Wushu Kung Fu, Types of Martial Arts Styles

What is wushu kung fu, how does it compare to other types of martial arts and martial arts styles?

Chinese martial arts are once again in the spotlight thanks to the current interest in wushu.

Most people assume wushu kung fu is a type of theatrical performance. This is partially correct. Wushu does have other aspects to it beyond its current performance focus.

Wushu can be considered a word that has dual meanings.

The meaning is further complicated because wushu is considered separate from kung fu. To most observers (and even students and teachers) wushu is a form of performance art and kung fu is a traditional means of self-defense.

This may be the case today but the semantics of these words would indicate something different.

The meaning of the word kung fu is not limited to martial arts. It means "good effort" and refers to the performance of any talent that is done with good effort.

In the traditional sense, someone that is a great cook could be considered performing kung fu. Over the years, however, the word kung fu has become synonymous with martial arts and this is where it is exclusively used.

The actual translation of the word wushu is martial arts. Martial arts is also used in a generic manner as well. In addition to kung fu style martial arts, it can also refer to chin na, grappling, or throwing arts. Once again, the classic use of the word wushu in Chinese martial arts has changed over the years and now it means something much different. In general, wushu is a form of performance art and competition.

In traditional martial arts, forms were crafted as a means of preserving a particular martial arts system. Prearranged stances and movements were the best way to do this in an era when the printing press did not exist. Of course, forms also had additional exercise and meditational benefits beyond being a document of a system.

The modern concept of performance wushu has made forms a bit more flowery and theatrical. Since the purpose of performing wushu entails entertaining an audience, the theatrical flare of this approach is understandable.

Of course, not everyone that takes part in wushu seeks to entertain a crowd. Wushu kung fu has also emerged as a popular form of exercise and many people take part in it for health reasons. In some ways, it can be considered a more active form of Tai Chi. There are also meditational aspects to wushu that are worth exploring which furthers adds to its popularity.

Wushu is also at the root of a cottage industry. Scores of DVDs have been produced in China for the domestic market but these DVDs also come with English subtitles. This has allowed these DVDs to be sold elsewhere in the world. Such DVDs are excellent health and fitness DVDs that revolve around the performance of forms. These would be the traditional forms of wushu and do not require any special athletic skill. Those seeking a novel means of working out and exercising will find such DVDs to be quite enjoyable.

After thousands of years, wushu has managed to take on many forms. This will assuredly continue in the future. That is a good thing since the constant evolution ensures wushu will always remain part of the martial arts landscape.

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