What is "Wushu" ?

A: Literally translated, "Wushu" means "martial arts". Generally, there are two categories of Chinese Wushu, traditional and contemporary. "Traditional" includes styles such as Hung Gar, Choy Li Fut, etc. "Contemporary" refers to the dynamic performance styles of today's Wushu (acrobatics, dramatic leaping techniques, etc). Within the traditonal and contemporary categories, there are the "internal styles (styles that emphasize the cultivation and use of "Qi" or universal force/energy), and "external" styles (styles that emphasize the use of physical technique and strength). Seattle Wushu Center teaches the external-contemporary method, as made popular by many martial arts celebrities such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li. The contemporary method is characterized by sharp dynamic performance, aerial kicks, leaps, and gymnastic maneuvers. Traditional training methods are blended into our curriculum to provide a well rounded training program for all ages. We also offer Taijiquan, an internal method of Wushu. Taijiquan is characterized by its slow flowing movement, its use of Qigong ("energy skill"), and emphasis on using proper mindset, form, relaxation, and the cultivation of Qi instead of only physical strength.

Wushu was first introduced into the United States in the 1970's, when the acclaimed Beijing Wushu Team visited Washington D.C. and performed Wushu for President Richard Nixon. (One member of the Beijing Wushu Team at that time, was none other than action star Jet Li). Wushu started gaining popularity in the 1980's, and in the 1990's Wushu coaches from China moved to share Wushu in the United States. Today, there are many accredited Wushu schools, as well as college Wushu clubs in the USA.

What will we learn?

Taolu (routines)

• ChangQuan (Longfist): A Northern Chinese kung fu influenced style, characterized by dramatic postures and leaps.

• NanQuan (Southern fist): A Southern Chinese kung fu influenced style, characterized by low, stable stances and footwork. Very little gymnastics in comparison to Longfist, and punctuated by powerful upper body techniques and sharp shouts.

• Weapons: Straight Sword, Broadsword, Cudgel, and Spear routines.

• Imitative boxing: Routines that mimic animals or people. Such routines include Drunken boxing, Eagle, Monkey, Snake, and Mantis. These routines may be presented in "workshop" or "seminar" fashion.

• Taijiquan: Although not usually included in the Wushu curriculum, those interested in learning "modern" Tai Chi routines, may do so in private sessions. Self Defense & Martial Applications:

• Striking/Kicking training: Drills and exercises involving training apparatus such as kicking shields, focus mitts, etc., to provide a sense of "real" power-striking or power-kicking, and to enhance cardiovascular fitness.

• Self Defense: The Martial side of forms routines are taught, empasizing the importance of the 5 elements of Chinese martial arts: Bu (stance), Da (striking), Ti (kicking), Na (controlling & immobilizing), and Shuai (takedowns & throws).

1 free trial class

Saturdays 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Monthly Tuition

1 class per week $75 per month

Participants may choose to cross train in our other classes as well. 2 classes per week is $95 per month, and 3 or more classes per week is $115 per month