Wushu

WHAT IS WUSHU?

Wushu (also commonly referred to as kung fu) has a long and diverse history. Wushu has been traced back in China to the Bronze Age (3000 - 1200 BC) and evolved into specialised barehand and weapons-based combat methods. Traditional wushu practices developed and spread across the China’s geography and absorbed cultural, ethnic and philosophical characteristics from the diverse parts of China. Modern wushu is popular as a means of self-defence and health improvement, as well as entertainment.

BENEFITS OF WUSHU

STRENGTH
Wushu training results in a lean muscular flexible physique. Wushu stances build leg, stomach and lower back strength and holding the stances encourages the muscles to work together. Self-defence movements such as blocking and punching increase shoulder and upper back strength. Using weapons provides the next level for strength development.

FLEXIBILITY
Wushu training builds overall flexibility by stretching the hamstrings, calf, hips, chest, back, arms and shoulder muscles, even wrist and ankles are stretched.  While genetics and age affect a body’s flexibility over time, wushu training can help you achieve your full flexible potential.

BALANCE
Wushu training develops understanding of your centre of balance through standing on one leg and quick travelling movements. After learning Wushu, you are less likely to fall if you are knocked or trip. You will have greater confidence in your balance.

COORDINATION
Wushu training increases overall body and hand/eye coordination. These are important skills to improve your performance of any other sport or physical activity like dancing. They also help you avoid falls, or general clumsiness such as bumping into furniture or knocking over objects.

STAMINA
Stamina is more than exercise endurance; it also involves mental strength to withstand extreme stress. Wushu training slowly and steadily demands more from your body and mind as you adjust to the exercises. Your endurance will increase as your mind and body accept wushu training.

REFLEXES
Wushu training develops better reflexes in combination with strength and coordination. As these develop, you can move more quickly using muscle memory and endurance. Important if you have to protect yourself or run away, but also useful to catch airborne objects or avoid sudden obstructions.

BODY AWARENESS
Wushu training promotes body awareness – your mind is conscious of what your body is doing and can direct it. This helps you learn new routines or adopt other sports or physical activities. Body awareness, once established, is an enduring and transferable skill, will help you learn and perform any movement sequence, or adapt to new sports.