousands of other styles not covered.

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External Styles

With hard work, one can attain increased strength and stamina, weight loss through diligent practice, learning to relieve stress, increased flexibility and learning self-defense.

Modern Wushu
Since 1949 China has established Modern Wushu as a competitive sport based on the jump, the speed of the technique, the complexity of the moves, physical strength, visual expression and the beauty of the performance. Wushu's most famous champion is Jet Li.

Chang Quan
Chang Quan, also known as Long Fist boxing emphasizes speed to defeat an adversary and also concentrates on the concept of Yang overcoming Ying using high-energy forms with fast actions. Stretching and reaching moves characterize this style.

Nan Quan
Nan Quan (Southern Fist) has two definitions. The first definition incorporates all styles from the south of China; the second definition refers only to Modern Wushu from the south. Nan Quan is built on stable, low stances from which it launches powerful hand barrages.

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Internal Styles

The Internal martial arts have been known to aid in curing illness and promoting health, enhancing vitality and developing internal force. They also promote youthfulness and longevity as well as expand the mind and aid in spiritual cultivation.

Taiji Quan
Taiji as a Chinese martial art dates back to written history to the 1600s, although references to this style have existed for much longer. Historically Taiji has sought to combine martial skills with qigong, meditation, basic health and long-life principles of Taoism.

Bagua Zhang
Sharing the same principles and philosophy of Taiji, Bagua appears simpler but relies more on one's focus and concentration. With such focus, Bagua basics involve circular motion. The goal is for the individual to understand body alignment and relaxation. At higher levels, Bagua helps fitness, centering and agility and uses quick footwork and turns as its self-defense strategy.

Xing-I Quan
Xing-I is simple and direct, with primary emphasis directing and channeling the body's power and energy into five primary striking methods and then expanding them into the various animal movements. Outwardly more martial appearing, Xing-I is actually the study of one's coordination and execution of body movement, energy and power.

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Weapons

There are many different weapons used in Wushu. However, the four most common weapons used in Chang quan are the Jian, Dao, Gun, and Qiang. The two most practiced southern style weapons are the Nan Dao and Nan Gun.

Jian Shu
The Chinese Jian or straight sword, is possibly the most widely practiced Wushu weapon. It is often referred to as the "Gentleman of all weapons" and is considered a short weapon. Jian Shu emphasizes swift and graceful moves.

Dao Shu
The Dao or broadsword is also considered a short weapon like the Jian. Dao Shu contains many chopping and hacking techniques and emphasizes speed and power.

Gun Shu
The Gun or staff is one of the earlist weapons and is known as the "Father of all weapons". Gun Shu comtains many fast harding hitting attacks.

Qiang Shu
The Qiang, or spear is known as the "King of all weapons" and was one of the most favored war weapons useed by the Chinese. The Qiang requires fast and graceful movements with agile footwork.

Nan Dao
The Nan Dao, or southern broadsword, is broader and thicker than the northern Dao. It emphasises deep stabs and cuts.

Nan Gun
The Nan Gun, or southern staff, is thicker then the northern Gun. It emphasizes strong stances and powerful strikes.

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Imitation Styles

Eagle Claw
Eagle Claw boxing, is one of the traditional animal styles. Like most other animal styles, it incorporates the movements, techniques and methods of the eagle with traditional martial arts movements.

Praying Mantis
Mantis Boxing imitates the form and actions of the praying mantis and combines them with the attack and defense skills of martial arts. Mantis boxing has both Northern and Southern variations.

Monkey Fist
Monkey Fist can be traced back to the Han dynasty. The modern Monkey style is very vivid, having incorporated even more jumping, aerial techniques, and tumbling.

Snake Fist
Snake Fist is known by three universal characteristics. The snake is strong and fast, the fighter's body represents the body of the snake, and lastly the snake fist is based on speed.

Tiger Claw
Tiger Claw, was originally called the Black Tiger system, and exists as 3 schools all around China.

Drunken
Drunken style mimics a person who is under the influence of alcohol, characterized by clumsy movements with attacking and defensive applications. A good example of this comes from the Jackie Chan movie "Legend of the Drunken Master."

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