Running & Martial Arts Gear

Wushu Overview

Going back into pre-history our ancestors had to learn how to defend themselves from attack by enemy tribes and wild animals. It was from this background that people learnt and practiced basic forms of Wushu, meaning martial arts. They began contests of duels and sparring to train them, in anticipation of future fighting that they foresee. Initially this was commonly in the form of weapons training with shields and axes or sword play. Other forms that helped warriors train are wrestling and boxing.

A famous physician Hua Tuo in the second century BC developed a series of moves which mimicked the movements of animals and produced a fighting style and fitness training. Tuo’s system included the movements of tigers, deer, bears, apes and birds.These basic principles are to be the basis of many influences in the following centuries. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, a system of progression was developed that gave rise and recognition to Warriors of Agilitiy and Warriors of Courage.

Wushu developed into a style involving kicking, punching, striking, catching, pushing and stabbing for the purpose of self-defense and fitness training and incorporates either bare hands or weapons. Wushu was originally developed as a form of military training and body building but also became a spiritual base and sporting practice. These days, China has made it an important part of military and police training, in effect making it an essential part of everyday lives. In the 60′s, Hollywood’s martial arts films contributed a large part to the popularity of Wushu and Kung Fu outside of China today.

Wushu is a collective term that includes many different styles of combat like long boxing, taiji boxing, sanshou and short and long weapon play. Other boxing styles have evolved teachings of their own according to their founders, like Yang’s Taiji, Wu’s Taiji and Chen’s Taiji to name a few.  The weapon play styles include training in the use of spear, cudgel, broadsword and saber.

From their very basic, simplistic principles these wushu schools in Singapore have become complicated systems of religion, training and combat and given rise to religions like Taoist, Confucians and Buddhist beliefs. These as well as leading to a physical well being also encourage spiritual enlightenment and inner calm.

Wushu lessons in Singapore takes through rhythmical patterns or Forms, sparring with partners or shadow boxing, using traditional Chinese philosophies and medicine. All of these combine to give the student a peace in body and mind. As well as military combat and spiritual enlightenment Wushu lessons in Singapore has branched out to become sporting events like Taekwondo and fencing, while certain aspects are now established as forms of performance dance and opera.

chen style taijiquan 36 forms