Going back into pre-history our ancestors had to learn how to defend themselves from attack by enemy tribes and wild animals.
It was from this background that people learned and practiced basic forms of Wushu, meaning martial arts. They started contests and sparring to prepare for the time when their knowledge of fighting would be needed. Initially this was commonly in the form of weapons training with shields and axes or sword play. Wrestling and boxing also became important forms of training for warriors.
A famous physician Hua Tuo in the second century BC developed a series of moves which mimicked the movements of animals and produced a fighting style and fitness training. Tuo's system included the movements of tigers, deer, bears, apes and birds. These basic principles were to have far reaching influence for centuries to come.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties systems of progression were also developed with Warrior of Agility and Warrior of Courage being possible.
Wushu developed into a style involving kicking, punching, striking, catching, pushing and stabbing for the purpose of self-defense and fitness training and incorporates either bare hands or weapons. Wushu was originally developed as a form of military training and body building but also became a spiritual base and sporting practice.
Nowadays within China it is an important part of the military and police forces and once again has become an essential part of ordinary people's lives. Since the 60's and Hollywood's interest in martial arts films Wushu and Kung fu have become increasingly popular outside of China as well.
Wushu is a collective term which includes many differing styles of combat and sparring including long boxing, taiji boxing, short and long weapon play and sanshou.
Many of the boxing styles have developed schools of their own depending on their founders, like Yang's Taiji, Wu's Taiji and Chen's Taiji school. The weapon play styles include training in the use of spear, cudgel, broadsword and saber.
From their very basic, simplistic principles these schools have become complicated systems of religion, training and combat and given rise to religions like Taoist, Confucians and Buddhist beliefs. These as well as leading to a physical well being also encourage spiritual enlightenment and inner calm.
Training takes through rhythmical patterns or Forms, sparring with partners or shadow boxing, using traditional Chinese philosophies and medicine. All of these combine to give the student a peace in body and mind. As well as military combat and spiritual enlightenment Wushu has branched out to become sporting events like Taekwondo and fencing, while certain aspects are now established as forms of performance dance and opera.
Author Resource:
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