Basics

• Wushu is a form of martial arts that is often referred to as kung fu, but according to Amaorg.com in an article defining wushu, kung fu is not the accurate word to describe the sport of wushu. The correct word to describe wushu is "wuyi," meaning that it is a martial art that is not limited to using the hands and feet. It also includes all of the arts that are related to combat, such as the making and use of weapons and horseback. The skills of using these additional arts is called "wushu," which accurately describes the martial techniques.
  
  

Categories of Skill in Wushu

• To train in wushu, you must develop techniques in four categories: hand striking (da), kicking (ti), wrestling (shuai) and seize and control (chin na). There are several styles of the martial arts in China, but any of them that formally trains in any of these four categories is considered to be wushu training.
  
  

History

• Wushu originated in China as an ancient art for self-discipline for the body and the mind. Wushu is a national sport in China. However, it wasn't until 1991 that it was finally inducted as an official event in the Asian Games. It was then introduced as an official Olympic event in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.
  
  

Wushu Gymnastics and History

• Although it offers skills helpful to those engaging in the martial arts, wushu is considered more gymnastic in nature. To other Asian countries, wushu is viewed as gymnastics because there was little reference to the martial arts of China being called wushu. The term "kung fu" had been accepted for numerous years, and little to nothing had ever been done to correct this error. In 1945, China fell under communist rule and martial arts training became forbidden. A few years later, the National Athletics Institute (NAI) established wushu training. However, the martial applications were destroyed, but the athletic and gymnastic portions were saved. Wushu training was encouraged again in the 1980s, but many of the teachers and specialists of wushu had either moved out of the country or died. The masters of wushu who did remain in the country did not trust the Communist Party and denied any request to teach or relay their knowledge of the martial art.
  
  

Benefits of Wushu

• Today, people all over the world practice wushu to improve flexibility, coordination, balance, agility, stamina, confidence and mental toughness. More than anything, the sport is used as a gymnastic skill to tone and physically train the body to become stronger and healthier.