Power is clearly displayed in each movement, but tempered with grace and fluidity. Longfist movement is quick, agile, and rhythmic, punctuated by explosive and spectacular jumping techniques. In order to conduct these long-range strikes, the longfist boxer must remain relaxed and extended in motion and posture.
It is important that maturing students undertake specializations which match their abilities and personality - often, the choice is handed down by the instructor, whose judgement is guided by long experience, rather than the student, whose judgement may be colored by “what looks cool.” We describe each of the core styles in greater detail below: LONG FIST (长拳)Īs the name might imply, longfist is characterized by attack at the extreme end of one’s reach. Typically, a student will specialize in one style each of barehand, short weapon, and long weapon. Nan dao shu (南刀术) Southern Broadsword-playĪs beginners, students of wushu receive introductory training in most of the core styles, but as they gain experience, they begin to concentrate on a small number of styles. A standard wushu training program, however, concentrates on a “core curriculum” of eight major styles, which can be categorized as follows: Staff styles, on the other hand, have been created by the northern, southern, and even drunken fighting systems. For example, the southern martial arts system includes barehand, broadsword, and staff styles. Along another axis, wushu styles are categorized by the martial arts system which created them. Along one axis, wushu is divided into barehand and weapon-play styles, where the various wushu weapons are grouped into long-range, short-range, flexible, and double weapons. STYLES OF WUSHU Modern wushu encompasses a wide variety of Chinese martial arts styles, which can be categorized in several ways. The wushu practitioner must combine flexibility with strength, speed with flawless technique, fierce intent with effortless execution.
Wushu training emphasizes quickness, explosive power, and natural, relaxed movement. INTRODUCTION Wushu (武术) is a form of contemporary Chinese martial arts that blends elements of performance and martial application. What is Wushu? Answer: NOT this: Though this is: