Wushu: The Legend of Kungfu
Natalie Chou

The legend of KungFu--the word itself exudes a certain punch.  Not much though is known about it beyond Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li.  It is associated with guttural to scream type sounds, death in strike moves, a lot of legend and is often confused with other forms.  In reality, there is much more to "KungFu," than can be seen in movies or is known within popular culture.

While KungFu is often used as a pat term for any martial art, generally it refers to Chinese martial arts.  Not included then are more well-known and popularly practiced forms of martial arts, such as Karate (Japanese) and Tae kwon do (Korean).  In Chinese, kungfu literally means work or skill applying to many different things, such as painting or cooking.  Wushu is the term which refers specifically to martial arts, encompassing the two branches of Chinese martial arts, the external styles and the internal.  The division between the two branches is arbitrary to a certain degree, with internal being styles that focus mainly on cultivating and exercising aspects such as one's qi or internal energy and also uses primarily the torso and legs as opposed to specific muscles and actions, as external styles do.  Additionally, there are two other classifications of Wushu: Northern and Southern styles, or Shaolin, Wudan, and Ermei.

Historically, Wushu formally dated back to the Zhou dynasty, in the periods around 770 B.C. - 221 A.D (Spring and Autumn and then the Warring States).  Before the Communist state was founded, Wushu was a combative form.  Though that is still taught, its primary emphasis now is as an art form in competition with ranks only past what might be equated with the black belt level.  Degrees are named after animals--bronze, silver then gold eagle, tiger, and dragon, with only two gold dragons in the world.

Image Courtesy of Addi Wei

Competitors are judged on all aspects of performance though: hands, eyes, body, technique, steps, spirit, breath, strength, and ability.  They compete in several major events, such as forms with and without weapons, choreographed routines with 2 or more competitors, sparring, and Qigong or power demonstrations. Demonstrations are then fascinating to watch as they are very artistic, powerful, and athletic, with dance and gymnastic elements.  With over 300 styles estimated to have existed in external styles alone, Wushu has had a profound and vital impact on martial arts even though it is only now really being organized.

Considered as a whole, Wushu has five basic stances: horse-riding, front/bow, cross-over/drop, sitting/crouching, and empty stance.  Hands basically are held three ways: the palm, in a fist, and in a hook.  There are six fundamental systems: Changquan (long fist), Daoshu (broadsword), Jiansu (straight sword), Gunshu (staff/cudgel), Quiangshu (spear), Tiaqi quan (Taichi).  Of course there are major disciplines and styles within the larger categories, such as regional styles, animal styles, variations like drunken boxing, and other weapons such as the nine-section whip, rope and dart, and three-section cudgel.

Often in movies, different styles are pitted against one another, and of course, the protagonist wins.  However, in actuality, it is impossible to call one style the best style and most train in many styles and weapons.  Looking at one's physique and ability though is how one finds what style suits him best.  What movies often try to capture though is the philosophy of Wushu, which is greatly admired in the West.  Its spirit is better understood now, growing out of childlike beginnings as both a myth and a joke. Swordswoman Yuh Niuy of the Zhou dynasty wrote classic verses on the philosophy of Wushu, such as the one that follows.  It is still apt in English and more eloquent than what might be captured in fight or form and transcends just the bounds of practicing Wushu. Perhaps that explains the legendary position of Wushu, the intrigue in the spirit that surrounds its myth and practice.

"The Way is so small and simple, but the meaning is timeless and profound.  The Way has an entrance; it also has a Yin and a Yang. The entranceact like a vicious tiger.  Though hidden within, the spirit of the be constantly opens and closes, Yin and Yang weaken and flourish.  When the Way is battle, be full-spirited within, But outwardly show calm and be relaxed; appear to be as gentle as a fair lady, but rody moves; though obscured like a setting sun, the spirit moves like an unleashed rabbit, catching the body and outrunning shadow like a mirage.  Back and forth in one breath. The spirit cannot be retained in form.  And, though ever moving, it cannot be heard." -Yuh Niuy