Chinese Martial arts, also known as Wushu traces its origin all the way back to Antiquity. Over the centuries it has developed a great diversity of styles and techniques, ranging from fighting barehanded to the use of weapons. Each discipline has its own characteristics and advantages.
Contemporary Wushu is a modern competitive style of Chinese Martial Arts. The focus is on advancement in technique and form with particular importance placed on the virtue of Wushu (Wu De). It has its origin in Traditional Wushu and builds on this foundation to further enhance fitness.
The development of Chinese Martial Arts has been based on scientific principles both in its training and teaching methods. Drawing from the various styles, Wushu of today emphasizes the particular advantages of different styles, while considering of less importance any conflicts that may have existed in the past. The new face of Wushu is a result of widespread exposure through the media. Wushu has now become universally known – and in fact, has been made an Olympic event at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Wushu is the most widely practiced of all sports in China.
