Wushu is one of the most well known examples of traditional Chinese culture. It is a sport which utilizes both brawn and brain. It is probably one of the earliest and longest lasting sports which utilize both brawn and brain. Wushu not only includes physical exercise but also Chinese philosophy, meditation and aesthetics.
Wushu enjoys a long history and great popularity in China. It has developed as a unique combination of exercise, practical self-defense, self-discipline and art.
As a precious element of China's cultural heritage, Chinese Kung-fu has also won its name all around the world for its broad and deep meanings and its Oriental features, which cover it with a mysterious veil. Wushu is captivating the attention of more and more people in other nations.
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 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-defense and is a comprehensive form of culture of the human body.
In the past, Wushu was developed for the sake of military prowess and physical well being. Wushu was seen as crucial to a soldier's 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 it's 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 Wudang Mountain System. Only the Shaolin system has hundreds of styles.
As one of the earliest and long-lasting sports, wushu has developed its own characteristics over time. 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.
