Kung Fu Tournament Rules? The 127 Detailed Answer

“Golden Rules” conjure up thoughts of god-like laws that neither man nor beast may break; Rules prescribed and written in granite for all eternity. Rules that, if broken, could destroy man’s relationship with nature and wreak havoc in the universe. Rules followed by all saints or visionaries.

The styles of Chinese martial arts have basic rules that few students recognize. Their thoughts are concerned with the basic technique or taste (more southern or northern) of a style. They rarely see the similarities, but are quick to point out the differences. These similarities constitute the basis of all Chinese martial arts without these support beams; the style becomes ineffective. When students understand these rules, their basic understanding and skills improve. They notice their techniques and can make improvements and updates as they progress. You can also discover kung fu that is less than satisfying; something few students see.

Rather than being impressed by fancy maneuvers or skilled speakers, they can see and ask the right questions to explore the truth or lie of a system. The same rules apply whether you’re doing tai chi or kung fu.

Rule #1 – Enter before you strike

Kicking and punching or blocking is the number one golden rule of kung fu, the easiest to do and the easiest to understand, but which many students don’t do. As suggested in the description, always step into excellent stable stance first and then perform your technique. With postures you generate strength and maintain balance. For example, if you were pushing a car, the first thing you would do is get into a low stance and place your hands on the car and as you push your hands forward, keep your roots on the ground.

For tai chi you must ensure that you shift your weight off one foot before moving it and place it flat and unweighted on it before shifting weight to it.

Rule #2 – Power

Power in kung fu means explosive power at the end of a punch or block technique. This simple concept is sometimes misinterpreted as strength. Martial artists then lift weights to increase their strength and, they believe, increase their strength. Power is the focus of body energy on a specific point, the smaller the point… the more power. For example, the sun is a dominant force but does little harm to us. However, if we focus the sun’s energy on a small spot through a magnifying glass, we can create extreme heat and fire. Power in kung fu technique requires speed, flexibility, focus, pinpoint accuracy and full body cooperation.

Power is a product of the time it takes to transfer energy, not the strength or mass of an object. Muscles need elasticity to do the job. Strength comes from longer or more flexible muscles. If I have a brand new rubber band that is an average size with excellent elasticity and pull back on one end and then release to snap the rubber band, it generates a lot of force. But suppose I have another rubber band, thick and not very flexible. When I pull the rubber band, it doesn’t go as far and my forward snap has less power.

When a kung fu practitioner performs a technique, a transfer of energy takes place. Power transmission comes in three forms: circular transmission, direct transmission, or angular transmission.

Rule #3 – Waist

The waist is the master of the body. It controls the coordination between the upper and lower half of the body. Without proper waist control and cooperation, no practitioner can develop good strength, balance, or speed. The force begins on the soles of the feet, travels through the legs and follows towards the waist. If the waist misdirects the energy, it will never reach the arms and be expressed through the hands.

There are two types of waist twist: positive or negative. Positive rotation rotates the hips in the direction of the shot, while negative rotation rotates the hips in the opposite direction of the shot. Both change the direction in which the force flows through the body and to the hands.

Outside of the martial arts community, there is still a bit of confusion regarding the term kung fu.

First of all, the term kung fu – or gong fu – is not limited to martial arts. It means “a high level of skill achieved over time with effort,” meaning anything achieved with a lot of hard work could be considered kung fu, but the term is widely associated with Chinese martial arts . The generalization doesn’t stop there.

Most people still assume that it’s this very specific martial art based on how a certain group of animals move, but it’s one of the many types of kung fu.

If you are wondering, we are referring to the Shaolin Kung Fu, which can certainly be divided into the classic five animal styles: the tiger, the crane, the leopard, the snake and the dragon. Other styles include The Praying Mantis, The Monkey, and The Eagle. But again, these are just styles of one type of kung fu.

In fact, Wushu includes all of the Chinese martial arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Baguazhang and Wing Chun to name just the most popular.

Why is that important? If you plan to become a black belt kung fu master, you need to be more specific and choose a specific type of kung fu. To add to the confusion, most styles of kung fu share the same belt system as other martial arts such as karate and judo, which are Japanese and therefore not kung fu.

Krav Maga has many techniques that all follow principles. Once you’ve mastered all of them, it’s important to understand these principles in order to be able to adapt to any situation and not get attached to what you’re learning in class. If you’ve had the opportunity to practice Krav Maga for a number of years now, you won’t be unfamiliar with this list of human vulnerabilities.

THE EYES STUCK

Your opponent’s eyes should be one of the main goals you want to achieve for two reasons. First, they’re relatively easy to reach with one hit during a standing fight, or by nudging with your fingers when you’re prone or being choked. And the second reason is that if you manage to successfully injure your attacker in the eyes, it can incapacitate them by blinding them. And it hurts like hell too. It’s not a punch that would be most effective, but rather a jab in the eyes with outstretched fingers.

break your nose

Your nose is a central, exposed part of your face. That makes it vulnerable to bumps. A broken nose is a fracture of the nasal bone and nearby cartilage. A minor fracture can be painless, and only the deformity of the nose indicates the fracture. A strong impact displaces the nose from its normal position, causes profuse nosebleeds, and deflects the septum, affecting airflow. Palm strikes are very efficient for this.

MEET THE TEMPLES

The temples are on either side of your head. At this position, the skull is thinner than the rest, making the area more vulnerable. Under the skull in the same region are arteries that supply blood to the brain. A severe blow can cause excessive pressure on the brain and lack of oxygen. If medical care is not provided in the short term, the brain can suffer irreversible damage. The most common symptoms are disorientation and unconsciousness. The best way to hit the temple would be with a hook punch, an open palm strike, an elbow strike, or a round kick to the head if you are able.

BEATS TO THE EARS

Hitting the ears with the palm of your hand can cause partial hearing loss. The person will either see their hearing reduced or hear parasite sounds such as ringing, hissing, or hissing. If the impact is hard enough, you can rupture the eardrum or dislocate the ossicles. This leads to complete hearing loss. Each of these consequences puts you in an advantageous situation. Just like with the temples, the best punches to target the ears are the hooks and high kicks.

Punch in the throat

You want to jam your opponent’s throat with a straight punch right into them. You will block his breathing and he will gasp. The more power, the more destructive it will be, it’s as simple as that. An education block is also recommended for its efficiency, but it’s more difficult to execute.

JAW

It is well known that a blow to the jaw can easily backfire. But why? When you hit the side of the jaw where it connects to the rest of the skull, the head rotates. Then your muscles, tendons, and bones will make it stop. As you can understand, there is rapid acceleration, followed by sudden deceleration. But the brain is contained in a liquid. Nothing keeps it still. So instead of slowing down like the rest of your head, the brain slams into the inner part of your skull causing brain damage, and often you hit hard enough.

SOLAR PLEXUS

Located between the chest and the nombril, hitting the solar plexus is really painful and can stop your attacker from breathing for a few seconds. This effect is amplified if you hit him while he’s breathing. The few seconds that he is unable to breathe gives you the opportunity to intervene and unleash a series of attacks. Also, the chest isn’t as hard as the solar plexus is for your hand. This will reduce your chances of breaking your knuckles. Palm strikes, punches, and defensive kicks are very effective against the solar plexus.

RIBS

A punch or kick to the side of the body will cause great pain and may even disable one of its arms.

SPINE

The spine is a vital part of your body. The cord that runs through the spine allows your brain to communicate with the rest of your body. No wonder how important it is. If you choose to attack your attacker’s spine, you choose to severely injure them. Attack with an elbow strike to the back of the neck and there’s a chance you’ll paralyze him. Or it can be much worse, it can lead to death.

STEP IN THE BAR

Probably the most well-known goal in self-defense. A kick in the groin is an easy task. Located in the center of the body, the most effective way to protect it is to rotate the hips. It’s really difficult to have proper reflexes if you’re not used to them. One of the great advantages of the bar is that you don’t have to hit really hard to hurt someone. Even a light kick, performed well, can do a lot of damage. Often a punch to the groin will surprise and startle the person even if you don’t touch the person. In a standing position, a kick is the most effective way to hit the ledge, but in ground combat use your palms to hit them and get out of the situation.

KNEE

Someone who moves a lot harder is harder to hit. Aim at his legs to slow him down. If you can knock him out in the knees, this could be a good strategy. With enough strength and precision, you can dislocate his joints with a round kick. It’s better if his weight is on the knee of your attack. You can also hit the kneecap with a direct kick.

SHIN

The front part of your shin is full of nerves and there is no flesh to protect it. That’s why it’s so painful to hit the table leg. You’ll often see Muay Thai fighters try to eliminate these sensors in order to be able to block kicks with their shin without feeling pain. Luckily most people are not muay thai fighters. A shin kick is quick, painful, and can be a distracting attack before a power punch.

CRUSH YOUR TOES

Squeezing your toes can be very effective, especially if he grabs you from behind.

Of course, reading all of these zones is one thing and quite another actually training them regularly as part of your training program. Keep exercising and stay healthy.

Child!

The Top 10 Rules of Karate Karate is a form of martial arts that includes various striking and defensive techniques. The sport grew in popularity in Japan in the early 20th century and quickly spread around the world. Karate can be practiced by people of all ages and teaches both mental and physical strength. Competitors wear the traditional karate uniform called a gi and a colored belt to represent their skill in the sport. Karate can be practiced in a variety of ways, be it as an art, for self-defense or as a martial art. There are many ways to get involved in karate, with thousands of beginner-friendly schools across the United States. Karate made its official appearance as an Olympic sport at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Read on to learn the ten most important rules of karate.

What are the top 10 rules of karate? The 10 most important principles of karate are: Be respectful Use what you learn wisely Karate goes beyond the dojo There is no first attack in karate Strive for perfection of character Do your best effort Sources of misfortune from carelessness Make adjustments according to your opponent Retain a beginner’s heart Be faithful

1. Be Respectful “Karate begins and ends with respect” is a common phrase you will hear in karate schools around the world. Politeness is a cornerstone of the sport as both mental and physical strength are part of training in karate. Children learning karate first receive instruction in respect and self-control before learning striking techniques. First and foremost, it is important to have respect for the martial arts discipline itself. That means following traditions, learning the history and meaning behind the sport, and obeying its rules. Connections between students and their teachers are of paramount importance in karate. Showing respect for those who are willing to teach you, as well as those who learn with you, is an essential part of what karate values.

2. Use what you learn in karate wisely What you learn in karate can have two meanings. First, many of the strikes learned in karate have the potential to harm others if used improperly. This means that the techniques learned in karate should only be used for a just cause like self-defense. Never use any technique learned in karate for anger or revenge as it goes against the principles on which karate was founded. Second, when practicing karate techniques, it is important to be careful and aware of the punches you are using. Controlling the power of your shots, especially against opponents or training partners, is extremely important to protect yourself and those around you. You must use your techniques wisely, even while training, as karate is not intended to harm others.

3. Karate goes beyond the dojo Many lessons learned in the karate dojo are also applicable in the real world. Principles such as respect, self-control and integrity are emphasized in karate, but taught that they should be observed at all times, not just during training time. Karate is about developing both physically and mentally, so the mental strength practiced during training should also be extended to your daily activities. Students should represent themselves well both inside and outside their dojo. Should it ever become necessary to practice karate techniques outside of your training facility, the same control and respect must be exercised in any environment.

4. There is no first attack in karate There is no first attack in karate. This rule relates to the belief that karate techniques should only be used when absolutely necessary. A central belief of this martial arts discipline is that the purpose of karate is solely for self-defense. Therefore, those trained in karate should never attack first and only respond with violence as a last resort. The best option is to remain peaceful or escape an attack before using techniques learned through karate. In order to abide by this rule, karate trainers should never allow themselves to start an altercation or attack, especially with the striking techniques learned in karate. Staying calm and composed in confrontational situations is a key to following this rule. Upholding this principle is vital to karate’s traditional beliefs of respect and self-control.

5. Strive for Character Perfection Character development is an essential part of what karate teaches its participants. When working with their students, karate teachers place as much value on mental strength as they do on physical techniques. One misconception about karate is that it focuses on physical ability and striking techniques. In reality, karate is about strength of mind and becoming the best version of yourself, both physically and mentally. Karate values ​​qualities such as integrity, courtesy, confidence, discipline and self-control. It uses character development to teach students lessons that can be applied outside of martial arts.

6. Do your best. Karate masters expect every student to do their best at all times. If students are not focused on doing their best, then they are not committed enough to master the art of karate. Training in karate can sometimes be hard and tiring and requires the full determination of the participants. It’s not about outperforming others, it’s about delivering the full performance of each individual. Success or failure, if you give your all, there is nothing to regret; it only serves as a motivation to be successful in the future. Giving full power in training also means knowing your limits. There’s no shame in taking a break during a workout. Exercising one’s best effort in karate is essential to fully understand its lessons. Students should always arrive eager to learn and motivated to grow and put in 100% effort during Karate training.

7. Carelessness Springs From Disasters This relates to the core principle of karate, using knowledge wisely, as many of these rules are interconnected. Those trained in karate are expected to use it carefully, as careless use of karate was not what its inventors envisioned. Poor use of karate techniques can lead to negative consequences, as its creators warned. Karate training requires extreme diligence. Certain techniques in karate require careful precision and complete concentration to practice safely. The safety of yourself and those around you is paramount in the karate dojo. In fact, karate teachers suggest removing carelessness from your whole life, not just during training. This is consistent with karate’s belief in enhancing overall character through training in sport.

8. Make adjustments to your opponent An important part of karate is knowing your own strengths. It is the responsibility of each individual to assess their strengths and use them sensibly. Every situation in which karate is used does not require the same amount of strength. This is extremely relevant when practicing the sport, as not every opponent or training partner will have identical skill levels or physical abilities. You don’t always have to exert your full force on opponents or training partners, because karate is growth for everyone involved. Therefore, students must learn to adjust the strength of their shots when sparring or training with others. It’s not about winning or losing; Instead, there is far more value in helping yourself and others to improve. This is related to the founding principle of karate, respect, as in martial arts it is important to show respect to one’s opponent.

9. Keeping a beginner’s heart Having a beginner’s heart means always being eager to learn. Students should be constantly ready to learn new lessons in karate, regardless of their skill level. No matter how long you have been practicing karate, there is always something more to learn or improve. If you think in karate that you have learned everything possible, then you are wrong. Students should always embrace the ability to acquire new knowledge as there is always room for growth. A passion for learning allows beginners to eventually reach the level of a master. The motivation to learn distinguishes good martial artists from the great ones.

10. Be Faithful This last rule encompasses all the rules before it. Being faithful to karate means following its principles and respecting traditions. By upholding the high standards karate sets for its students, they remain true to the martial art itself. Karate students should try to apply the lessons learned during training to obstacles in their daily lives. Most importantly, students should use the techniques they learn wisely and only for self-defense. In this way, it shows a student’s confidence in the skills they have acquired during their time training in the sport. The bow in karate is intended as a sign of respect and belief in the martial art itself and its teachers. Students often show their faith by sometimes bowing during training sessions or fights, especially at the beginning and end.

product details

Handpicked in the Shaolin area

Used by many Chinese martial arts styles including Shaolin Kung Fu

These white waxwood kung fu staffs are now a rare piece in the UK

Slightly flexible and a great natural feel

Rod usually comes in 6.5 feet / 77.5 inches / 197 cm

Watch our video about the Wax Wood Kung Fu Stick

White Waxwood Kung Fu Stick Description

These white waxwood kung fu sticks are the standard for Shaolin Kung Fu and Chinese Wushu. The White Waxwood Kung Fu Staff is a beautiful weapon and super versatile. They were commonplace in the UK about 10-15 years ago and then supply dried up. It is now very difficult to buy these anywhere, especially at a reasonable price. We have worked hard to get these and are now shipping them directly from the Shaolin area of ​​China.

A super natural knobbly wand that has a distinctive feel unique to this wand. Crafted from white waxed wood, they offer a bit of flexibility, perfect for working with kung fu staff. You can cut them to the length you need, but make sure you sand the cut edge to avoid splinters. Used primarily by Shaolin Kung Fu and Chinese Wushu practitioners, but also by many Southern Kung Fu styles from which the staff naturally grows. They are also the standard for javelin shafts and are perfect for javelin training (with the head, of course).

A tough, semi-flexible weapon, they will take a beating in partner work and drills. Note, however, that this is wood, which is not indestructible. Wood can break, so a real knock could end up with a broken stick. Take care of your staff and they will accompany you for years.

The average length is about 6.5 feet / 77.5 inches / 197 cm, each being a natural product.

Advice from the shop on Wooden Kung Fu Stick by White Wax

“Many kung fu styles say that the stick should be a certain length relative to your height. This can easily be achieved by cutting the stick to the desired length. Make sure you sand the cut end well to avoid splinters.”

Doug Swift – Owner of Enso Martial Arts Shop

White Waxwood Kung Fu Stick Size

Check out the dimensions of the White Wax Wood Kung Fu Sticks:

197 cm long

3.5cm (approx.) final diameter

1 inch (approx.) at the other end

0.8kg weight

If you are unsure what is best for you please contact us at our store to discuss your best choice, call (0117) 9425832 or email [email protected]

Delivery of your white wax wood kung fu stick

We have a few different ways to get your items listed on the Enso Martial Arts Shop. Prices vary based on total order, weight, size, etc. The checkout page will automatically show you the possible options.

We can ship your item(s) in the following ways:

Tracked Courier – Order before 1pm, we can pack and dispatch same day to be with you next working day, this is not a weekend service. It is fully tracked and we will send you the tracking number when we process your order.

Hermes – In our experience, an extremely slow service, we cannot guarantee it will arrive. It’s not an option on the site for good reason. So if you want this pathetic service and your package tossed in a random hedge near your home if you’re lucky enough to just save around £2 then just give us a call on 0117 942 5832 and we can Process your order by phone.

UPS Worldwide – For any location outside the UK we can ship same day but delivery times depend on destination. The approximate delivery times are as follows:

Single-edged blade

This article is about the Chinese sword. For the Philippine folding knife, see butterfly knife. For a sword with the same mechanism, see Balisword. For the Hong Kong film, see Butterfly and Sword

Butterfly Sword A pair of 19th century butterfly swords. Traditional Chinese 蝴蝶雙刀 Simplified Chinese 蝴蝶双刀 Literal meaning Butterfly Double Sword Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin húdié shuāngdāo

The butterfly sword is a short dao, or single-edged sword, originally from southern China but also used in the north. Butterfly swords are believed to date from the early 19th century. Several English-language accounts from the 1840s describe local militias in Guangdong being trained in “double swords”, short swords with a hook extending from the guard that fits into a single scabbard.

A butterfly sword’s blade is about the length of a human forearm, allowing for easy concealment in loose sleeves or boots, and allowing for greater maneuverability when twisting and rotating in close combat. Butterfly swords are usually wielded in pairs. A pair of swords is often carried side by side in the same scabbard to give the appearance of a single weapon.

The butterfly sword has a small crossguard to protect the wielder’s hands, similar to that of a sai, which can also be used to block or hook an opponent’s weapon. In some versions, the crossguard is enlarged and offers a second handle. In this position, the swords can be manipulated much like a pair of tonfa. They can also be used as brass knuckles when non-lethal use of the weapon is desired.

Traditionally, the blade of a butterfly sword is only sharpened along half its cutting edge – from the middle of the blade to the point; This is seen on all vintage Qing Dynasty specimens. [citation needed] The blade is blunt from center to bottom so it can be used to deliver non-lethal blows and block without damaging the sharpened edge. [citation needed ] Butterflies were generally commissioned for individual martial artists and not mass-produced, so each set of swords is different; [citation needed] However, an average blade today is about 11+1⁄2″ long with a 6″ handle.

Other terms[edit]

Butterfly swords are usually referred to as “butterfly knives” in English. However, they should not be confused with the collapsible balisong, also commonly known as the butterfly knife. The Chinese word dao is used to denote any blade whose primary function is to cut and slash regardless of length. In some branches of kung fu, such as B. Wing Chun, butterfly knives are known as baat jaam do (named for the shape of the system, literally “eight cleavers/slicers” in Cantonese).

Use [edit]

Butterfly swords are used in several Chinese martial arts, most notably Wing Chun, Hung Ga and Choy Li Fut In Wing Chun, a notable aspect of butterfly sword fighting is that its principles are the foundation of all other weapons. In theory, any object that can be held in the hands of a Wing Chun practitioner follows the same basic principles of movement as the butterfly swords. Because the use of butterfly swords is simply an extension of fighting empty-handed.[3]

The design of the weapon, including the crossguard shape, blade profile and blade length are specific to each martial arts style, exact lineage and individual.[4] For example, some martial arts lines rotate the butterfly swords between the forward and backward grips like a sai, and consequently require a crossguard to fit the hand during a backward grip. Some lineages trap the opponent’s staff or blade between the crossguard and the spine, and they require a longer crossguard that is closer and more parallel to the spine than would fit in one hand after flipping. Some schools like a hybrid crossguard design that is good for both turning and catching, but not optimal for either.

Some butterfly swords had a long, narrow blade that emphasized stabbing. While Chinese revolutionaries in the Wing Chun lineage used a deadly stabbing blade with a sharpened point – known as a “Red Boat” knife – modern Wing Chun practitioners tend to prefer a blade profile with a broader belly that emphasizes chopping and slashing. Wing Chun lore attributes this to the monks’ desire to maim rather than kill. These knives generally have a quarter-round tip that is only suitable for chopping/slicing and not stabbing, or a flatter curve to a more pointed tip that can accommodate both.[5]

The appropriate length of blade is a combination of ancestry and individuality. For a Hung Gar stylist, the length should be a few inches above the elbow when the knife is held in the reverse grip. Wing Chun schools that use techniques that rotate the knives inside the arm require a reverse-grip blade length based on the distance to the inside of the bicep. Other Wing Chun schools measure on the outside of the bicep.

Popular culture[ edit ]

Traditional Japanese weapon

For the animated TV series, see Numb Chucks

Different types of nunchaku.

The nunchaku ( ) (Japanese: ヌンチャク, sometimes “dual section stick”, “nunchuks”[1] ( ), “nunchakus”,[2] “chain sticks”,[3] “chuka sticks”[4] or “karate sticks “.”[5] in English) is a traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon consisting of two sticks (traditionally made of wood) connected at their ends by a short metal chain or rope. It is approximately 30 cm (sticks) and 1 inch (rope).A person who has practiced using this weapon is called a nunchakuka in Japanese.

The nunchaku is most commonly used in martial arts such as Okinawa kobudō and karate. It is intended to be used as a training weapon, as practicing with it allows for the development of quick hand movements and improves posture. Modern nunchaku can be made of metal, plastic, or fiberglass in place of the traditional wood. Toy versions and replicas not intended to be used as weapons may be made of polystyrene foam or plastic. Possession of this weapon is illegal in some countries except for use in professional martial arts schools.

The origin of the nunchaku is unclear; A traditional explanation holds that it was originally used by Okinawa farmers as a flail to thresh rice. Another weapon called the tobacco toyok, native to the northern Philippines, has a very similar construction, suggesting that it and the nunchaku descended from the same instrument.

In modern times, the nunchaku (tobacco toyok) was popularized by actor and martial artist Bruce Lee and by Dan Inosanto.[6] Lee famously used nunchaku in several scenes in the 1972 film Fist of Fury.[7] Working with Bruce Lee on the 1973 film Enter the Dragon, Tadashi Yamashita allowed Lee to further explore the use of the nunchaku and other kobudo disciplines. The nunchaku is also the signature weapon of cartoon character Michelangelo in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

In addition, the nunchaku is used in certain contact sports.

Etymology[ edit ]

The origin of the word nunchaku (ヌンチャク) is unknown. Another name for this weapon is “nūchiku” (ヌウチク).[8]

In the English language, nunchaku are often referred to as “nunchuks”.[9]

Origins [edit]

Hyoshiki (wooden clapper)

The origin of the nunchaku is unclear, although a common belief holds that nunchaku was originally a short Southeast Asian flail. A weapon almost identical to the nunchaku called the tobacco toyok exists in the northern Philippines,[10] which was used for threshing rice or soybeans. Alternative theories state that it was originally developed from an Okinawa horse bit (muge) or from a wooden clapper called a hyoshiki[11] carried by the village night watch, consisting of two blocks of wood connected by a string. The Night’s Watch would bang the logs together to get people’s attention, then warn them of fires and other dangers.[12]

The claim that nunchaku and other weapons of Okinawa were developed and used by rebellious peasants is most likely a romantic exaggeration. Martial arts in Okinawa were practiced exclusively by the aristocracy (kazoku) and “serving nobles” (shizoku), but were forbidden among the commoners (heimin).[13] According to Chinese folklore, nunchaku are a variation of the two-part staff.[14]

parts [edit]

Parts of nunchaku

Ana: The hole on the kontoh of each handle through which the himo fits – only nunchaku connected by himo have an ana.

: the hole on each handle for passage – only nunchaku connected through have a . Himo: the rope that connects the two handles of a nunchaku.

: the rope that connects the two handles of a nunchaku. Kusari: the chain connecting the two handles of a nunchaku.

: the chain that connects the two handles of some nunchaku. Kontoh: the top of each handle.

: the top of each handle. Jukon-bu : the top of the handle.

: the upper part of the handle. Chukon-bu: the middle part of the handle.

: the middle part of the handle. Kikon-bu: the lower part of the handle.

: the lower part of the handle. Account: the bottom of the handle.[15]

construction [edit]

Kontoh (above) of two nunchaku, with kusari (chain) on one and himo (rope) and ana (hole) through which the himo passes, on the other. Close-up of the (top) of two nunchuck showing the (chain) on one and the (rope) and (hole) on the other.

Unusual nunchuks made of solid nylon, hollow aluminum, and solid metal (not bonded)

Nunchaku consist of two sections of wood connected by a string or chain, although variants may include additional sections of wood and chain. In China, the baton is called “kite stick” (“龍棍”), while the handle is called “yang stick” (“陽棍”).

The rounded nunchaku is comparatively heavy and is used for training, while the octagonal nunchaku is used for combat.[16] Ideally each piece should be long enough to protect the forearm when held in a high grip near the top of the stock. Both ends are usually the same length, although there are asymmetrical nunchaku that are closer to a traditional flail.

The ideal length of connecting rope or chain is just long enough for the user to drape it across their palm with the poles hanging comfortably and perpendicular to the ground. The weapon should be properly balanced in terms of weight. Cheaper or gimmicky nunchaku (like glow-in-the-dark versions) are often not properly balanced, preventing the performer from performing more advanced and flashy “low-grip” moves like overhand spins. The weight should be balanced against the outside edges of the sticks for maximum ease and control of the swing arcs.

Traditional nunchaku are made from a strong, flexible hardwood such as oak, medlar, or pasania.

Formal styles[ edit ]

The nunchaku is most commonly used in Okinawan kobudō and karate, but it is also used in Korean hapkido and eskrima. (More specifically, the tobacco toyok, a similar though distinct Filipino weapon, is used, not the Okinawan nunchaku). Its application is different in each style. The traditional Okinawa forms use the sticks primarily for gripping and belaying. Filipino martial artists use it much like a stick: hitting takes precedence. Korean systems combine offensive and defensive movements, so both locks and punches are taught. Other nunchaku proprietary systems are also used in Sembkalah (Iranian monolingual fighting style), which delivers lethal blows for defense and offense.

Nunchaku is often the first weapon wielded by a student to teach self-control and posture, as the weapon hits the wielder more than the opponent if not used properly.

The nunchaku is usually wielded with one hand, but can also be wielded with two hands. It can be spun around using its hardened grips for blunt force, as well as wrapping its chain around an attacking weapon to immobilize or disarm an opponent. Nunchaku training has been noted [by whom?] to increase hand speed, improve posture, and condition the practitioner’s hands. Therefore, it is a useful training weapon.

freestyle [edit]

Freestyle nunchaku is a modern style of performance art that uses nunchaku as a visual tool rather than a weapon. With the spread of the internet, the availability of nunchaku has greatly increased. Combined with the popularity of other video sharing sites, many people are interested in learning how to use the guns for freestyle displays. Freestyle is a competitive discipline of the World Nunchaku Association. Some modern martial arts teach the use of nunchaku as it can help students improve their reflexes, hand control, and other skills.

Sports federations[ edit ]

Since the 1980s, there have been various international sports federations organizing the use of nunchaku as a contact sport.[17][18] Current federations typically hold “semi-contact” bouts, in which heavy hitting is prohibited, as opposed to “contact” bouts. “Full nunch” matches, on the other hand, are strike-free and knockout is allowed.[19]

American Style Nunchaku Federation (ASNF): Founded in 1992 by Grandmaster Michael Burke and focuses on tournament forms and katas.

: Founded in 1992 by Grandmaster Michael Burke and focuses on tournament forms and katas. North American Nunchaku Association (NANA): Founded in California in 2003 by Sensei Chris Pellitteri, NANA teaches all aspects of nunchaku, traditional and free, singles and doubles.

Founded in California in 2003 by Sensei Chris Pellitteri, NANA teaches all aspects of nunchaku, traditional and free, singles and doubles. World Amateur Nunchaku Organization (WANO): Founded in France in 1988 by Pascal Verhille.

Founded in France in 1988 by Pascal Verhille. Fédération Internationale de Nunchaku de Combat et Artistique (FINCA): Founded in 1992 by Raphaël Schmitz in France as a merger of the dissolved associations WANO and FFNS (Fédération Française de Nunchaku Sportif). Its current name is Fédération Internationale de Nunchaku, Combat complet et Arts martiaux modernes et affinitaires (FINCA). [20] A fight according to FINCA rules lasts two rounds of two minutes each. There is no need to change nunchaku branch or hand before hitting, only correct recovery. There are no breaks during the fight except for loss, lifting or penalties.

Founded in France in 1992 by Raphaël Schmitz as a merger of the dissolved associations WANO and FFNS ( ). Its current name is (FINCA). A fight with FINCA rules lasts two rounds of two minutes each. There is no need to change nunchaku branch or hand before hitting, only correct recovery. There are no breaks during the fight except for loss, lifting or penalties. World Nunchaku Association (WNA): Founded by Milco Lambrecht in the Netherlands in 1996. [21] The WNA uses yellow and black plastic nunchaku for weight-balanced training and protective headgear. They have their own belt color system where contestants earn color stripes on the belt rather than full color belts. One side of the belt is yellow and the other black so that when competing, opponents can be distinguished by the visible side of the belt. WNA fighting rules correspond to the kumite subsection of the nunchaku-do discipline. [22] It is a two-minute “touch match” where technical ability is very important. After each point scored, the fight ends and the fighters return to their starting positions.

Founded by Milco Lambrecht in The Netherlands in 1996. WNA uses yellow and black plastic nunchaku for balanced weight training and protective headgear. They have their own belt color system where contestants earn color stripes on the belt rather than full color belts. One side of the belt is yellow and the other black so that when competing, opponents can be distinguished by the visible side of the belt. The WNA fight rules correspond to the subsection of the nunchaku-do discipline. It’s a two-minute “touch fight” where technical ability is very important. After each point scored, the fight ends and the fighters return to their starting positions. International Techdo Nunchaku Association (ITNA): Founded by Daniel Althaus in Switzerland in 2006. Fights under ITNA rules last two rounds and last 2:30. There are no stops during the round except for loss, lifting or penalties. Between strikes, the fighter must switch hands and nunchaku branch before striking again, unless blocking.

Founded by Daniel Althaus in Switzerland in 2006. ITNA rules fights are two rounds and last 2:30. There are no stops during the round except for loss, lifting or penalties. Between strikes, the fighter must switch hands and nunchaku branch before striking again, unless blocking. Nunchaku-en-Savate (ARSIC-International): First presented by Jean-Noel Eynard, Professor of Savate, pioneer of FFBFSDA Savate in the US. The sport combines the technique of savate with nunchaku, similar to savate combined with la canne. The rebirth of nunchaku-en-savate took place in Ivory Coast in the late 1970s. It was taught in self-defense classes of Savate. In 1983, the sport made its way to the United States.

legality [edit]

In a number of countries possession of the nunchaku is illegal or the nunchaku is defined as a regulated weapon. These bans largely came after the Bruce Lee films’ surge in popularity. Norway, Canada, [23] [24] Russia, Poland, Chile and Spain are all known to have significant restrictions.

Nunchaku have been illegal in Germany since April 2006, when they were declared a choking weapon.[25][26]

In England and Wales, public ownership of nunchaku is severely restricted by the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988. However, nunchaku are not included in the list of weapons the sale and manufacture of which are prohibited by Schedule 1 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988 and are traded openly (subject to age restrictions).

In Scotland, laws restricting offensive arms are similar to those in England and Wales. In a 2010 case, however, the Glasgow Sheriff Court refused to accept a defense finding that nunchaku were not specifically prohibited weapons under Scottish law, although the defendants were acquitted on other counts.[27]

The use of nunchaku was censored by UK reruns of American children’s television shows such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoons and films in the 1990s. The UK version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had to be edited in England, the nunchucks used by Michelangelo were edited until they were replaced with a grappling hook.[29] The UK version of the Soul Blade video game was also edited, replacing the character Li Long’s nunchaku with a three-piece staff.

In Hong Kong, it is illegal to own metal or wooden nunchucks connected by a chain, although martial arts instructors can obtain a license from the police and rubber nunchucks are still permitted. Possession of nunchaku in mainland China is legal.

Australia varies by state law. In New South Wales, the gun is on the Restricted Gun List and therefore can only be possessed with permission.

The United States varies at the state level. As elsewhere, the popularity of Bruce Lee films led to a wave of nunchaku bans in the 1970s.[30] Many states prohibit the carrying of the nunchaku in public as a concealed weapon, but a small number restrict or outlaw possession. California has made exceptions for professional martial arts schools and practitioners to use the nunchaku.[31] The state of Arizona has considered nunchaku a “prohibited weapon” since the 1970s, making mere possession illegal with the sole exception of nunchaku-like items manufactured for use as lighting devices.[32] A constitutional complaint also failed.[33] It was legalized in 2019.[30] New York used to ban all nunchaku possession, but this was ruled unconstitutional in the 2018 case of Maloney v. Singas.[34]

Law enforcement use[edit]

Nunchaku have been employed by some American police departments for decades, particularly after the popular Bruce Lee films of the 1970s. For example, in 2015, police in the small town of Anderson, California were trained and deployed to use nunchaku as a form of non-lethal force.[35] They were chosen for their usefulness as both a striking weapon and a control tool.

Orcutt Police Nunchaku (OPN) has been adopted by more than 200 law enforcement agencies in the United States. Although it could be used as a striking weapon, it was primarily used as a gripping device on the wrists and ankles for pain relief. They were very effective in this regard, but improper use has been linked to injuries such as broken wrists and limbs, leading to their being phased out.[36]

Tasers, however, have become the non-lethal weapon of choice for most departments.[37]

See also[edit]

References[ edit ]

International Associations

The American Style Nunchaku Federation has black belts in several countries around the world.

Welcome

legal issues

type of Chinese martial arts

This article is about modern sport. For other uses, see Wushu

Wushu ( ) or Kung Fu is a hard and soft complete martial art and a full contact sport.[1][2] It has a long history related to Chinese martial arts. It was developed in 1949 in an effort to standardize the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts,[3] but attempts to structure the various decentralized martial arts traditions date back to earlier, when the Central Guoshu Institute was founded in Nanking in 1928.

“Wushu” is the Chinese term for “martial arts” (武 “Wu” = military or martial, 術 “Shu” = art). In modern times, Wushu has become an international sport under the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), which hosts the World Wushu Championships every two years. Wushu is an official event in the Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, World Combat Games, and various other multisport events.

name [edit]

The word wu (武; wǔ) means “warlike”. Its Chinese character consists of two parts; the first means “go” or “stop” (止; zhǐ) and the second means “lance” (戈; gē). This implies that “wu’武” is a defensive use of combat. [doubtful – discuss] The term “wushu 武術”, meaning “martial arts”, dates back to the Liang Dynasty (502-557) in an anthology compiled by Xiao Tong (蕭通), (Prince Zhaoming; 昭明太子 d . 531), called Selected Literature (文選; Wénxuǎn). The term is found in the second verse of a poem by Yan Yanzhi entitled: 皇太子釋奠會作詩 “Huang Taizi Shidian Hui Zuoshi”.

The great man grows the many innumerable things. . . He breaks with the military arts and fully promotes the cultural mandates. — Translation from Echoes of the Past by Yan Yanzhi (384–456)

The term Wushu is also found in a poem by Cheng Shao (1626-1644) of the Ming Dynasty.

The earliest term for “martial arts” found in Han history (206 BC – AD 23) was “military fighting techniques” (兵技巧; bīng jìqiǎo). During the Song period (around 960), the name changed to “martial arts” (武藝; wǔyì). In 1928, the name was changed to “national arts” (國術; guóshù) when the National Martial Arts Academy was founded in Nanjing. The term reverted to wǔshù in the early 1950s under the People’s Republic of China.

history [edit]

In 1958, the government established the Martial Arts Training Organization. The Chinese State Physical Culture and Sports Commission directed the creation of standardized forms for most major arts. During this time, a national wushu system was established that included standard forms, syllabuses, and teacher ratings. Wushu was introduced at both the high school and university levels. This new system seeks to incorporate common elements from all styles and forms, as well as the general ideas associated with Chinese martial arts. Style terms such as hard, soft, internal, external and classifications according to schools such as Shaolin, Tai Chi, Wudang and others were integrated into one system. Wushu has become the state-sponsored standard for martial arts training in China.[4] The push for standardization further led to widespread customization.

In 1979, the State Physical Culture and Sports Commission created a special task force for teaching and practicing Wushu. In 1986, the Chinese National Research Institute of Wushu was established as the central authority for research and management of Wushu activities in China.[5] Changing government policy and attitudes towards sport in general led to the closure of the State Sports Commission (the central sports authority) in 1998. This closure is seen as an attempt to partially depoliticize organized sport and make Chinese sport policy more market-driven.[6] As a result of these changing sociological factors within China, both traditional styles and modern approaches to Wushu are being promoted by the International Wushu Federation.[7]

Taolu[edit]

Wushu events are conducted with mandatory or individual routines or taolu in competition. In the 1990s through 2005, athletes competed in international competitions using routines choreographed by IWUF-assigned coaches or athletes. In November 2003, a major overhaul of the Taolu competition rules took place: the content of the deduction was standardized, the roles of the judges were organized and expanded, and the difficulty component, also known as Nandu (難度; difficulty moves), was added. This category is worth 2 out of 10 points. The “Movement Quality” category is rated with 5 points and the “Overall Performance” category with 3 points. These changes were first introduced at the 2005 World Wushu Championships and individual routines have become the standard where an athlete, with the help of their coach, creates a routine while following specific rules of difficulty and technical requirements.[8] Only the athletes of age groups C and B still compete at the junior Wushu World Championships with compulsory exercises at an international level. All junior competitions, including Group A athletes (competing with individual routines), all traditional competitions, and all non-standard Taolu competitions (e.g. Shuangdao, Baguazhang, etc.) are scored without the difficulty component.

In addition to events for individual routines, some wushu competitions also offer doubles and group events. The dual event, also known as Duilian (对练), is an event where there is some form of sparring with or without weapons. Also known as Jiti (集體), the group event requires a group of people to perform together, and smooth synchronization of actions is crucial. Usually the group event also allows instrumental music to accompany the choreography during the performance. The rug used for the group event is also larger than that used for individual routines. The 2019 World Wushu Championships was the first international Wushu competition to host such an event.

With bare hands[ edit ]

Changquan (Chinese: 长拳; lit. “Long Fist”) is an event derived from styles such as Chāquán (查拳), Huaquan (華拳), Hongquan (洪拳), and Shaolinquan (少林拳), as well as other traditional styles . Changquan is the most popular and difficult of all Wushu events, requiring great speed, strength, accuracy and flexibility. Most professional athletes in China practice this style from a young age.

(Chinese: ‘Long Fist’) is an event derived from styles such as Chāquán (查拳), Huaquan (華拳), Hongquan (洪拳), and Shaolinquan (少林拳), as well as other traditional styles. Changquan is the most popular and difficult of all Wushu events, requiring great speed, strength, accuracy and flexibility. Most professional athletes in China practice this style from a young age. Nanquan (Chinese: 南拳; literally “Southern Fist”) is an event derived from styles that originated in the southern regions of China, such as Hongjiaquan (洪家拳), Cailifoquan (蔡李佛拳), and Yongchunquan (詠春拳). . Nanquan typically requires less flexibility and less acrobatics than changquan, but it also requires greater leg stability and power generation through leg and hip coordination.

(Chinese: “Southern Fist”) is an event derived from styles originating in the southern regions of China, such as Hongjiaquan (洪家拳), Cailifoquan (蔡李佛拳), and Yongchunquan (詠春拳). Nanquan typically requires less flexibility and less acrobatics than changquan, but it also requires greater leg stability and power generation through leg and hip coordination. Taijiquan (Chinese: 太极拳; lit. ‘Grand Ultimate Fist’) as a Wushu Taolu event is largely based on the Yang style (楊) of Taijiquan, but also includes Chen (陳), Wu (吳), Wu movements (Hao) (武) and Sun (孫) styles. Competitive contemporary Taiji differs from the traditional first form for styles from which it draws in that it typically involves difficult balances and leaps that require great balance, control, and flexibility. The Taijiquan event, as well as other Taiji-based events, are usually performed with musical accompaniment.

Handguns[ edit ]

A Dao

Daoshu (Chinese: 刀术; literally “broadsword”) is an event using the Dao with Changquan movement methods.

(Chinese: ‘Broadsword’) is an event using the Dao with Changquan movement methods. Jianshu (Chinese: 剑术; literally “Straightsword”) is an event that uses the jian with Changquan movement methods.

(Chinese: ; ‘Straightsword’) is an event using the jian with Changquan movement methods. Nandao (Chinese: 南刀; literally “southern broadsword”) was introduced to international wushu competition in 1999. The weapon and techniques are based on the Yongchunquan butterfly swords, a southern style. The blade has been lengthened and modified to use a unique sword.

(Chinese: ‘Southern Broadsword’) was introduced into international wushu competition in 1999. The weapon and techniques are based on the Yongchunquan butterfly swords, a southern style. The blade has been lengthened and modified to use a unique sword. Taijijian (Chinese: 太极剑; lit. “Tai Chi Straightsword”) is an event using the jian based on traditional Taijiquan jian methods. This event entered the international competition in 1999.

(Chinese: ‘Tai Chi Straightsword’) is an event using the jian based on traditional Taijiquan jian methods. This event entered the international competition in 1999. Taijishan (Chinese: 太极扇; literally “Tai Chi Fan”) is an event that uses a Chinese hand fan with traditional Taijiquan methods. This event was created in 2019 ahead of Wushu’s participation in the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games (originally scheduled for 2022) and as such has yet to debut in competition.

Long guns[ edit ]

Gunshu (Chinese: 棍术; pinyin: Gùn shù; literally “cudgel”) is an event using a staff with Changquan movement methods. Sticks were traditionally made from white wax wood, but since the 2010s carbon fiber sticks have become the standard in international competition due to their lighter weight and more durable.

(Chinese: ; Pinyin: ; ‘Cudgel’) is an event using a staff with Changquan movement methods. Sticks were traditionally made from white wax wood, but since the 2010s carbon fiber sticks have become the standard in international competition due to their lighter weight and more durable. Qiangshu (Chinese: 枪术; pinyin: Qiāng shù; lit. “spear”) is an event using a spear with Changquan movement methods. The shaft of the spear is generally more flexible and longer than that used in the Gunshu event.

(Chinese: ; Pinyin: ; ‘spear’) is an event using a spear with Changquan movement methods. The shaft of the spear is generally more flexible and longer than that used in the Gunshu event. Nangun (Chinese: 南棍; pinyin: Nán gùn; literally “southern cudgel”) was introduced to international wushu competition in 1999. It uses a staff with Nanquan movement methods. The staff is generally much thicker and heavier than that used in the Gunshu event.

The majority of routines used in sports are new, modernized recompilations of traditional routines. However, routines derived directly from traditional styles, including styles that are not part of standard events, can be performed at competitions, particularly in China. However, many of these styles are events of the World Kung Fu Championships, another event hosted by the IWUF intended solely for traditional Wushu styles. Some of the more common routines include:

Traditional weapon routines[ edit ]

There is also a traditional weapon category, which often includes:

Shuangshoujian (雙手劍/双手剑) – Two-handed sword

Jiujiebian (九節鞭/九节鞭) – Nine-section whip

Sanjiegun (三節棍/三节棍) – Three-piece staff

Shengbiao (繩鏢/绳镖) – Rope Arrow

Dadao (大刀) – Great Sword

Pudao (撲刀/扑刀) – horse knife

Emeici (峨嵋刺) – Emei daggers

Shuangdao (雙刀/双刀) – double broadsword

Shuanggou (雙鈎/双钩) – double hooked sword

sanda [edit]

A wushu sanda match in Brazil

The other major discipline of contemporary Chinese Wushu is 散打 Sǎndǎ or 运动散打 (Yùndòng Sǎndǎ, athletic free fighting) or 竞争散打 (Jìngzhēng Sàndǎ, competitive free fighting), meaning: A modern fighting method, sport and applicable component of Wushu/Kung Fu influenced by traditional Chinese boxing, where takedowns and throws are allowed in competition, and all other types of punching (use of arms and legs). Chinese wrestling methods called Shuai Jiao and other Chinese grappling techniques like Chin Na. It has all the martial aspects of Wushu.

A takedown in a Sanda match

Sanda looks similar to kickboxing or muay thai but involves a lot more grappling techniques. Sanda fighting competitions are often held together with taolu or form competitions. Sanda represents the modern evolution of Lei Tai competitions but with rules that reduce the risk of serious injury. Many Chinese martial arts schools teach or operate under the rules of Sanda and work to incorporate the movements, characteristics, and theories of their style.

Chinese martial artists also compete in non-Chinese or mixed martial arts, including boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts. Sanda is practiced in tournaments and is usually held together with Taolu events in Wushu competition. For safety reasons, some self-defense techniques such as elbow strikes, chokeholds and joint locks are not allowed in tournaments. Competitors may win by knockout or points earned by landing punches to the body or head, throwing an opponent, or if the competition is on an elevated lei tai platform, by kicking off the platform. Fighters are only allowed a few seconds of clinching. If the clinch is not broken by the contestants and neither contestant succeeds in throwing their opponent within the time limit, the referee will break the clinch. In the US, competitions are held either in boxing rings or on the elevated lei tai platform. Amateur fighters wear protective gear.

Amateur Sanda allows kicks, punches and throws. King of Sanda, a competition in China, is held in a ring similar in design to a boxing ring but larger. As professionals, they wear no protective gear other than gloves, cup, and mouthpiece, and “Professional Sanda” allows for knee and elbow strikes (including to the head), as well as kicking, punching, and throwing.

Some Sanda fighters have competed in fighting tournaments such as K-1, Muay Thai, boxing, and shoot boxing. They have had some success, particularly in shoot boxing competitions more similar to Sanda. Due to the rules of kickboxing competition, Sanda fighters face more restrictions than usual. Also, notable competitors in China’s established mixed martial arts competitions, the Art of War Fighting Championship and the Ranik Ultimate Fighting Federation, are predominantly of Wushu background. Sanda has been featured in many style versus style competitions. Muay Thai is frequently pitted against Sanda, as are karate, kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do. Although less common, some Sanda practitioners have also competed in the publicly-regarded American Mixed Martial Arts competitions.

competitions [edit]

Major international and regional competitions featuring wushu include:

Wushu is not a summer Olympic sport; The IWUF has repeatedly supported proposals to include wushu in the Olympic program, most recently as one of eight sports proposed for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. However, it failed to make the final shortlist and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) instead voted to resume wrestling. Wushu was officially introduced into the Olympic Games in 1936 at the request of Chancellor Hitler as an exhibition sport in Berlin Olympic Games.[9][10][11] As part of new IOC rules allowing hosting committees to accept proposals for new sports to be added to the program (allowing sports of local interest to be included in the Olympic program under an “event-based” model), Wushu shortlisted again in June 2015 as part of eight sports so proposed for inclusion in the 2020 Games.[12] However, it did not make the final shortlist of five.[13] On January 8, 2020, the IOC announced that Wushu would be added to the 2022 Summer Youth Olympic Games (which have been postponed to 2026).[14]

Because of its cultural significance in China, the IOC allowed the organizers of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics to hold a wushu tournament as a separate event in parallel with the Games – the first time the IOC allowed such an event.[15] [16][17]

Wushu was also a demonstration sport at the 2014 Nanjing Summer Youth Olympic Games, which hosted events for Group A athletes who had qualified for the World Junior Wushu Championships earlier that year.[18] Wushu was also part of the 2014 Nanjing Sports Lab alongside skateboarding, roller skating, and sport climbing.[19]

Notable practitioners[edit]

criticism [edit]

Wushu has been criticized as a competitive sport. It has been criticized by some traditional martial artists for being overly commercialized, losing many of its original values, and potentially threatening ancient teaching styles. Such critics argue that contemporary wushu helped create a dichotomy between formwork and martial application.[30][31][32][33][34][35]

See also[edit]

References[ edit ]

Notes [edit]

Why does the Olympics only include taekwondo as the only eastern martial art?

To understand why the Olympics included taekwondo as a sport and not other Eastern forms of martial arts, you need to understand the standard by which they choose which sports to include and which not. There are 2 issues that stand in the way of incorporating other martial arts more than anything else.

Taekwondo | International popularity

First, the sport must have enough international interest. To be included in the Olympic Games, it must be a sport that is practiced all over the world and not just in a single area. The current standard is that a men’s sport at the Summer Olympics must have a population of people in 75 countries on four continents. For women’s sport, it boils down to just requiring practitioners in forty countries across the span of just three continents.

This rule alone is enough to prevent most styles from being qualified. Most styles are only practiced in one country and for this reason cannot be considered. Many are interested in seeing styles like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. These sports are popular both in their country of origin and in America, but mostly not elsewhere. However, it is possible that as these martial arts become more popular, they could be included later.

Taekwondo sports must conform to the stated ideals of the Olympic Games

The next condition that must be met before it can be considered for inclusion is whether there are globally recognized championships. It also requires that there be a governing body that is seen as international. It’s not enough for someone to just set up a few schools in two or three countries and their own international headquarters. This would not be considered official and therefore would not meet the requirements.

In addition to the above criteria, the sport must conform to the stated ideals of the Olympic Games. If a martial art is designed for warfare or street protection, it does not meet the criteria. Therefore, arts like Krav Maga would never be included as they are specifically designed for street warfare against terrorists.

Taekwondo is specially designed for battles and street fights

It is also necessary that those involved in this sport have enough drive to see it used in the Olympics. Japan had a deep and driving desire to embrace judo, and its practitioners were equally motivated. Taekwondo was created in part to renew Korean nationalism, and for that reason all of South Korea wanted the sport incorporated. It had also become popular with practitioners around the world, who shared a desire to see its recording.

Many martial arts are designed specifically for battle and street fighting, and the nature of their design is just too deadly for a sporting event. Judo and Taekwondo were developed specifically for sporting events. Though derived from many wartime practices, they were specifically designed for the ring.

After all these other considerations, the fact is that some feel that judo, for example, has lost its way since it was added to the Olympics. Some believe that since that time they have focused on strategies of strength and speed. The original focus of this sport was to achieve the greatest possible effect with minimal effort. This, according to them, has led to the sport being watered down and stripped of its origins as a true martial art.

So you should understand that there are many factors that prevent the possibility of many of the martial arts being included. Primarily, many are actually intended for warfare and road protection. In addition, many simply do not have the organized facilities needed for inclusion.

There are thousands of different styles under the martial arts umbrella. Each martial arts discipline has different techniques that originate from specific parts of the world. Two of the most popular disciplines, karate and kung fu, are sometimes used interchangeably. Although the forms each come from similar styles of martial arts, karate and kung fu are fundamentally different forms. Here are some ways you can differentiate between the two styles.

place of origin

The origins of the styles of kung fu and karate lead to constant comparisons between the two styles. “Kung Fu” is a modern term applied to a sect of ancient Chinese martial arts forms. However, karate was developed in Japan from a martial arts practice called “te” which involves hand movements. Karate was then further influenced by Chinese martial arts styles, which explains the connection between the two forms.

Linear vs. circular motion

Karate is generally said to be more linear, while kung fu is more circular. This means that karate moves tend to propel you forward toward your target with momentum, while kung fu moves shift weight laterally and rely more on responding to your target’s attacks. Kung fu is therefore more useful in situations where you need to confront your target, while karate is a more offensive martial art. In general, karate can be used more efficiently to damage an opponent, while kung fu can be used to stop an opponent.

uniforms

A martial artist can be identified by the style of their uniform. Karate uniforms are the more common martial artist uniforms, consisting of a white jacket, trousers and a colored belt depending on the skill level. Kung fu uniforms, on the other hand, consist of various tops with frog buttons. They also come in a variety of colors. The main difference between the two uniforms is that kung fu practitioners wear shoes while karate practitioners do not.

Many people practice both kung fu and karate. This is a tough endeavor and will take some time as the styles are fundamentally different. Mastering the martial arts requires patience and dedication. If you wish to improve in any of these disciplines, it is best to select one and devote yourself to it before moving on to another style. If you want more resources to improve, check out the rest of our martial arts articles and coaching resources.

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Chinese martial art

This article is specifically about the generalized term “kung fu.” For the Chinese martial arts commonly known as “wushu”, see Chinese martial arts. For other uses, see Kung Fu (disambiguation)

In general, kung fu/kung fu (or pinyin: gōngfu pronounced [kʊ́ŋfu]) refers to the Chinese martial arts, also known as wushu and quanfa. In China, it refers to any study, learning, or practice that requires patience, energy, and time to be completed. In its original meaning, kung fu can refer to any discipline or skill acquired through hard work and practice, not necessarily martial arts (for example, the discipline of tea-making is called gongfu tea ceremony). The Chinese literal equivalent of “Chinese martial arts” would be 中國武術 zhōngguó wǔshù.[1]

There are many forms of kung fu such as shaolin kung fu, wing chun, tai chi etc. and they are practiced all over the world. Each form of kung fu has its own principles and techniques, but is best known for its trickery and speed, which is where the word kung fu comes from. It was not until the late twentieth century that this term was used by the Chinese community in reference to Chinese martial arts.[2] The Oxford English Dictionary defines the term “kung-fu” as “a primarily unarmed Chinese martial art similar to karate” and credits Punch magazine with the first use of “kung-fu” in print in 1966.[3] This shows how the meaning of this term has changed in English. The origin of this change can be attributed to the misunderstanding or mistranslation of the term by film subtitles or dubbing.[2]

In popular culture[edit]

References to the concepts and uses of Chinese martial arts can be found in popular culture. Historically, the influence of Chinese martial arts can be found in books and in Asian performance arts. More recently, these influences have spread to films and television, which appeal to a much wider audience. As a result, Chinese martial arts have spread beyond their ethnic roots and have global appeal.

Martial arts feature prominently in the literary genre known as wuxia (武俠小說). This type of fiction is based on Chinese concepts of chivalry, a separate martial arts society (武林; Wulin), and a central theme involving martial arts. Wuxia stories can be traced back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. Being popularized by the Tang Dynasty and evolving into novels by the Ming Dynasty. This genre is still very popular in much of Asia and has had a major impact on public perceptions of martial arts.

Martial arts influences can also be found in dance, theater and especially in Chinese opera, of which Peking Opera is one of the best known examples. This popular form of drama dates back to the Tang Dynasty and remains an example of Chinese culture. Some martial arts movements can be found in Chinese opera and some martial artists can be found as performers in Chinese operas.

In modern times, Chinese martial arts have spawned the cinematic genre known as the kung fu film. Bruce Lee’s films were instrumental in the initial burst of popularity of Chinese martial arts in the West in the 1970s, following a famous demonstration of “Chinese boxing” at the 1964 Long Beach International Karate Championships in front of the US karate community actors such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Donnie Yen have continued the appeal of films in this genre. Jackie Chan successfully brought humor to his films with his fighting style. Martial arts films from China are often referred to as “kung fu films” (功夫片) or “wire-fu” when extensive wire work is performed for special effects, and are still best known as part of the kung fu theater tradition. (see also: wuxia, Hong Kong action cinema). In 2003, television network Fuse began airing episodes of a half-hour television show titled Kung Faux, which blended classic kung fu films with hip-hop sensibilities and comic affect to consistent critical success.

“Bitter Work,” the literal Cantonese translation of “Kung Fu,” is the title of the ninth episode of Avatar’s second season. In the episode, the show’s protagonist and nemesis has mastered various aspects of kung fu.

Influence on early hip hop[edit]

In the 1970s, Bruce Lee began to gain popularity in Hollywood for his martial arts films. The fact that he was a non-white male, representing confidence and righteous self-discipline, resonated with black audiences and made him an important figure in that community.[5] With the release of Enter the Dragon in 1973, kung fu films became a hit across the board in America. However, black audiences sustained the films’ popularity long after the general public had lost interest. Urban youth from every borough of New York City frequented movie theaters in Manhattan’s Times Square every night to see the latest films.[6]

Among these individuals were those who came from the Bronx, where hip-hop was taking shape at the time. One of the pioneers responsible for developing the fundamental aspects of hip-hop was DJ Kool Herc, who began creating this new form of music by taking rhythmic breakdowns from songs and repeating them. Emerging from the new music was a new dance form known as b-boying or break dancing, a style of street dancing consisting of improvised acrobatic movements. The pioneers of this dance credit kung fu as one of its influences [citation needed].

Moves such as the squat low leg sweep and “up rocking” (standing fighting moves) are influenced by choreographed kung fu combat. The dancers’ ability to improvise these moves led to bouts, which were dance competitions between two dancers or crews, judged on their creativity, skill, and musicianship. In a documentary, Crazy Legs, a member of the breakdance group Rock Steady Crew, described the breakdance match as an old kung fu movie “where the one kung fu master says something like, ‘Hat your kung fu is good, but ‘mine is better’, then a fight breaks out.”[7]

See also[edit]

type of Chinese martial arts

This article is about modern sport. For other uses, see Wushu

Wushu ( ) or Kung Fu is a hard and soft complete martial art and a full contact sport.[1][2] It has a long history related to Chinese martial arts. It was developed in 1949 in an effort to standardize the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts,[3] but attempts to structure the various decentralized martial arts traditions date back to earlier, when the Central Guoshu Institute was founded in Nanking in 1928.

“Wushu” is the Chinese term for “martial arts” (武 “Wu” = military or martial, 術 “Shu” = art). In modern times, Wushu has become an international sport under the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), which hosts the World Wushu Championships every two years. Wushu is an official event in the Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, World Combat Games, and various other multisport events.

name [edit]

The word wu (武; wǔ) means “warlike”. Its Chinese character consists of two parts; the first means “go” or “stop” (止; zhǐ) and the second means “lance” (戈; gē). This implies that “wu’武” is a defensive use of combat. [doubtful – discuss] The term “wushu 武術”, meaning “martial arts”, dates back to the Liang Dynasty (502-557) in an anthology compiled by Xiao Tong (蕭通), (Prince Zhaoming; 昭明太子 d . 531), called Selected Literature (文選; Wénxuǎn). The term is found in the second verse of a poem by Yan Yanzhi entitled: 皇太子釋奠會作詩 “Huang Taizi Shidian Hui Zuoshi”.

The great man grows the many innumerable things. . . He breaks with the military arts and fully promotes the cultural mandates. — Translation from Echoes of the Past by Yan Yanzhi (384–456)

The term Wushu is also found in a poem by Cheng Shao (1626-1644) of the Ming Dynasty.

The earliest term for “martial arts” found in Han history (206 BC – AD 23) was “military fighting techniques” (兵技巧; bīng jìqiǎo). During the Song period (around 960), the name changed to “martial arts” (武藝; wǔyì). In 1928, the name was changed to “national arts” (國術; guóshù) when the National Martial Arts Academy was founded in Nanjing. The term reverted to wǔshù in the early 1950s under the People’s Republic of China.

history [edit]

In 1958, the government established the Martial Arts Training Organization. The Chinese State Physical Culture and Sports Commission directed the creation of standardized forms for most major arts. During this time, a national wushu system was established that included standard forms, syllabuses, and teacher ratings. Wushu was introduced at both the high school and university levels. This new system seeks to incorporate common elements from all styles and forms, as well as the general ideas associated with Chinese martial arts. Style terms such as hard, soft, internal, external and classifications according to schools such as Shaolin, Tai Chi, Wudang and others were integrated into one system. Wushu has become the state-sponsored standard for martial arts training in China.[4] The push for standardization further led to widespread customization.

In 1979, the State Physical Culture and Sports Commission created a special task force for teaching and practicing Wushu. In 1986, the Chinese National Research Institute of Wushu was established as the central authority for research and management of Wushu activities in China.[5] Changing government policy and attitudes towards sport in general led to the closure of the State Sports Commission (the central sports authority) in 1998. This closure is seen as an attempt to partially depoliticize organized sport and make Chinese sport policy more market-driven.[6] As a result of these changing sociological factors within China, both traditional styles and modern approaches to Wushu are being promoted by the International Wushu Federation.[7]

Taolu[edit]

Wushu events are conducted with mandatory or individual routines or taolu in competition. In the 1990s through 2005, athletes competed in international competitions using routines choreographed by IWUF-assigned coaches or athletes. In November 2003, a major overhaul of the Taolu competition rules took place: the content of the deduction was standardized, the roles of the judges were organized and expanded, and the difficulty component, also known as Nandu (難度; difficulty moves), was added. This category is worth 2 out of 10 points. The “Movement Quality” category is rated with 5 points and the “Overall Performance” category with 3 points. These changes were first introduced at the 2005 World Wushu Championships and individual routines have become the standard where an athlete, with the help of their coach, creates a routine while following specific rules of difficulty and technical requirements.[8] Only the athletes of age groups C and B still compete at the junior Wushu World Championships with compulsory exercises at an international level. All junior competitions, including Group A athletes (competing with individual routines), all traditional competitions, and all non-standard Taolu competitions (e.g. Shuangdao, Baguazhang, etc.) are scored without the difficulty component.

In addition to events for individual routines, some wushu competitions also offer doubles and group events. The dual event, also known as Duilian (对练), is an event where there is some form of sparring with or without weapons. Also known as Jiti (集體), the group event requires a group of people to perform together, and smooth synchronization of actions is crucial. Usually the group event also allows instrumental music to accompany the choreography during the performance. The rug used for the group event is also larger than that used for individual routines. The 2019 World Wushu Championships was the first international Wushu competition to host such an event.

With bare hands[ edit ]

Changquan (Chinese: 长拳; lit. “Long Fist”) is an event derived from styles such as Chāquán (查拳), Huaquan (華拳), Hongquan (洪拳), and Shaolinquan (少林拳), as well as other traditional styles . Changquan is the most popular and difficult of all Wushu events, requiring great speed, strength, accuracy and flexibility. Most professional athletes in China practice this style from a young age.

(Chinese: ‘Long Fist’) is an event derived from styles such as Chāquán (查拳), Huaquan (華拳), Hongquan (洪拳), and Shaolinquan (少林拳), as well as other traditional styles. Changquan is the most popular and difficult of all Wushu events, requiring great speed, strength, accuracy and flexibility. Most professional athletes in China practice this style from a young age. Nanquan (Chinese: 南拳; literally “Southern Fist”) is an event derived from styles that originated in the southern regions of China, such as Hongjiaquan (洪家拳), Cailifoquan (蔡李佛拳), and Yongchunquan (詠春拳). . Nanquan typically requires less flexibility and less acrobatics than changquan, but it also requires greater leg stability and power generation through leg and hip coordination.

(Chinese: “Southern Fist”) is an event derived from styles originating in the southern regions of China, such as Hongjiaquan (洪家拳), Cailifoquan (蔡李佛拳), and Yongchunquan (詠春拳). Nanquan typically requires less flexibility and less acrobatics than changquan, but it also requires greater leg stability and power generation through leg and hip coordination. Taijiquan (Chinese: 太极拳; lit. ‘Grand Ultimate Fist’) as a Wushu Taolu event is largely based on the Yang style (楊) of Taijiquan, but also includes Chen (陳), Wu (吳), Wu movements (Hao) (武) and Sun (孫) styles. Competitive contemporary Taiji differs from the traditional first form for styles from which it draws in that it typically involves difficult balances and leaps that require great balance, control, and flexibility. The Taijiquan event, as well as other Taiji-based events, are usually performed with musical accompaniment.

Handguns[ edit ]

A Dao

Daoshu (Chinese: 刀术; literally “broadsword”) is an event using the Dao with Changquan movement methods.

(Chinese: ‘Broadsword’) is an event using the Dao with Changquan movement methods. Jianshu (Chinese: 剑术; literally “Straightsword”) is an event that uses the jian with Changquan movement methods.

(Chinese: ; ‘Straightsword’) is an event using the jian with Changquan movement methods. Nandao (Chinese: 南刀; literally “southern broadsword”) was introduced to international wushu competition in 1999. The weapon and techniques are based on the Yongchunquan butterfly swords, a southern style. The blade has been lengthened and modified to use a unique sword.

(Chinese: ‘Southern Broadsword’) was introduced into international wushu competition in 1999. The weapon and techniques are based on the Yongchunquan butterfly swords, a southern style. The blade has been lengthened and modified to use a unique sword. Taijijian (Chinese: 太极剑; lit. “Tai Chi Straightsword”) is an event using the jian based on traditional Taijiquan jian methods. This event entered the international competition in 1999.

(Chinese: ‘Tai Chi Straightsword’) is an event using the jian based on traditional Taijiquan jian methods. This event entered the international competition in 1999. Taijishan (Chinese: 太极扇; literally “Tai Chi Fan”) is an event that uses a Chinese hand fan with traditional Taijiquan methods. This event was created in 2019 ahead of Wushu’s participation in the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games (originally scheduled for 2022) and as such has yet to debut in competition.

Long guns[ edit ]

Gunshu (Chinese: 棍术; pinyin: Gùn shù; literally “cudgel”) is an event using a staff with Changquan movement methods. Sticks were traditionally made from white wax wood, but since the 2010s carbon fiber sticks have become the standard in international competition due to their lighter weight and more durable.

(Chinese: ; Pinyin: ; ‘Cudgel’) is an event using a staff with Changquan movement methods. Sticks were traditionally made from white wax wood, but since the 2010s carbon fiber sticks have become the standard in international competition due to their lighter weight and more durable. Qiangshu (Chinese: 枪术; pinyin: Qiāng shù; lit. “spear”) is an event using a spear with Changquan movement methods. The shaft of the spear is generally more flexible and longer than that used in the Gunshu event.

(Chinese: ; Pinyin: ; ‘spear’) is an event using a spear with Changquan movement methods. The shaft of the spear is generally more flexible and longer than that used in the Gunshu event. Nangun (Chinese: 南棍; pinyin: Nán gùn; literally “southern cudgel”) was introduced to international wushu competition in 1999. It uses a staff with Nanquan movement methods. The staff is generally much thicker and heavier than that used in the Gunshu event.

The majority of routines used in sports are new, modernized recompilations of traditional routines. However, routines derived directly from traditional styles, including styles that are not part of standard events, can be performed at competitions, particularly in China. However, many of these styles are events of the World Kung Fu Championships, another event hosted by the IWUF intended solely for traditional Wushu styles. Some of the more common routines include:

Traditional weapon routines[ edit ]

There is also a traditional weapon category, which often includes:

Shuangshoujian (雙手劍/双手剑) – Two-handed sword

Jiujiebian (九節鞭/九节鞭) – Nine-section whip

Sanjiegun (三節棍/三节棍) – Three-piece staff

Shengbiao (繩鏢/绳镖) – Rope Arrow

Dadao (大刀) – Great Sword

Pudao (撲刀/扑刀) – horse knife

Emeici (峨嵋刺) – Emei daggers

Shuangdao (雙刀/双刀) – double broadsword

Shuanggou (雙鈎/双钩) – double hooked sword

sanda [edit]

A wushu sanda match in Brazil

The other major discipline of contemporary Chinese Wushu is 散打 Sǎndǎ or 运动散打 (Yùndòng Sǎndǎ, athletic free fighting) or 竞争散打 (Jìngzhēng Sàndǎ, competitive free fighting), meaning: A modern fighting method, sport and applicable component of Wushu/Kung Fu influenced by traditional Chinese boxing, where takedowns and throws are allowed in competition, and all other types of punching (use of arms and legs). Chinese wrestling methods called Shuai Jiao and other Chinese grappling techniques like Chin Na. It has all the martial aspects of Wushu.

A takedown in a Sanda match

Sanda looks similar to kickboxing or muay thai but involves a lot more grappling techniques. Sanda fighting competitions are often held together with taolu or form competitions. Sanda represents the modern evolution of Lei Tai competitions but with rules that reduce the risk of serious injury. Many Chinese martial arts schools teach or operate under the rules of Sanda and work to incorporate the movements, characteristics, and theories of their style.

Chinese martial artists also compete in non-Chinese or mixed martial arts, including boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts. Sanda is practiced in tournaments and is usually held together with Taolu events in Wushu competition. For safety reasons, some self-defense techniques such as elbow strikes, chokeholds and joint locks are not allowed in tournaments. Competitors may win by knockout or points earned by landing punches to the body or head, throwing an opponent, or if the competition is on an elevated lei tai platform, by kicking off the platform. Fighters are only allowed a few seconds of clinching. If the clinch is not broken by the contestants and neither contestant succeeds in throwing their opponent within the time limit, the referee will break the clinch. In the US, competitions are held either in boxing rings or on the elevated lei tai platform. Amateur fighters wear protective gear.

Amateur Sanda allows kicks, punches and throws. King of Sanda, a competition in China, is held in a ring similar in design to a boxing ring but larger. As professionals, they wear no protective gear other than gloves, cup, and mouthpiece, and “Professional Sanda” allows for knee and elbow strikes (including to the head), as well as kicking, punching, and throwing.

Some Sanda fighters have competed in fighting tournaments such as K-1, Muay Thai, boxing, and shoot boxing. They have had some success, particularly in shoot boxing competitions more similar to Sanda. Due to the rules of kickboxing competition, Sanda fighters face more restrictions than usual. Also, notable competitors in China’s established mixed martial arts competitions, the Art of War Fighting Championship and the Ranik Ultimate Fighting Federation, are predominantly of Wushu background. Sanda has been featured in many style versus style competitions. Muay Thai is frequently pitted against Sanda, as are karate, kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do. Although less common, some Sanda practitioners have also competed in the publicly-regarded American Mixed Martial Arts competitions.

competitions [edit]

Major international and regional competitions featuring wushu include:

Wushu is not a summer Olympic sport; The IWUF has repeatedly supported proposals to include wushu in the Olympic program, most recently as one of eight sports proposed for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. However, it failed to make the final shortlist and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) instead voted to resume wrestling. Wushu was officially introduced into the Olympic Games in 1936 at the request of Chancellor Hitler as an exhibition sport in Berlin Olympic Games.[9][10][11] As part of new IOC rules allowing hosting committees to accept proposals for new sports to be added to the program (allowing sports of local interest to be included in the Olympic program under an “event-based” model), Wushu shortlisted again in June 2015 as part of eight sports so proposed for inclusion in the 2020 Games.[12] However, it did not make the final shortlist of five.[13] On January 8, 2020, the IOC announced that Wushu would be added to the 2022 Summer Youth Olympic Games (which have been postponed to 2026).[14]

Because of its cultural significance in China, the IOC allowed the organizers of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics to hold a wushu tournament as a separate event in parallel with the Games – the first time the IOC allowed such an event.[15] [16][17]

Wushu was also a demonstration sport at the 2014 Nanjing Summer Youth Olympic Games, which hosted events for Group A athletes who had qualified for the World Junior Wushu Championships earlier that year.[18] Wushu was also part of the 2014 Nanjing Sports Lab alongside skateboarding, roller skating, and sport climbing.[19]

Notable practitioners[edit]

criticism [edit]

Wushu has been criticized as a competitive sport. It has been criticized by some traditional martial artists for being overly commercialized, losing many of its original values, and potentially threatening ancient teaching styles. Such critics argue that contemporary wushu helped create a dichotomy between formwork and martial application.[30][31][32][33][34][35]

See also[edit]

References[ edit ]

Notes [edit]