Merriam-Webster defines Wushu as “Chinese martial arts”, a hand-to-hand form, more often known as Kung Fu. According to Merriam-Webster, Wushu separated itself from Kung Fu in order to emphasize performance and aesthetics. Others consider Wushu the modernization of Kung Fu.
“Wu” means martial or military and “Shu” means method or skill. In English, Wushu means martial art. There are both traditional and contemporary Wushu forms. Some popular Wushu styles include Shaolin, Tai Chi, and Qigong.
Kung Fu roughly translates to “skills achieved with time and effort”. In the 60s, Bruce Lee popularized the fighting style in the west, which is why some people consider Kung Fu superior to Wushu. Kung Fu, although it originated as a Chinese fighting style, does not advocate for aggression or violence. Even though there are many styles, movements, weapon skills, etc., Kung Fu consistently advocates for virtue and peace, while keeping it’s focus (like the original) on self-defense.
While Chinese Kung Fu is often referred to as Gongfu or Wushu, they aren’t the same, even though the terms describe various martial arts that developed in China over thousands of years. In order to survive the very hostile environment during that time, the Chinese developed means of self-defense and attack. Over it’s long history (dates are vague and contradictory), Wushu has developed into numerous styles, sects, and systems, many including weaponry, each having their own movements, focus, and goals.
Wushu training, depending on the style or system, often involves developing explosive power, speed, and natural but relaxed movement. Therefore, the practitioner must not only be fast but flexible with flawless technique. In other words, the practitioner must possess “fierce intent with effortless execution.”
Ever since the Chinese reform movement started and China opened its economy to the world, the name Wushu (instead of Kung Fu) has been promoted. Since the 50s, the Chinese government has been organizing “Wushu” events and in 1958 appointed the All-China Wushu Association. The sport became known as Wushu at that time and was taught at the high school and college levels.
Wushu has become more than a system of self-defense and attack. It has developed into a beneficial way to cultivate the body, mind, and spirit. In addition to making the body healthy and strong, Wushu also develops high moral standards, “Martial Ethics”. It’s aim is to stop conflict and promote peace.
Wushu is both an exhibition and full-contact global competitive sport, often played at the international level with the Summer Olympics as a goal. There are two main categories of Wushu: Sanda, also known as Chinese Kickboxing and Taolu, the Routines/Forms Style Competition.
Taolu competitors are judged on how closely the performance matches the stances, punches and kicks of specific Wushu rules. These movements are designed to defend against imaginary attackers.
Sanda (sometimes called Sanshou)is about combat, both striking and standing. It is broken down into either barehanded, or short or long weapons.
Sound pretty confusing doesn’t it? Especially when prior to the late 20th century, Kung Fu did not refer only to martial expertise. The term was used to indicate expertise in any study, or learning that required time, commitment, energy, and patience!
Today Kung Fu, Wushu, Guanfa, Koushu, and Gong Fu are used to represent all Chinese Martial Arts and Weapons Forms. There are several hundred forms which vary greatly from each other, each with it’s own focus and intent.
Perhaps “everybody was Kung Fu fighting”!