Wushu,
Chinese martial arts, known in the West as Kungfu, is a cultural
heritage of the Chinese people which has been enriched through
the ages. With its graceful movements and salubrious effects
on health, it has a strong appeal to a vast multitude of people.
The origin of Wushu may be traced back to prehistoric times
when our ancestors used stones and wooden clubs in hunting,
both for subsistence and self-defence. In tribal strife¡¯s they
used their tools of production as weapons of war. During the
Shang (17th¡ª16th Century BC) and Zhou (11th century ¨C221BC)
dynasties, with the development of productive forces, especially
that of techniques in bronze casting, the variety of weapons
increased and their quality improved.
In the Jin(265-439) and Southen and Northen (420¡ª581) dynasties
Wushu came under the influence of Buddhism and Daoism.
Chinese Wushu is more than Kungfu. It embodies a profound philosophy
and a sense of human life and social values. It is the summation
of the code of conduct for the adjustment of the relationships
between man and man and between man and nature. Wushu emphasizes
tradition, experience and rational knowledge, all of which are
clearly reflected in the martial ethics of wushu. Martial ethics
advocates respect for human life. In ancient China, human beings
were regarded as the most valuable treasure of nature. Man is
called one of the ¡°four greats.¡± Together with heaven, earth
and truth, or law of natural activities. Martial ethics requires
that a person exercises self-restraint, never abusing his abilities
to seek personal gratification or to oppress those weaker than
himself. He should seek to uphold justice, remain fearless in
the face of brutality, and cultivate modesty and a spirit of
cooperation.
Wushu is not only a way to enhance one¡¯s health and skills.
Its long association with dance has lent an enriching artistic
quality. At the same time, its emphasis on posture, composure,
self-control, spirit, and lively exercise imbues it with a beautifying
effect on the physic, and a positive effect on the character.
These qualities turn wushu into Wuyi-martial artistry.
Wushu enjoys great popularity in China, and it is captivating
the attention of more and more in the world because of its uniqueness
and charisma originating from the traditional oriental culture.
To
learn Kungfu in China, please be free to contact: Email
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