What kind of style is Wushu?

Wushu is not a style in itself. Beginning as an ancient Chinese form of self defence, it literally means "martial arts" and encompasses all Chinese martial arts styles including the forms popularly known in the West as Kung-fu and Taichi. Over the last forty years Wushu has developed from a combat style into a dynamic performance orientated art. It emphasises speed, balance, co-ordination and presentation, resulting in an athletic and aesthetically powerful competitive sport.

In China, Wushu is a way of life and an integral part of Chinese culture. It is practised by people of all ages and backgrounds for self-defence, health and mental discipline.

What makes Wushu so unique?

Unlike other popular fighting styles, Wushu epitomises the "art" in martial arts. Wushu uses natural, aesthetic movement to exhibit traditional martial techniques. Functional routines can be performed by individual exponents, in pairs or in groups; bare-handed or armed with traditional Chinese weaponry. Wushu's rich content, style, speed and power, meticulous attention to detail and level of difficulty ensure it to be the most exciting and dynamic of the martial arts.

The Monash Wushu Club

The Monash University Wushu Club was founded in 1994 and quickly grew to become the second largest martial arts club on campus. The Club's coach is Master Tang Laiwei a former Chinese National Champion and member of the Beijing Wushu Team. Apart from providing the opportunity for students to learn wushu, the role of the club is to promote both wushu and Chinese culture at the University and in the wider community.