Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
wushu, past and present
the definition of wushu - part 1
the definition of wushu - part 2
Wushu works by different rules than it used to. In the 1970's and early 1980's, competitive wushu really existed only in China, and so forms were judged by one set of rules -- one set of standards
the definition of wushu - part 1
Wushu, translated literally, means martial arts. (Wu = "martial, Shu = "art form"). When it was first developed, its primary purpose was (and will always be) for survival. Hunting animals, procuring food, fighting against aggressive wildlife, surviving harsh weather conditions, and so forth prompted the birth of this mode of behavior. Alone, wu is just fighting, military-based attack. Combined with Shu it transcends one level and becomes an intricate, purposeful skill.
Another tidbit I find interesting. Nowadays, one associates the word, "Kung-fu" with punches, kicks, martial arts champions, fighting. But the original meaning of "kung-fu" was never intended to describe martial arts in any way. Kung-fu originally referred to the time and energy spent in learning something. A successful chef expends lots of "kung-fu" to cook the tastiest dishes. A doctor undergoes considerable "kung-fu" to be able to take care of sick people. A martial artist uses lots of "kung-fu" in practicing his physical forms so he may display them to audiences one day. The term "kung-fu" was first broached to Western audiences by Bruce Lee when he stepped into the spotlight and used it to describe his martial arts. From there, a misconception arose and people began using "kung-fu" to refer to Bruce Lee, martial arts, punches, kicks, and the whole related system. So it is really a misnomer, a word whose meaning expanded to encompass other objects.
the definition of wushu - part 2
Many people, fans included, have approached me on how they should go about training in wushu to achieve one of these four objectives. Here, drawing upon my past experience, I will try to provide a very general framework within which the individual can pursue wushu training. It is important to remember, first and foremost, that these are very general guidelines only, and that individuals vary from one another in terms of body size, age, personality, and other vital respects