Wushu

also known as “Kung Fu,” is a Chinese martial art developed by Chinese State Commission of Physical Culture in 1958 as a part of standardization efforts of Chinese martial arts. There are numerous styles of martial arts found across China. In terms of the sport of Wushu, it is typically divided into Long Fist (Changquan), Southern Fist (Nanquan), and Taijiquan.

Changquan

Long Fist takes the key points of styles like Cha quan, Hua quan, and Shaolin quan, to name a few. Characterized by expansive and graceful postures, explosive and quick movements.

Nanquan

Southern Fist takes the key points of the five major families of Southern Chinese martial arts: Hong, Cai, Lie, Li, Mo. Characterized by steady footwork, quick and short range punches, vocalizations and the use of the “bridge” or forearm (Qiao).

Taijiquan

Tai Chi, or Taijiquan, is a martial art style characterized by slow, smooth, movements coordinated with the breath. There are five main styles: Chen, Yang, Sun, Wu, Wu (Hao). One of the most popular styles, Yang-Family Tai Chi was chosen as the basis of standardization efforts, such as the creation of the 24 posture simplified routine, 66 and 48 posture combined Taijiquan by Grandmaster Li Tianji.

Weapons

Weapon practice is a staple of Chinese martial arts, there are many variations of the 18 arms of Wushu. In every list there are the four major weapons:

  • Staff - The grandfather of all weapons

  • Broadsword - The general or marshal of all weapons

  • Straightsword - The gentleman of all weapons

  • Spear - the king of all weapons

Jet Li performing Broadsword play (Daoshu)