Wushu Taolu.

Taolu, refers to the set routine (form) practice component of wushu. Taolu routines comprise of a continuously connected set of pre-determined techniques, choreographed according to certain principles and philosophies which incorporate techniques and stylistic principles of attack and defense. These include hand techniques, leg techniques, jumps, sweeps, stances & footwork, seizing, throwing & wrestling, balances etc. 

Traditionally, Taolu routines were originally compiled to preserve the techniques and tactics of a particular lineage or system, and would gradually improve a practitioner's flexibility, stamina, strength, speed, balance and co-ordination, and would "imprint" a tactical order into practitioners. Taolu routines include individual routines and group routines, as well as partner/duel routines with 2 or more practitioners involved. They have a rich and diverse content utilizing a wide variety of techniques and includes both bare-handed routines and those performed with weapons.

Sport wushu has developed from traditional wushu and is presented to the world in the form of a modern Olympic sport with a perfect combination of ancient practices and modern sports principles. 

Athletes perform routines (barehanded or with weaponry) based on specific rules, highlighting their athletic strengths. Routines are appraised by a panel of judges who evaluate different aspects of a performance, namely quality of movements, overall performance and degree of difficulty, and award a score based on an athlete's performance. Individual taolu routines include optional routines, compulsory routines, choreographed duel/sparring routines and group routines. Taolu competition takes place in a specialized 8m x 14m arena, which comprises of high density foam covered by a low-static carpet.

At official World Wushu Championships, the main taolu event categories include:

Chang Quan (Long Fist): Comprising of styles that originated and are popular in the northern geographic areas of China (north of the Yangze River) including Cha Quan, Hua Quan, Hong Quan, Shaolin Quan, Fanzi Quan and Pao Chui, this style is defined by open and long-range strikes, and a wide variety of leg techniques and circular motions. Changquan utilizes open and expanded postures, high speed techniques as well as many aerial and acrobatic techniques. It is a fast, dynamic and exciting style, incorporating many breathtaking movements.

Nan Quan (Southern Fist): Comprising of styles

that originated and are popular in the southern geographic areas of China (south of the Yangze River) including Hong (Hung Gar), Li (Lei Gar), Liu (Lau Gar), Mo (Mok Gar), Cai (Choy Gar), Wu Zu Quan, Yong Chun Quan (Wing Chun) and others. Nanquan is defined by low stances with fewer leg techniques and a focus on short, powerful arm strikes often accompanied by vocal articulation. Focusing on a solid stance and stability, Nanquan has relatively fewer acrobatic techniques, but rather concentrates on generating extremely powerful techniques with intricate and highly developed hand techniques. It is a fierce and powerful style whose practitioners exude a strong spirit.

Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan): The most widely practiced and popular martial art in the world today, Taiji Quan is characterized by its slow and graceful motions and its combination of both hard and soft techniques. Taiji Quan comprises of well-known styles including Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun and Wu (Hao), and is popular due to its health building and longevity benefits. Taiji Quan is defined by slow motions, coupled at times with explosive bursts of force, which require total harmony of motion and breath, concentration and co-ordination of the entire body and spirit in a continuous practice

Taiji Jian (Tai Chi Straight sword): Taiji Jian features the double-edged straight sword employed with Taiji Quan principles and characteristics. Taiji Jian is defined by slow motions, coupled at times with explosive bursts of force, which require total harmony of motion and breath, concentration and co-ordination of the entire body and spirit in a continuous practice.

Daoshu (Broadsword): As one of the prominent short bladed weapons in Chinese history, the broadsword was widely practiced throughout China. It is a single-edged curved blade and its practice is characterized by vigorous attack and defensive techniques. Its fierce and powerful movements primarily utilize wrapping and entwining techniques with relentless hacking, upper-cutting, slashing, blocking, thrusting and circling. Its performance requires great strength and co-ordination between the practitioner’s body and the weapon. Categorized within the “Changquan” (northern) stylistic grouping, daoshu is likened to a fierce tiger.

Jianshu (Straight sword): The straight sword is one

of the most widely practiced short bladed weapons in Chinese history; its influence goes beyond the realm of Wushu (martial arts) and has deep cultural connotations. It is a double-edged straight bladed sword and its practice is characterized by graceful, elegant, brisk, agile and naturally flowing motions. It focuses on a harmonious balance between hard and soft techniques with variable and flexible changes in speed. Its primary techniques include thrusting, pointing, tilting, shearing and sweeping combined with intricate footwork, and flexible body work. Categorized within the “Changquan” (northern) stylistic grouping, jianshu is likened to a flying phoenix.

Gunshu (Cudgel): Considered the “father” of all weapons, the long cudgel is fast paced which focuses on far reaching sweeping techniques. Combining offensive and defensive techniques, it is characterized by quick and heavy movements, with fast and numerous changes. The most commonly used techniques include, chopping, butting, sweeping, smashing and rotating. Gunshu is categorized within the “Changquan” (northern) stylistic grouping and is likened to a heavy rainstorm.

Qiangshu (Spear): The spear is considered the “king” of all weapons, and is the major long shafted weapon practiced widely throughout China. Its practice is characterized by agile footwork, flexible body work, smooth transitions, fast and precise techniques, with both short and long range techniques. While its core technique is thrusting, it also includes coiling, circling, circular blocking as well as slamming movements. The spear requires unity between the body and the weapon, and relies on force generated from the entire body. 

This creates a breathtaking and mesmerizing display. Qiangshu is categorized within the “Changquan” (northern) stylistic grouping and is likened to a soaring dragon.

Nandao (Southern Broadsword): “Nandao” is the collective term given for all the different types of broadsword styles which have originated in and are practiced in the southern parts of China, such as the double butterfly sword, the long broad sword etc. Nandao utilizes similar techniques to Daoshu, yet with Nanquan (southern) principles and style. It fully embodies and displays the characteristics and spirit of southern styles, such as a short and sharp exertion of power, with the broadsword kept close to the body for practical defensive application, with supporting hand techniques. It is a fierce and bold style with powerful techniques                 

accompanied by vocal articulation.

Nangun (Southern Cudgel):  “Nangun” is the collective term given for all the different types of cudgel styles which have originated in and are practiced in the southern parts of China such as the “Double Headed Cudgel”, and “Single Headed Cudgel” as well as techniques from other southern cudgel styles. With a rich and practical content which includes varied techniques, a fast-paced rhythm nangun fully embodies and displays the characteristics and spirit of southern cudgel styles by utilizing double handed techniques, with natural extension and withdrawal methods and devastating applications. Its techniques are clear, accurate and exact accompanied by vocal articulation.

Duilian (Choreographed Sparring/Duel): This is a choreographed routine with two or more participants emulating a combat situation featuring bare-handed combat as well as that with weaponry. Displaying both attack and defensive applications, it requires accuracy, high level mastery and supreme conditioning. With great speed and momentum featuring leaping, jumping, tumbling and falling, it is highly energetic and visually entertaining.

Baguazhang (Eight Trigrams Palm): Baguazhang uses circle walking as its foundational training, and its techniques emphasize horizontal and vertical crossing, and changing techniques while walking. Applications emphasize changing to follow opportunities, and constant adjustment to whatever situation presents.

Shuang Jian (Double Straight Swords): Utilizing two straight swords employing straight sword techniques, shuang jian demonstrates harmony and coordination between the left and the right hands as well as between the weapons and the body of the performer in a graceful and precise manner.

Chun Qiu Da Dao (Spring & Autumn Halberd): Also popularly referred to as the Guan Dao, it is popularly associated with the historical figure, Guan Yu of the Three Kingdoms Tale. This long halberd features a shaft with a large curved blade at the top, and a pike on the bottom. Its techniques feature continuous circular slicing & slashing actions which utilize the momentum of the heavy blade driven by the harmonious bodywork of the user.

Xingyi Quan (Shape & Intent Fist): Xingyi Quan is derived from traditional Chinese culture of Yin and Yang and the five elements, to elaborate on the law of motion in the five element techniques, and uses the twelve animal forms and characteristics which result in practical attack and defense techniques. It features a powerful exertion of force.

Wushu History

A Brief History of Wushu.

Wushu’s earliest origins may be traced back to primitive man and his struggle for survival in a harsh environment. This would include defending himself from wild animals, hunting activities and of course defense against other human beings. In order to accomplish this, early man created tools for production as well as weapons for combat. It is the application of such weapons that formed the roots of the fighting techniques in wushu’s weaponry in later times.

Archeological discoveries dating from the Mesolithic, Neolithic ages, to the early Bronze Age include a variety of specific hunting and fighting tools such as arrow heads, sickles, daggers and axes created from stone and later from bronze. During these times, inter-tribal warfare was common in which such weapons were employed, and it is this in essence that promoted the early development of wushu.

During these ancient times we also see the emergence of the ritual contests of strength such as Jiao Di and Chi You play, which consisted of wrestling as well as contestants donning a horned helmet and butting one another. Jiao Di formed the basis for the development of modern Chinese wrestling in later times and was referred to as Xiang Pu and Zheng Jiao.

Through the Shang Dynasty (approx.1556 BC to 1046 BC), Western Zhou period (1046 BC to 771 BC), Spring and Autumn Period (771 BC to 476 BC) and the Warring States period (481 BC to 221 BC) we see wushu further evolve into specialized armed and unarmed combat methods as well as the emergence of sophisticated weapons for warfare. During these times, wushu was not only practiced by troops, but was also popular and practiced by the common people as a means of self-defense, health improvement as well as entertainment. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Confucius stated that people should be trained in both literary arts as well as martial arts (Wen Wu). We see the gradual development of specific systems starting to emerge.

The Qin Dynasty (221 BC to 206 BC) saw the first unification of China and the establishment of a centralized empire, yet following this conflict still occurred through the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD) and then the Tang Dynasty (618 AD to 907 AD). During these periods warfare escalated as did the need for differing weapons and fighting methods, all of which led to the further development of wushu. Due to the unification of the nation, wushu’s health and entertainment value was also further explored and developed. Martial performances became popular, as did combat competitions utilizing protective gear. The combats sports of Shou Bo and wrestling became popular within the imperial court and contests were staged with sideline judges. This spread to the common people and became popular amongst them as well.

In 495 A.D the Shaolin Temple was erected on the Song Shan Mountain for the monk Ba Tuo, whose students enjoyed practicing wushu type exercises in their spare time. Later generations of monks combined Chan (Zen) and Quan (martial arts) into what is famous today as Shaolin Quan (Shaolin Wushu).

From 960 A.D to 1644 A.D gunpowder started to be implemented and soldiers began using simple firearms. While hot weapons slowly came to be employed, cold weapons were still used primarily in combat. With the further development of military drills and training formations, systemized methods of martial training were developed and standardized. Military examinations were implemented for all those wanting to become soldiers.

Folk wushu saw its greatest blossoming and development in a multi-functional way in this era. These wushu practices entered maturity, with a great variety of bare-handed practices emerging. Martial practices were divided into 3 main categories, namely: Gong Fa (skill practice and development); Taolu (routine practice) and Ge Dou (combat practice).

During the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD – 1644 AD) we find the greatest development of systemized styles of wushu, and with that the emergence of written chronicles and manuals on wushu styles and practices. Most famously the Ming General, Qi Jiguang, famous for his defense against invading pirates, compiled the book “Record of Military Training” in which he chronicles folk wushu practices of the time. Many others came to publish training books and manuals on various martial arts practices.

From the beginning of the Qing Dynasty (1644 AD -1911 AD), the use of firearms gradually increased among soldiers and cold weapons were not utilized as much. Instead, wushu was now mainly practiced within common people. With this, martial techniques and practices started to be combined with popular theoretical and philosophical ideas popular amongst the common folk. Traditional medical theory was combined with wushu, which further improved its function for preserving and promoting good health. Popular philosophies such as Taoism were also combined systematically with wushu practice, and we can see the emergence of the popular styles of Xingyi Quan, Bagua Zhang and Taiji Quan from this combination. While they were primarily rooted in martial applications, these styles also paid attention to health and philosophical principles.

In the early 20th century the Shanghai Jing Wu Physical Culture Society, the Beijing Physical Culture Research Institute and similar organizations were established, and during this time wushu was included in school sports programs, as well as in national sports competitions. This development further pushed wushu into the realm of poplar sport. Public performances became common, as was public practice, and wushu competitions were organized; all of these further spread and promoted wushu’s practice.

In 1923 the Chinese National Wushu Games were held in Shanghai. In 1928, the Nanjing Guoshu Guan was established and wushu’s name was officially changed to Guoshu (national art), with the aim of systemizing wushu practice and to promote and develop it nationwide. They organized numerous wushu meets and competitions featuring taolu, as well as contests with weaponry and barehanded combat. In 1929 Wushu Taolu was included in China’s 3rdNational Games. In 1936 a Chinese wushu delegation performed a demonstration at the XI Olympic Games held in Berlin.

Wushu continually developed through the Republican Era and after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Formats as well as detailed rules for wushu competition were compiled and implemented, along with the standardization of teaching methods and materials, which greatly developed the standard of wushu. In 1985, the first International Invitation Wushu Tournament was held in Xi’an, China, and the preparatory committee for the International Wushu Federation was formed. In 1990 the International Wushu Federation was officially founded.

What is Wushu?

Wushu, which is also referred to as kung-fu, is the collective term for the martial art practices which originated and developed in China, and wushu is the well-spring of all Asian martial practices. Over its long history, wushu has developed into numerous distinct styles and systems, each incorporating their own techniques, tactics, principles and methods, as well as the use of a wide variety of traditional weaponry. The differing styles that have emerged focus on many aspects of combat, but more importantly they have absorbed the popular philosophies and moral practices of the people in China over the past 5000 years of development. With that, wushu has developed into more than just a simple system of attack and defense and has become a way to cultivate the body, mind and spirit in a positive way that is beneficial to all that practice it.

The character "Wu" in wushu is composed of two Chinese characters, namely "Zhi" which means "to stop" and "Ge" which is an ancient weapon of war. With that the essence of the character Wu is indeed to stop conflict and promote peace. The practice of wushu not only develops a strong and healthy body, but also a strong mind with high moral values, as its practice focuses on "Wu De" or martial ethics.

Today wushu has developed into various forms of practice, each with its own focus and goals. Some practices highlight health and well-being as their primary goal, while others stress maintaining the traditional culture and skills from which the arts originated. More recently, wushu has developed into a global competitive sport, which is practiced and enjoyed by thousands of people worldwide due to its unique and exciting content.  Sport wushu is categorized into two main categories, namely Taolu (Routines Competition) and Sanda (Free-Fighting Competition).

Los Angeles Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy in US Holds the Christmas Party

Local time on December 17, 2017, Los Angeles Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy in US held the Christmas party at Rowland Heights community centre. There were more than 300 of students, parents and the local Shaolin culture lovers to enjoy a happy get-together that day while celebrating that Christmas is coming. The atmosphere was warm and peaceful.

Students show Shaolin Kungfu during the celebration

Los Angeles Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Academy in US Holds the Christmas Party

Head of Los Angeles Shaolin Kungfu Chan Academy in US, Shi Chanyue introduced characteristics and function of the traditional Shaolin Kungfu. He particularly stressed that Shaolin Yi Jin Jing and Chan cultivation brings the public benefits and advances the health. Chanyue also conveyed the abbot of Shaolin Temple, the Great Monk Shi Yongxin’s greetings and wishes hoping that everyone continue to actively participate in various activities organized by the Chan Academy and it will be better to propagate and carry forward the Shaolin culture in the new year. (Editor: Lay Buddhist Yanxiang)

Charity Focus at the Beginning of the New Year

Shaolin healthcare public class walks into Acacia Creek Retirement Homes in California, USA.

Master Yanran’s on-site teaching

On January 3, 2018, at the beginning of the New Year, old folks of Acacia Creek Retirement Homes were looking forward to their Shaolin Kungfu teacher—Master Yanran and his disciples of Shaolin Temple USA who would bring them a new “Shaolin Kungfu class”.

Master Yanran’s on-site teaching

It is home to retired professors from prestigious universities such as Stanford and University of California, as well as many prominent scholars and scientists, senior government retirees,

business leaders, generals, sports stars and so on. At this time, they all became the loyal fans of Shaolin culture. Head of Shaolin Temple USA Master Yanran and his disciples often come here to carry out public welfare classes and they are obliged to provide Shaolin healthcare Qigong courses for 5 years.

Pleasant conversation

Taking a group photo to mark the occasion

Shaolin culture is an open and diverse culture. It is the responsibility and mission of Shaolin cultural center to spread the precious wealth of Chinese nation to people through this kind of public class. In the context of Chinese and western culture conflict and blending, the thriving development of Shaolin Temple USA is inseparable from the Shaolin Temple’s abbot, Shi Yongxin and the joint efforts of Master Yanran and his team. It is believed that Shaolin Temple USA will achieve more brilliant achievements on the road of overseas development in a new year. (Editor: Faxi)

Shaolin Kungfu Supports the 12th “Chinese New Year Festival” Series Activities of Nagoya in Japan

rom January 4 to 14, 2018, under the leadership of Master Yancan, a group of 10 monks in Shaolin Temple, following 2018 “Happy Spring Festival” Henan Culture and Art Troupe, went to Nagoya in Japan for the 12th “Chinese New Year Festival” Series Activities. The 12th “Chinese Spring Festival in Nagoya” was held in Nagoya city center by local Chinese there and Chinese Consulate General in Nagoya from January 6 to 8. In the mean time, Shaolin warrior-monks showed off wonderful Shaolin Kungfu for the Japanese people, interacted with on-site guests and taught Shaolin Regimen.

On January 4, the troupe arrived in Nagoya, Japan and received a warm welcome from Consul General of the Consulate General of China in Nagoya Deng Wei and Nagoya’s Chinese Spring Festival committee. Then they were interviewed by local TV stations.

Tang Wei, consulate general of Chinese Consulate General, takes a group photo with the acting representatives

Shaolin Temple warrior monks group are interviewed by local TV stations

On January 6, the 12th “Chinese Spring Festival in Nagoya” opened in Aichi-ken, Japan. People presented the event including Consul General of the Consulate General of China in Nagoya Deng Wei, Magistrate of Aichi-ken, Deputy Mayor of Nagoya and nearly 10 majors around Nagoya. Central Japan’s representatives of political circles, economic circles, friendship groups and overseas Chinese Communities and many local citizens attended the event. 

In the opening ceremony of the 12th “Chinese Spring Festival in Nagoya”, Shaolin Kungfu makes a wonderful appearance

 the opening ceremony, Shaolin warrior-monks brought Shaolin boxing, Shaolin instruments and other wonderful Shaolin Kungfu, which won audience’s continuous applause. Shaolin Kungfu is an important part of traditional Chinese Kungfu which has a long history and profound influence. Since ancient times, there has been a saying: “all Kungfu comes from Shaolin”. The most prominent feature of Shaolin Kungfu is the “unity of Chan and martial arts”, with martial arts practice intertwined with Chan Cultivation and Chan Cultivation being the foundation of martial arts practice, also known as “Wushu Chan”. In November 2017, during a visit to China by US President Donald Trump and his wife, Shaolin Temple warrior monks group were invited to the Great Hall of People in Beijing to show the quintessence of Shaolin Kungfu for President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, which shocked scene and got high praise.

Deng said that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship and hopes that people from all walks of life in central Japan will maintain the friendly tradition with China and seize the favorable opportunity. He hope that people from all walks of life in central Japan will continue to support and actively develop all kinds of friendly exchange activities represented by “Chinese Spring Festival in Nagoya”, continue to deepen friendly exchanges with China and make new contributions to further improving and developing bilateral relations.
In addition to Nagoya, Osaka, Niigata, Fukuoka, Oita and other cities also have begun to host Chinese Spring Festival. As the first large scale friendly exchange activities between China and Japan in 2018, the 12th “Chinese Spring Festival in Nagoya” is a good start to mark the 40th anniversary of China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. It is hoped that China-Japan relations will take this opportunity to usher in a new atmosphere. (Written by Lay Buddhist Yanxiang / Photos by Master Yancen)

DO YOU KNOW WHY KUNG FU IS GOOD FOR KIDS?

Do you know why Kung Fu is good for kids?

Shaoli Kung Fu children’s classes have many benefits f
or the kids attending the sessions. We adopt an age old tradit
ion and value of Kung Fu being a “Fa
mily” and equip our students with the confidence and understanding of conflict resolution.

Martial arts training is interactive and friendships are built through the many hours of training together, so our classes are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Every child needs to have some form of discipline and this can be found in all of our classes.

Our philosophy with our children’s classes is to make their learning experience fun, but with an understanding of the importance of good manners, respect for themselves and others and achievement through hard work. We believe our classes instil many positive attributes and help our children understand that through their own hard work and commitment they can achieve great things.

Here are the main benefits of children doing Kung Fu classes in Shaolin Temple Tanzania Clubs:

Improving Behaviour at Home and at School

Building Self-Confidence

Instilling Discipline

Building Friendships

Dealing with Bullying

Find a class near you and join today

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHAOLIN & WUDANG.

The difference between Wudang style and Shaolin style. 

 Both Shaolin and Wudang are traditional Chinese martial arts,

but they are different in many ways.

SHAOLIN:

Shaolin Vs. Wudang

Shaolin style kung fu comes from Shaolin Temple, in Henan Province, Northern China.  Legend has it that around 500 CE, a Buddhist monk from India, came to Shaolin temple. Bodhidharma saw that the monks there were too weak to meditate for long periods of time.  He taught them martial arts based on the movement of eighteen animals including the tiger, deer, snake and leopard. In addition to these forms, Shaolin monks also practice many different weapons, and Shaolin is known for its excellent staff forms.  Shaolin Temple became famous after the release of the 1982 film Shaolin Temple, starring Jet Li.  Shaolin has many martial arts schools.  The largest one is the Tagou Martial Arts School, which has over 25,000 teachers and students.

WUDANG

Shaolin Vs. Wudang

Wudang kung fu comes from Wudang Mountain, in Hubei Province. Wudang and Shaolin are only a 6-hour drive apart, but Wudang Mountain is in Southern China, so Wudang kung fu is a Southern style.  Legend has it that Wudang Martial arts originated with Zhang San Feng (张三丰) a Daoist (Taoist) master who lived on Wudang Mountain the 1200s.  One day, Zhang saw a crane fighting with a snake.  Inspired by the snake’s fluid movements, he created a style of martial arts based on using softness to overcome hardness.  Wudang martial artists also train weapons, and Wudang is famous around the world for its sword forms.  Ang Lee paid tribute to Wudang Mountain in his 2000 film Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.  When I trained of Wudang Mountain, there was only one martial arts school, the Wudang Daoist Association School (武当道教武馆).  Now that the style has grown in popularity, there are many more.

DAR ES SALAAM WUSHU TRAINING CENTER

MANYONI WUSHU CLUB

Morning training.

Youth of Manyoni Wushu Club on the top of the mountains in Manyoni District, under the supervision of Shaolin Temple Tanzania Clubs with Master Mfaume.

WELCOME!