Let's get started with Wushu classes.

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Class time are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - contact Shifu Robert for class times.

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​Please wear loose fitting clothing and slippers or sneakers.

A Summary of the Art of Wushu

 

When we talk about the Martial Arts you often hear the expression Kung Fu.  Kung Fu has nothing to do with the Martial Arts.  It literally means that someone is skilled in a specific profession be it cooking or teaching or building, etc.

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There is a history of how that expression came into being, but we should save that discussion for another time. We are all aware that that expression has become commonplace in describing the Martial Arts internationally even if it is not a factual nomenclature.

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In Mandarin Wushu means (War Arts) and in China that is the proper name for all Martial Arts. For over three thousand years the art and science of the study of Wushu was respected and followed. For many years Wushu was just that, a means of self defense and survival.  With the advent of more advance weaponry this art diminished as a war art and became recognized and valued as a healthful exercise format, a way to condition and heal the mind and body as well as a performing art.   

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There are two philosophies of Martial Arts schools that are still present today.  As different as both styles are from each other, they are both teaching us how to condition our bodies, focus our minds and to improve our health.  Shaolin is considered more of an external style versus Wudang which is an internal style.

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There are many variations of each system and there are merits to both sides, but in summary Shaolin is more for younger people as it is very energetic, powerful, acrobatic in nature whereas Tai Chi Chuan (Taiji) is more smooth, relaxing and healthful in its movements.  To the outside observer both schools of movement can appear to be fluid, so one would think that as a self-defense system that Shaolin would be more effective, but in truth the Wudang system consists of Taiji, Hsing-Yi, Baqua, and Leung-Yi and can heal the body of illness and at the same time still be an effective defensive art.  The definition of Taiji is the Supreme Ultimate Fist, but only at the highest level of performance technique.

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All external movement requires a strong yet flexible body versus Wudang where all movement comes from within utilizing internal energy more than physical strength to manifest all its movements. Further explanation shall be left for the future….

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