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Learn Wushu and acrobatics in China

Wushu is an ancient Chinese martial art that has evolved into a modern sport over the years. It focuses on both internal and external movements and is known for its fast, acrobatic movements. Wushu is practiced as a sport, fitness, and self-defense technique by millions of people worldwide. Discover the fascinating world of Wushu with us and be inspired by its beauty and power.

Wushu and Acrobatics Training in China

Wushu is not only a martial art, but also includes a variety of acrobatic elements. Acrobatics training in Wushu involves a variety of movements such as flips, jumps, spins, and more. These movements are not only spectacular to watch, but also contribute to the development of balance, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. Additionally, acrobatics training also promotes self-confidence and body control.

Acrobatics training in Wushu is conducted systematically and step-by-step. Students begin with simple movements and gradually progress to more challenging exercises over time. Various aids, such as mats and balancing equipment, are also used to ensure the safety and success of the students.

In our classes, we place great emphasis on individual attention and support for our students. Our experienced trainers tailor the training to the abilities and needs of each individual, creating an optimal learning environment. Furthermore, we place great emphasis on the safety of our students and ensure that all exercises are performed under supervision and with appropriate protective equipment.

If you want to learn Wushu and acrobatics, you have come to the right place. We offer professional and diverse training that not only helps you improve your physical abilities, but also strengthens your self-esteem and discipline.

Wushu and Acrobatics: How to Get Started

As a beginner in Wushu and acrobatics, starting out can seem overwhelming. But with a few simple tips and a lot of motivation, you will quickly make progress and develop in this fascinating martial art.

Tips for beginners:

• Focus on the basics: The basics are the key to success in Wushu and acrobatics. Work on your strength, flexibility, and coordination before moving on to more complex movements.
• Practice regularly: To make progress in Wushu and acrobatics, you need to practice regularly. Try to train for a few minutes every day and slowly increase your training time.
• Be open to feedback: To improve, you must be open to feedback. Ask our teachers and classmates for constructive criticism and work on improving your technique.
• Have fun: Wushu and acrobatics can be challenging, but it should also be fun. Try to focus on learning and enjoy the journey.

What does Wushu mean?

Wushu generally means “Chinese martial art.” To understand the traditional meaning of Wushu, one must understand its individual elements. The Chinese character “Wu” consists of two parts. The first part means “to stop” and the second part means “war hammer.” The war hammer was a weapon that was often used in battles in the past. “Shu” simply means “art.” Therefore, as a definition of martial art in general, Wushu means “the art of stopping war and violence“.

A proverb says:

"True courage is the ability to end the fight before it even begins."

Wushu Styles and Classifications

In competition, Wushu is divided into two disciplines: Taolu (forms/routine exercises) and Sanda (sparring).

Taolu

Taolu involves martial art patterns and maneuvers that are judged by a panel according to specific rules. The competitor’s posture, strikes, kicks, jumps, and balance are evaluated. For competitions, the forms can be modified to highlight the strengths of the competitor. Competition forms have a time limit of at least 1 minute and 20 seconds for external styles and more than 5 minutes for internal styles. Modern Wushu competitors increasingly train jumping techniques with 540- and 720-degree rotations to achieve a higher level of difficulty in their forms.

In addition to individual forms, some Wushu tournaments also feature categories where participants perform in pairs or groups. Some partner or group forms involve weapons, while others involve bare hands, and some even involve hands against weapons. These forms are usually spectacular and are choreographed in advance.

a) Fist Forms (Hand Forms)

This category includes all fist forms, such as:

• Traditional external styles (e.g., Shaolinquan, Longfist, Eagle Claw)
• Traditional internal styles (e.g., Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang)
• Modern Wushu forms (e.g., Changquan, Nanquan, Taijijian)

b) Weapon Forms

• Short weapons (e.g., sword, saber, tiger hook, Tai Chi fan)
• Long weapons (e.g., spear, staff, halberd)
• Double weapons (e.g., double saber, double sword)
• Flexible weapons (e.g., nine-section whip, three-section staff, meteor hammer)

c) Partner Forms (Duilian / Dual Event)

Duilian, also known as the dual event or partner form, is an important part of Wushu martial arts. It is a competition in which two athletes compete against each other and perform a choreographed fighting sequence. Various weapons such as sabers, swords, or staffs are used in Duilian, but unarmed techniques can also be part of the competition. The athletes must synchronize their movements perfectly and execute their techniques precisely to score points and win the competition. Duilian is not only a test of physical abilities but also a demonstration of the athletes’ artistic and aesthetic skills.

d) Group Forms (Jiti / Group Event)

The group event, also known as jiti, is a category in Wushu that requires group choreography and performance. In Jiti, a group of 6 to 10 people perform a specific routine in synchronized movements. The Jiti routine can include both weapon and fist forms movements. The group must be able to coordinate their movements precisely to ensure an impressive and seamless performance. Music and special effects can often be integrated into the routine to enhance the overall experience. In Wushu competitions, Jiti is judged by a panel of judges who evaluate the synchronization, creativity, difficulty, and aesthetics of the routine.

Sanda

The other main discipline of modern Chinese Wushu is Sanda. Sanda is a modern fighting method and a sport component of Wushu/Kung Fu that has been influenced by traditional Chinese boxing. It encompasses all aspects of combat, including strikes (with arms and legs), takedowns, throws, and ground fighting.

During the competition, takedowns and throws are allowed and are judged by the panel of judges. However, the techniques must be executed within three seconds. If a fighter does not execute a takedown or throw within three seconds, the match is interrupted and restarted in the center of the ring. The goal of the competition is to win either by knockout or by points.

Sanda also includes techniques of Chinese wrestling called Shuai Jiao and other Chinese grappling techniques such as Chin Na. It is a discipline that requires the interplay of strength, speed, precision, and endurance. The competition itself is a test of the fighters’ skills and abilities, and requires a lot of training and dedication to be successful. Learn more about Sanda

The History of Wushu: Ancient Chinese Martial Art

Wushu, also known as Kung-Fu, is an ancient Chinese martial art that has evolved throughout history. The origins of Wushu date back to the battles between the various Chinese kingdoms that took place over 2000 years ago. Over time, Wushu was promoted and further developed by many Chinese dynasties.

One of the most well-known legends about the origins of Wushu tells of the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, who came to China in the 5th century to spread Buddhism. Bodhidharma is said to have found that the monks were physically weak and unable to focus adequately on meditation and spiritual practices. Therefore, he developed a series of exercises that later became known as the “18 Hands of the Shaolin Temple” and served as the foundation for modern Wushu.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Wushu became popular as a martial art and found its way into the army. Soldiers were trained in Wushu to improve their physical fitness and combat skills. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), the various styles of Wushu were further refined and codified.

In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), Wushu became an important part of China’s cultural identity. During this time, many books on Wushu were published, describing the various techniques and styles. The Ming Dynasty also promoted the spread of Wushu by establishing Wushu schools and training teachers.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD), Wushu was further developed by the Chinese army and was regarded as an effective combat technique. It was also practiced by many Chinese boxers, and there were local Wushu styles in many regions of China.

In the modern era, Wushu has been officially recognized and promoted by the Chinese government. In 1958, the first National Wushu Championship was held in China, and since then, Wushu has become an internationally recognized martial art. Today, Wushu is practiced worldwide and is also an Olympic sport.

Overall, the history of Wushu has many facets and is closely linked to Chinese history and culture. The development of Wushu has overcome many challenges and obstacles, but it also has the ability to promote physical fitness, mental clarity, and cultural identity among people.

Wushu: A Martial Art with Promising Future Prospects

Wushu has gained popularity worldwide in recent decades and established its position as a sport discipline. The future prospects of Wushu look promising, and there are several factors contributing to this.

Firstly, Wushu is a discipline appreciated by many people around the world. With its impressive blend of athletic performance, cultural heritage, and history, it will always appeal to a wide range of people. Interest in Wushu is also fueled by the increasing number of movies, TV series, and video games showcasing the martial art and its techniques.

Furthermore, in recent years, Wushu has gained recognition by participating in international sports competitions such as the Asian Games and the World Wushu Championships. With the growing popularity of Wushu, there are also more opportunities for professional athletes to focus on training and competing.

Another important factor for the future of Wushu is the increasing support from governments and organizations worldwide. Governments recognize the importance of Wushu as a cultural heritage and as an important discipline in the field of physical culture and health. Support from governments and organizations allows Wushu to continue to develop and grow.

Finally, the increasing popularity of Wushu is also linked to the growing interest in martial arts and fitness. Many people are looking for ways to stay fit and improve their physical performance, and Wushu provides a unique way to achieve this.

Overall, the future of Wushu looks promising. With increasing support, growing interest, and a wide range of opportunities for athletes and enthusiasts, Wushu will certainly continue to play an important role in the field of sports and martial arts disciplines.

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Wushu – A fascinating combination of martial arts and Chinese culture

Wushu is one of the oldest martial arts originating from China. It is a combination of body control, strength, and elegance, and is one of the most important cultural aspects of China. Throughout history, Wushu has undergone many developments and has evolved into a broad spectrum of martial styles and techniques.

Wushu has not only a physical but also a spiritual component that is closely connected with Chinese culture. The practice of Wushu requires discipline and patience, which are qualities highly valued in Chinese society. Through the practice of Wushu, one also learns self-control, concentration, and respect for other people.

The various styles and techniques of Wushu also reflect the diversity and complexity of Chinese culture. For example, there are styles named after animals. Each style has its own techniques and movements inspired by the characteristics of the animal after which they are named.

Another important aspect of Wushu is the use of weapons such as sword, saber, spear, and fan. These weapons are not only tools of combat but also have symbolic significance in Chinese culture. For example, the sword represents strength and power, while the fan represents elegance and beauty.

Wushu also has a close connection to Chinese history and mythology. Many of the movements and techniques are inspired by stories about famous fighters and heroes of Chinese history. Through the practice of Wushu, students can develop a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and history.

"My body changed, my confidence grew, and I was even able to do an aerial at the end. I am really grateful for my amazing experience and all the people I met."

Giulia Pruschwitz • from Germany

The Health Benefits of Wushu

One of the main benefits of Wushu is the physical fitness achieved through regular training. The various movements, such as jumps, kicks, punches, and strikes, improve body strength, flexibility, and endurance. Wushu is a full-body workout that trains the entire body, leading to overall improvement in physical health.

Another benefit of Wushu is the improvement of coordination and balance. The various movements require high precision and coordination between different body parts. Through regular training, coordination and balance improve, which in turn leads to better body control and reduced risk of injury.

Wushu can also help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Regular training can help to strengthen self-confidence and self-respect, leading to a positive self-image and attitude. Wushu can also help to improve concentration and mental clarity, which is advantageous in daily life.

The Benefits of Wushu Training for Children

Wushu is not only a martial art, but also a discipline that can have positive effects on the physical and mental well-being of children. There are several reasons why Wushu is a great choice for children.

Firstly, Wushu promotes physical fitness in children. The movements in Wushu require strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination, which can help children become healthier and more active. In addition, Wushu training can help improve children’s posture and strengthen their balance and body control.

Wushu can also promote children’s mental health. Learning Wushu requires discipline, concentration, and patience. By practicing the various movements and techniques, children can improve their mental strength and concentration, and strengthen their ability to self-control.

Another important aspect of Wushu for children is that it provides them with a way to build self-confidence. Children who train in Wushu not only learn how to improve their physical abilities, but also how to strengthen their mental strength and self-confidence. By overcoming challenges and achieving goals in Wushu training, children can learn that they are capable of handling difficult tasks, and better assess and appreciate themselves.

Wushu can also help children develop social skills. When children train in a group, they can learn how to work with others, communicate, and treat each other with respect. Wushu training can also provide an opportunity to meet new friends and find a community in which they feel comfortable and supported.

Another benefit of Wushu for children is that it provides them with a way to express their creativity. In Wushu training, children can learn how to adapt movements and techniques and develop their own unique form of Wushu. This can help promote children’s creativity and imagination, and strengthen their ability to express themselves.

In summary, Wushu is a martial art that offers many benefits for children. It promotes physical and mental health, strengthens self-confidence and social skills, provides an opportunity for self-defense, and fosters creativity. Therefore, Wushu is an excellent choice for children looking for a positive and enjoyable activity that promotes their health and development.

Did you know?

There is a form of Wushu called "Ditang Quan" which focuses on ground fighting techniques and is one of the oldest forms of Wushu.

Famous Personalities in Wushu

• Jet Li: Chinese actor and martial arts expert Jet Li is one of the most well-known practitioners of Wushu. He began his career as a Wushu athlete and won several gold medals in national and international competitions before turning to acting.
• Donnie Yen: Actor, director, and producer Donnie Yen is also an experienced practitioner of Wushu. He has appeared in many martial arts films and gained recognition for his skills in martial arts.
• Wu Jing: Actor and martial arts artist Wu Jing is another well-known practitioner of Wushu. He won several gold medals in national Wushu competitions in China and has appeared in many action films.
• Zhao Changjun: Zhao Changjun is a former Wushu athlete who gained international recognition in the 1980s after winning several gold medals at Wushu World Championships. He also works as a Wushu trainer and has trained many successful athletes.
• Zhang Guifeng: Zhang Guifeng is a former Wushu athlete and Olympic champion who won the gold medal in the Daoshu discipline at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• Cung Le: Former MMA fighter Cung Le is an experienced practitioner of Wushu. He began his career as a Wushu athlete and won several medals in national and international competitions before turning to MMA.

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