Wushu (武术), literally means “Martial arts,” which in this case refers to Chinese martial arts or Zhong Guo Wu Shu (中国武术). While the term “Kung Fu” is used to refer to more traditional forms of Chinese martial arts they would fall under the umbrella of Wushu. Our school offers modern Wushu which follow standardized routines governed by the International Wushu Federation (IWuF) and is usually divided into Routines or Taolu (套路), and Free Fighting or Sanda (散打).

Modern Wushu divisions are usually divided by Northern and Southern styles which have unique characteristics for those regions of China for both empty hand and weapon routines. The main divisions for northern styles are:

• Long Fist or Changquan (长拳) which has essential movements from Shaolin boxing, Cha-style boxing, and Hua-style boxing. Characterized by open movements and jumping kicks.

• Staff or Gunshu (棍术), the grandfather of all weapons, which serves as a foundation for all other weapons. Usually swinging and sweeping motions as well as techniques that hit the floor like point staff (点棍) and smash staff (摔棍).

• Broadsword or Daoshu (刀术), a soldier’s weapon, which is a single edged sword meant for chopping and hacking. The dull back is meant to be used by the left hand to assist certain techniques like pushing the sword (推刀). Broadsword should feel like a tiger raging down the mountainside.

• Straightsword or Jianshu (剑术), a gentleman’s weapon, which is a double edged sword with a thinner blade. The opposite hand forms sword fingers (剑指) which are formed by pressed the pinky and ring finger with the thumb and extending the pointer and middle finger. This sword is meant to slice (抹), point (点) and tilt (崩) at vital spots. Straightsword should be like a soaring phoenix.

• Spear or Qiangshu (枪术), the king of all weapons, which has a horse hair tassel at the bottom of the spear head to catch the blood of the opponents.