Introduction to Wushu

Tai Chi Balls Taiji Balls Chi Balls

Our ancestors tell of how, in olden times, they had to defend themselves against attacks from enemy tribes and wild animals. It was from this background that people learnt 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. In the beginning, they only trained with weapons with shields like axes and swords. Wrestling and boxing also became important forms of training for warriors.

It was in the second century BC, that a famous physician named Hua Tuo developed a fighting style and fitness training that he patterned after movements of animals. Tuo’s system incorporates various movements copied from tigers, bears, deers, birds and apes.These basic principles are to be the basis of many influences in the following centuries. During the Ming and Qing dynasties systems of progression were also developed with Warrior of Agility and Warrior of Courage being possible.

Wushu has progressed into an intricate style that combine kicking, punching, pushing, striking and stabbing with self defense as the main purpose. It is also intended as fitness training and practiced with either bare hands or with weapons. Wushu was originally intended as a means of military training but it eventually evolved into a spiritual exercise and sporting practice. These days, China has made it an important part of military and police training, in effect making it an essential part of everyday 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. Other boxing styles have evolved teachings of their own according to their founders, like Yang’s Taiji, Wu’s Taiji and Chen’s Taiji to name a few.Weapons training were workouts in the use of spear, cudgel, saber and broadsword.

From their very basic, simplistic principles these wushu schools in Singapore 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.

Wushu lessons in Singapore takes through rhythmical patterns or Forms, sparring with partners or shadow boxing, using traditional Chinese philosophies and medicine. All these combined provide peace of mind and healthy body to the student. As well as military combat and spiritual enlightenment Wushu lessons in Singapore has branched out to become sporting events like Taekwondo and fencing, while certain aspects are now established as forms of performance dance and opera.