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What is
Wu Su?
 Wu Su (aka Wu Shu) or "the art of
fighting" - is the general term for all self-defense
sports, some of which may be carried out with the fists
or the legs, or with the help of swords or lances. It is
a great martial art with roots dating back thousands of
years in China, and has been recognized as an ancient
Asian art for the self-discipline of mind and body.
Westerners are more familiar with the term Kung Fu,
which translates loosely into "skill," and was
popularized by Bruce Lee movies and the TV show "Kung
Fu."
Wu Su has two main categories: routine
exercises and free combat fighting as its forms. The
practice of Wu Su provides an excellent release of
stress through self-discipline in meditation and
breathing. The practice also demands skill,
concentration, and consistent and dedicated effort. For
those who persevere, the rewards are great: strength in
mind and body, and the development of physical, mental,
and spiritual resources.
The
Different Styles of Wu Su
 Different temples in
China will teach different styles of Wu Su but the
basics are usually similar to each other. Styles
encompass both soft and hard, and internal and external
techniques. They include grappling, striking,
nerve-attack and weapons training. However, Wu Su is
generally categorized into three styles. Long Fist
(Chang Quan), Traditional Fist, and T'ai-Chi (Taiji
Quan). Long Fist includes both Shaolin fist and weapons
such as sword, spear, staff, and saber. Other weapons,
often known as "soft weapons" include the sectional whip
chain and the rope dart. Long Fist is the foundation for
all of the traditional styles of external Wu Su.
Traditional fist emphasizes the fighting techniques of
only one style. T'ai Chi, unlike external Kung Fu, is
based upon unifying the chi or energy of the body. While
the internal power generated can be used as a primary
tool for self-defense, most T'ai Chi practitioners focus
on the health benefits the art provides. Another
internal Wu Su style is Baguaquan.
The History of Wu Su
Wu Su's
history is extremely controversial. However, there are
two main theories about its beginnings in the form of
Kung Fu. A large number believe that Bodhidharma, (also
called Ta Mo), an Indian Buddhist monk is the founder of
Kung Fu. Throughout history credit has been given to
Bodhidharma as a creator of Sil Lum Kung Fu or the man
responsible for introducing the martial arts to China.
But some believe that Kung Fu was already in existence
long before Bodhidharma arrived in China. There are
vague references to a King in China some thousands of
years ago who trained his men in techniques of
hand-to-hand combat to use against invading barbarians.
Some historians date it as far back as the Shang dynasty
(16th century B.C.). Others date it back to the time of
Huang Ti Emperor (475-221 B.C.). The first written
record we have of Chinese martial arts is from a Taoist
acupuncturist from the 5th century.
"Wu Su" is
the Chinese term that translates into "military art."
Wu Su in its early stages served as a means to build up
health, fitness, cure disease, prolong life, temper the
fighting skills and character and wills, and train
military skills, for the members of the societies.
Intense military conflicts progressed the further
development of Wu Su. Wu Su matured and formed complete
systems of offense and defense.
During late
Shang and Zhou Dynasty (1027-777 B.C.), Wu Su was not
only used for military training but became part of the
school education subjects. As time progressed,
innumerable people tempered and processed Wu Su in
different ways. During the period of Warring States
(770-221 B.C.), the heads of states and government
advocated Wu Su in their armies and kept Wu Su masters
for their own purposes. During the Tang and Sung
Dynasties (618-1279), many civil Wu Su organizations
came into existence. Military Wu Su developed more
systematically and exhibitions of Wu Su arts were held
in the armies as morale boosters and military exercises.
 Wu Su
Develops Internationally
By China's Ming and
Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), Wu Su had formed its basic
patterns and was at its height. The Republic Government
established the Central Wu Su Institute in Nanjing in
1928. After its establishment, local Wu Su institutes
were created in provinces, cities and counties. Two
National Wu Su Meets were held by the Central Wu Su
Institute in 1928 and 1933 in Nanjing, which carried out
competitions on long weapons, short weapons, free
sparring and wrestling. In 1939, the Chinese Wu Su Team
gave a demonstration in Berlin at the XI Olympic Games.
Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in
1949, Wu Su has become a part of the socialist culture
and the people's physical education and sports. The
latter half of the 20th century has seen a great upswing
in the interest in Wu Su globally due to the lectures
and exhibitions given by Wu Su delegations, teams,
instructors and experts.
Wu Shu Video
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