Wushu Training

Wushu training aims to improve whole-body fitness, not merely concentrating upon one portion of the physique. Traditional stance training improves strength, stamina and flexibility, while speed, control and balance are developed through repetition of movements including kicking and open hand techniques. The practice of series of movements and techniques improves co-ordination, speed and aerobic fitness.

The five basic stances in Wushu are: horse-riding stance, front(bow) stance, cross-over(drop) stance, sit(crouch) stance and empty stance. There are three basic hand shapes in Wushu: the fist, palm and hook.
Whilst there are many styles encompassed within Wushu, there are six
fundamental systems that provide the basis for learning all the other myriad forms. These are:
·   Changquan (Long fist)
·   Taiqi quan (Taichi)
·   Daoshu (Broadsword)
·   Jianshu (Straight sword)
·   Gunshu (Staff or cudgel)
·   Qiangshu (Spear)

Other major disciplines commonly taught include: Nanquan (Southern style), Ditangquan (Tumbling boxing), Eagle Claw, Monkey & Monkey Cudgel, Tanglang (Praying Mantis), Zuijiuquan (Drunken style) and other weapons such as the 9-section whip, double sword and double broadsword, guangdao (Long-handled scimitar), rope & dart, hook sword and 3-section cudgel. Competition Wushu is non-contact and non-combative. Competitors demonstrate their martial skills in forms or routines, some of which are entirely compulsory, others can be designed by the competitor(s) but must contain a number of compulsory techniques.