History Of Wushu
History Of Wushu is part of the World Budo Alliances preservation of Martial Art History project. Originating in China over 4,000 years ago, Wushu is time-honored, rich in content and diversified in forms. In its age-long process of development, Wushu has been referred to as “martial arts”, “guoshu”, “gongfu” and “kung-fu”. Therefore the origin of Wushu can be traced back to the early activities of the ancestors of the Chinese people who struggled hard for survival.
And during the prolonged cold weaponry age, Wushu was employed by the army to subdue the enemy. Also practiced by the ordinary people as a means for self-defense and physical training, as well as for a cheerful life.
And during the process of its gradual improvement and development in modern times, Wushu has been basically separated from military skills. With attack and defense as its basic movements and the Chinese traditional culture as its background. Therefore wushu has become an international sports activity. Which includes modern taolu and sanda disciplines, as well as traditional wushu.
Most of all Wushu has over time become a formal branch of study in Chinese performance arts. It reigns as the most popular national sport in a country of over 1.2 billion people. And is practiced by young and old alike. Modern or sport wushu is striving to find its rightful place in the arena of the Olympia. Done through the efforts of the International Wushu Federation.
History Of Wushu - Traditional Wushu – Forms and Weapons
In the History Of Wushu in traditional wushu, the root of modern wushu, has developed according to wushu’s traditional style. And with distinctive characteristics of China’s traditional sports culture, traditional wushu is now practiced globally by millions of people. Therefore it has an enormous potential for development. And its value for health-building, self-defense and cultural education is greatly appreciated by people across many different cultural backgrounds. Thus now it is steadily entering the domain of sport for all. As well as the leisure sports and cultural sports of the people of the world.
The origins of wushu may be traced back to early man and his struggle for survival in the harsh environment. This was during Bronze Age (3000-1200 BC). And even earlier, a struggle that led to the development of techniques to defend against both wild animals and other human beings. Therefore the application of weapons eventually came to form the roots of wushu’s weapon-based techniques. And contests of strength and technique (such as jiaodi, an early Chinese form of wrestling) enhanced the development of bare hand combat systems.
Also from the Shang Dynasty (approx.1556-1046 BC) through Warring States period (481-221 BC) wushu further evolved specialized armed and unarmed combat methods. And sophisticated weapons for warfare began to emerge. During these times, wushu also became popular among the common people as a means of self-defense and health improvement. As well as entertainment, ancient Chinese philosophy famously espoused the culturing of both literary and martial arts (“wen wu”).
History Of Wushu
Fast-forward to 495 A.D when the Shaolin Temple, long-recognized internationally as a touchstone of certain styles of Chinese wushu, was erected on Song Shan Mountain for the monk Batuo. And whose students enjoyed practicing wushu-type exercises in their spare time. Later generations of monks combined chan (Zen) and quan (martial arts) into what is famously known today as Shaolin Quan (Shaolin Wushu).
Thus during the later part of the Qing Dynasty (1644 -1911 AD), military “cold” weapons’ use began to diminish as the use of firearms gradually increased among soldiers. Therefore Wushu came to be practiced mainly by the common people. And martial techniques and practices started to be combined with theoretical and philosophical ideas popular among the common folk. Thus resulting in hundreds of styles like Xingyi Quan, Bagua Zhang and Taiji Quan emerging. While primarily rooted in martial applications, these styles also placed importance on health and moral principles.
Therefore in the early 20th century the establishment of organizations like the Shanghai Jing Wu Physical Culture Society paved the way for wushu’s development into the realm of popular sport. Public performances, training, and competitions became common, further promoting wushu’s practice.
History Of Wushu continues....
In 1923 the Chinese National Wushu Games were held in Shanghai. And in 1936 a Chinese wushu delegation performed a demonstration at the XI Olympic Games held in Berlin. Thus Wushu continued to develop through the Republican Era and after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Wushu competition formats and rules were implemented, and teaching methods and materials were standardized. And in 1985 the first International Invitational Wushu Tournament was held in Xi’an, China. Also the preparatory committee for the International Wushu Federation (IWUF) was formed. Most importantly on October 3rd, 1990 the IWUF was officially founded.
Traditional Wushu
Traditional Wushu (commonly referred to as kungfu) is the root of sport wushu and has a long and diverse history. As wushu originated in China, traditional wushu practices have developed and spread throughout the country’s geographical terrain. And absorbed distinct cultural, ethnic and philosophical characteristics of the various groups in China.
Originating from the need for self-defense and survival, as well as an art of war, different styles and practices emerged. These featuring various methods, content, philosophies, tactics and techniques. Which emerged over the thousands of years of wushu’s development. And while at its core traditional wushu is a method of combat attack and defense, its practice has surpassed a simple means to an end. Therefore become deeply intertwined with legacies of ethical and moral principles. Traditional wushu’s practice is aimed at preserving the principles, methods and legacies of previous generations. And that developed and relied on these arts for survival and overall life improvement.
Wushu’s styles and practices vary widely, with some featuring mainly hand techniques While others focusing on leg techniques, and still others placing emphasis on wrestling. Plus some focus on attack and defense while yet others strive to promote and preserve health and well-being.
Traditional wushu also includes an extremely vast array of traditional weaponry. Which was handed down from the age of cold weapons. And along with practical methods that have been preserved by subsequent generations. With numerous clans, sects, family systems and styles, traditional wushu is diverse and colorful. With an extremely deep and complex physical culture. It is practiced by people from all walks of life, irrespective of race, gender, age, social class, or physical condition, a cultural and sporting gem for people everywhere.
History Of Wushu
Today modern Wushu has developed many sport aspects. And also links back to many famous martial artist such a Bruce Lee and Ip Man. Over time I will feature pages on different important martial arts legends and will link back here and edit the article as needed.
Researched by Sensei Kara Borshuk
Edited by Grand Master Art Mason