As we all know, wushu is a sport which dates back to ancient times. It has down through the ages developed and become increasingly rich in content and varied in form.

    Wushu may be classified into two categories: bare-hand exercises and exercises with weapons.

    There are scores of sets of bare-hand exercises, each consisting of dozens of regulated basic movements and having a style of its own. Changquan (changquan), for example, is composed of quick, sweeping and energetic movements suitable for youngsters, whereas taijiquan with its slow, gentle movements suits best the aged and those with a weak constitution. Nanquan, popular in the southern parts of China, is characterized by vigorous arm movements and steady footwork (with very few hops), and the performer occasionally gives a shout to accentuate an explosive action. Baguaquan which is widely practiced in north China is noted for its brisk and powerful movements. Xingyiquan consists of movements characteristic of certain animals, such as mantises and monkeys.

    There are more than thirty kinds of weapons, mostly of the ancient type, used in wushu. These fall under the following categories:

    1. Long weapons like the spear, cudgel and scimitar (with short blade and long hilt or with long blade and short hilt);

    2. Short weapons like the sword (with long or short tassels), broadsword and dagger;

    3. Double weapons like the double swords (with long or short tassels), double broadswords and double hooks; and

    4. Flexible weapons like the nine-section whip, three-section cudgel, "meteor" hammer and rope-dart.

    Wushu exercises may be done singly or by two or more persons according to set patterns designed for both offensive and defensive purposes. Exercises with partners include bare-handed fight, combat with weapons, and fighting with bare hands against weapons. In doing these exercises, the movements must be executed with accuracy and skill so as to make them as lifelike as possible.

    In recent years numerous sets of exercises, whether bare-handed or with weapons, have been evolved for performance by three or more persons who execute varying and intricate patterns of movements with or without musical accompaniment.

    Wushu exercises are made up of such basic movements as kicks and blows, crouches and dodges, quick body turns, leaps and falls, bumbles and somersault, all performed with clear-cut rhythm. The movements of the hands, eyes, body and feet must be well coordinated. The rise and fall of the body and movements and pauses must be natural and precise. So wushu is actually more than a sport; it is an art of sculptural beauty. That's why it is used in fighting scenes in Beijing opera and other local operas and occupies an important place in acrobatic performances.

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