Wushu 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. Wushu is the Mandarin Chinese word for "martial art," and is the term used in China. Westerners are more familiar with the term Kungfu, which actually translates roughly into "skill through effort," and was popularized by Bruce Lee and Shaolin Temple movies.
Wushu is generally categorized into three types. The first type is Northern Boxing (Chang Quan)/Southern boxing (Nuan Quan) and the second type is Traditional Fist, this would include sets from existing combat systems “Tiger crane” from the system of Hung Gar. The third type is internal soft styles.
Northern Boxing and Southern boxing includes both Shaolin boxing and weapons (Bingqi) such as sword, spear, staff, saber and etc. Other weapons, often known as " flexible weapons" include the sectional whip chain (7 or 9 sections) and the rope dart. Northern and Southern boxing includes non animal such as Long fist, spring legs, cannon fist and animal sets such as monkey, tiger, snake, mantis, and eagle claw styles and so forth.
Traditional fist, on the other hand, emphasizes more on the expression of concepts and principles and less on just physical attribute. The traditional wushu sets have smaller more precise movements. It is often found that most kung fu schools offer these sets as combat systems, not understanding that these sets function as simple to complex exercises only to reinforce or support concepts derived from complete systems. One must be clear that the traditional sets do offer combat techniques however these techniques are not supported by a complete system and therefore are less efficient and thus less effective in application.
Qigong, unlike external kungfu, is based upon unifying the chi or energy of the body. While the internal power generated can be used as a primary tool for health and self-improvement, most practitioners in this art focus on the sporting aspect that has been introduced at wushu tournaments and other sporting events. Push hands and (internal) soft forms have been the vehicle for these sets to be offered to the competition realm. Several systems would fit under this category of soft wushu like Tia chi, Baqua, Xingi etc….
Through many years, Wushu has developed international acceptance as an excellent enhancement to health as well as an up coming Olympic sport. Wushu can be described as the sport of mind body and spirit! The practice of Wushu provides an excellent release of stress through breathing and meditation. 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.