Tai Chi Arts Association
Chinese Wushu Instruction

About Wushu

Wushu, or Wu Shu, literally translates from Mandarin into War (or Martial) Arts. These arts have transcended time and developed from fighting techniques for survival into an art for health, improved flexibility and balance, enjoyment and performance. Wushu is a series of specific exercises and movements designed to improve one’s health while practicing and performing these internal and physical exercises and forms.

Wushu can be the divided into two basic categories of training: external and internal. Perhaps these two styles can be most easily recognized through the expression of Shaolin as an external method of training, and Tai Chi Chuan as an internal method of training, although there is much more to learn in both of these two styles.

The movements of Shaolin are more athletic and acrobatic and more suited for the young practitioners than the smooth, relaxed and circular movements of the internal forms. Both styles of study take many, many years of practice to grasp their obvious and hidden potential, and both systems are filled with a multitude of empty-handed forms as well as a variety of weapons forms. The internal movements can be best studied through Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing Yi, Pa–Kua or Leung-Yi and are well suited for both the older student as well as the young.

Wushu manifests itself in each of us differently, at different moments in time in our lives, and at the many various levels of our individual study. A movement that begins externally can, with practice, become a healthful internal movement with more power and focus than it originated with as an external movement. Philosophically the mind and body begin to work together more in harmony, and through an expression of calmness that might otherwise have eluded the beginner practitioner.

Good health can be taught, and illnesses and injuries healed, through proper Wushu exercises. Very little physical room is required to properly study each day or evening and the decision can always be made to practice alone or with others based on your individual preference. There are very few restrictions placed on this method of study that can bring one good health, self-discipline, improved balance and flexibility, while teaching one patience, improved memory and analytical skills. Wushu teaches us that there are no limitations to our potential that we cannot learn to work with positively.

The empty handed and the weapon forms imitate the movements of many animals. This knowledge makes the characteristics, enjoyment and usefulness of each movement even more important to the practitioner as they continue their individual study.

In China, basic Wushu training is a cultural treasure and a part of their standardized physical education program. In other parts of the world Wushu is quickly increasing in its popularity as the value of this type of training is being discovered by young and old, ill and healthy, students alike.

In America we are fortunate to have Master Bow Sim Mark as our teacher and trainer for proper Wushu training. She brings her many years of dedication to the authentic practice of this ancient art, with a modern understanding of what her students require to grow and become more flexible and healthy. She is continually assisting her students and teachers to help their own students to carry on this important practice here in America for the next generation to carry on her life’s work.

Please be our guest and view her web page for your additional reference.