~* mY rEmiNiScEncES *~

Not all types of Wushu will be competed in the Asian Games. In 2014 Incheon Asian Games, Wushu will be comprised of 2 major events: Taolu and Sanda.

Originally developed by the Chinese military after integrating traditional martial arts and modern combat fighting techniques, Sanda (散打) was born and today serves as an exciting free-fighting combat sport. The simple concept of Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) is two-people fighting without the use of any weapons. It can be traced back to its roots in the 1920’s, when the Guomingdang (China Nationalist Party) established the Huangpu Military Academy (formerly known as Whampoa) in Guangdong, China to form a modern military force.

Since its strategic alliance with the Soviet Union, the academy emulated the Soviet methods of military training and then adapted it to the hand-to-hand combat training in the military force. Today, it has evolved a bit and has become more of a self-defense system. Today, it is the national combat sport in China for martial arts and fighting competitions. It has also been selected to be one of the sports Asian Games since 1998.

Sanda, or Sanshou is a calisthenics sport that employs 4 key ranges of combat: ti (kicks), da (punches), shuai (throws) and chin-na (seizing). In fact, it stresses the joint use of punches, sweeps, grabs, and throws in a very unique way. In accordance with the Rules for International Wushu Sanda Competition, head, elbow, knees, and twisting the opponent’s joints, are strictly prohibited in the Asian Games for safety reasons. In the 17th Incheon Asian Games, there will be 5 Sanda categories for men: 56kg, 60kg, 65kg, 70kg and 75kg whereby women’s Sanda category is comprised of 52kg and 60kg weight divisions only. Also, the Sanda competitions held will be based on the knock-out system; the winner of each round continues to fight to win.

During the competition, the fighters must wear an internationally adapted set of equipment, which include boxing gloves, head gear, and chest protectors specified by the organizer. The weight of boxing gloves shall be 230 grams for 65kg category and under, including the women category; 280 grams for the 70kg category and above. However, the contestants have to use their own gum shields and cup protectors (under their trunks). Female fighters are allowed to wear close-fitting undergarments.

Some notable Sanda practitioners include Zhang Tie Quan, Bao Li Gao and the “Conqueror of Muay Thai” Liu Hailong as well as the famous American fighter – Cung Le. Sanda was being featured in action movies and TV series like the Police Story 2013, Kung Fu Fighter, Ip Man, Four Dragons (Kinta 1881) and so on.

Sanda is very similar to kickboxing or Muay Thai which also includes kicking range, striking range, and the takedown range in its use of different techniques. Sanda is a close combat system that will have fierce competition in the upcoming Asian Games in Incheon. It is deemed as one of the rising sports in the future as it not only improves physical qualities such as responsiveness, sensitivity, flexibility, strength, and endurance, but also people’s health both physically and mentally. Catch the exciting and dynamic full-contact fighting this September as Korea hosts the 17th Asian Games in Incheon!

The official 2014 Incheon Asian Games Writer ‘IAG-Crew’ ㅣKit Yee Thoong

What springs to your mind when someone mentions “Wushu”? Thoughts of many Chinese martial arts movies such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, or “IP Man” or even famous actors like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Donnie Yen might come about. Although this practice has been glamorized by the film industry, there is a rich history and tradition in this sport that originates from China.

Wushu directly translates to “martial arts” and was first developed in 1949 to standardize traditional Chinese military practices. Often considered as one of China’s best kept secrets, this art form has not gained practitioners from all over the world but is growing in popularity. What began as a method of survival from China’s incessant wars and political upheavals, has transformed in modern times as a means of enhancing one’s health, improve self-defense skills, mental discipline, and also recreational competition. Wushu has been featured in the Asian Games since 1990 which took place in Beijing, China.

Two Types of Wushu in 2014 Incheon Asian Games

Not all types of Wushu will be competed in the Asian Games. In 2014 Incheon Asian Games, Wushu will be comprised of 2 major events: Taolu and Sanda.

Taolu (套路) is a routine contest that combines gymnastics and martial arts. Stance, sweeps, jumps, kicks, throw, punches and balances are some of the movements that can be changed according to the martial arts style as well as to highlight one’s strength. The lists of Taolu events include 4 categories for men and 4 categories for women as follows: Men – Changquan, Nanquan/ Nangun All-Round, Taijiquan/ Taijijian All-Round, Daoshu/ Gunshu All-Round and Women – Changquan, Nanquan/ Nandao All-Round, Taijiquan/ Taijijian All-Round, Jianshu/ Qiangshu All-Round.

Changquan

Generally known as Long Fist Kung Fu, Changquan (长拳) is often characterized by its acrobatic yet speedy positions. The coordination of eyes, hands, body, and the steps are as smooth as slithering snakes and as aggressive as raging waves on the sea. Here are the 11 essential movements of Changquan to note:

1. Gongbu (front or bow stance)
2. Xubu (empty stance)
3. Pubu (crouch stance)
4. Tantui (snap kick)
5. Chuaitui (sideward sole kick)
6. Housaotui (back sweep)
7. Dingzhou (elbow strike)
8. Koutuipingheng (cross-leg balance)
9. Quan (fist techniques)
10. Zhang (palm)
11. Gou (hook)

Nanquan

Nanquan （南拳）is a modern boxing or fist style from Southern China that was originated from a variety of traditional Chinese martial arts styles: Hong Jia Quan (Hung Family Boxing), Liu Jia Quan (Liu Family Boxing), Cai Li Fo (Choy Lay Fut), Hu He Shuang Xing Quan (Tiger and Crane Boxing), Mo Jia Quan (Mo Family Boxing), and Hakka Quan (Hakka Boxing). Its history can be traced back to Ming Dynasty (1368 –1644) when it was developed to train the soldiers. Nanquan is a hard and aggressive martial art as contrary to Taijiquan. It involves energetic wushu jumps, low stances, and extensive hand techniques that are often accompanied by shouts. As opposed to Changquan, Nanquan consists of weapon styles called Nangun (Southern Cudgel) and Nandao (Southern Broadsword). There are eight major techniques that are featured throughout the performance of Nanquan:

1. Diebu (Butterfly stance)
2. Qilinbu (Unicorn-riding stance)
3. Qilongbu (Dragon-riding stance)
4. Guagaiquan (Downward strike with crossed fist)
5. Paoquan (Uppercut)
6. Hengdingtui (Side nail kick or roundhouse kick)
7. Huzhao (Tiger’s claw)
8. Gunqiao (Rolling forearm)

The Nanquan/Nangun (Men) & Nanquan/Nandao (Women) were crowned by Huang Guangyuan from China (left) and Lin Fan from China (right) in 2010 Asian Games:

Nandao

Nandao (南刀) or “Southern Broadsword” is a light-weight, steel martial art weapon. It is believed to be developed during the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) for training purposes by local peasants and rebels. Today, the weapon is designed for easier maneuver and gripping. Nandao was established in 1992 and introduced in International Kung Fu Championships. Its techniques are more fluid, flowing and elegant as compared to the Northern Broadsword, or also known as Dao. The 8 vital Nandao techniques comprised of:
1. Chantou (twine broadsword around the head)
2. Guonao (wrap broadsword around the head)
3. Pidao (chop with broadsword)
4. Modao (move broadsword horizontally)
5. Gedao (block with broadsword)
6. Jiedao (intercept with broadsword)
7. Saodao (sweep with broadsword)
8. Jian Wan Hua Dao (move broadsword with scissors wrist)

Nangun

Nangun（南棍）or “Southern Cudgel” is one of the ‘long’ weapon routines in wushu that has a thicker cudgel. Its movements emphasize on hitting and delivering bone-breaking power, as opposed to the cutting and swinging techniques of the Northern Cudgel. Contrary to the Northern Cudgel, Nangun practitioners use both ends of the cudgel. You are able to spot a few significant movements of Nangun during the many competition as follows:

1. Pigun (chop with cudgel)
2. Benggun (tilt cudgel)
3. Jiaogun (envelopment with cudgel)
4. Gunyagun (roll together with cudgel)
5. Gegun (block with cudgel)
6. Jiqun (strike with cudgel)
7. Dinggun (push up cudgel)
8. Paogun (throw cudgel)
9. Buxing (stances)

It is no surprise that China has created some of the world’s most ancient and interesting martial arts. Wushu consists of a variety of different practices with not only your body but with specialized weaponry as well. Since its creation, it has widely been practiced for self defense reasons but also for recreational and competitive ones. It will surely be one of the most exciting sports that will be part of the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. Be sure to tune into the Games this fall and witness the graceful but powerful moves this sport will display.

The official 2014 Incheon Asian Games Writer ‘IAG-Crew’ ㅣKit Yee, Thoong

At last...

I am free to update my blog...

hehe....

Well,

its never late to blog about this... National Wushu Championships 2009...

which was held starting from 22 Aug 09 .. for few days...

Because... that's what my blog entitled... to reminisce! xD

Here are some videos taken during the opening ceremony...

not very clear though... and kinda shaky... =X
I also forgot to zoom in during recording... =/

Wushu performance - Golden Banquet

Wushu by Elite Exponents

武 。 舞 (Wushu & Dance)

Nevertheless, there are other performances too...

And,

here are some videos of the participants during the competition =)

They are very young and did very well! dO.Ob

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Ahh....

Can't wait to back to World of Wushu....

T.T

Looking forward to the days after STPM...

Hehe...

I will be back!