MARTIAL ARTS

Wushu is the Chinese term for Martial Arts. Its theory is based upon traditional Chinese culture (Philosophy, religion, medicine etc). The practice of Wushu incorporates weapons techniques as well as bare hand combat for defence and attack utilising kicking, striking, throwing & seizing techniques. The training structure, integrates three key elements:

  • The basic training exercises such as punches, strikes, kicks and general movements maximising body dynamics as well as Qigong exercises for internal strength.
  • The Forms - Structured movements in a pattern which mimic defence & attack against several imaginary opponents. Forms help bring the basic techniques together and allow the practitioner to train in the chosen discipline without the necessity of a training partner.
  • The free hand combat - Partnered combat training bringing together the basic skills and utilising their application in defence and attack in a controlled and disciplined manner.
As well as Tai-Chi (which is also classified under the term Wushu), Shaolin Quan is practised at the Academy of Eastern Arts. Shaolin Quan originated at Shaolin Temple on Song Mountain in Hebei Province, China. It is one of the main schools of Chinese Wushu and is based on ancient health & fitness techniques which, through absorbing the essential principles of a wide range of popular martial arts and becoming refined through practice, progressively formed the three key elements discussed above. It is very rich in content and forms a complete system. With its precise skills it is a highly influential form of 'boxing'.

Shaolin Quan has many forms. In addition to Tai-Chi and specific Qigong exercises. The following are practised at the Academy of Eastern Arts:-

  • Lian Huan Quan - Interlocking / Chain-Link Boxing
  • Bagua Quan - Eight Diagrams Boxing
  • Mei Hua Quan - Plum Blossom Boxing
  • Wuhu Quan - Five Tiger Boxing
  • Yan-Qing Quan - White Swallow Boxing
  • Pan Long Gun - Coiling Dragon weapons form (6' Staff).
    • Jian - Straight Sword
    • Dao - Broadsword
    • Sai - Double Japanese short swords
    • Nunchaku's
    • 3 Sectional Staff
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