The fight we know as kung fu is actually called wushu and was created at least 4 thousand years ago in Mongolia, spreading across China. The miscommunication was the fault of the French missionary Jean Joseph Marie Amiot (1718-1793), who ended up renaming the fight with an expression that means “hard work” in Cantonese.
In any case, it was like kung fu that this martial art gained fame in the West and, from the 1960s, it began to star in the movies. Long before that, however, wushu – “art of war” in Mandarin – had been a national craze in China since 700 BC. . In 1949, the Chinese government created official rules for competition, used until today in the world championships that take place every two years.
Special effects
NO ATTACK
It’s even worth being acrobatic to hit the opponent
540º jump
This spin and a half in the air, finished with a low kick, is impressive. It is, however, a more beautiful coup than effective.
Hammer
Because it is very fast, this move helps to catch the opponent off guard. If it is misapplied, however, it opens the guard for the counterattack.
knee
One of the most common blows in kung fu movies: with a precise jump, the fighter lands with his knee, injuring the opponent’s legs.
IN DEFENSE
Blocking chains of hits does not guarantee counterattacks
hands spin
It is effective against chained high strikes, but does not prevent the opponent from continuing on the offensive and cornering the opponent.
Block
Avoid strong and direct blows at the height of the torso. Despite being very efficient, it does not help in preparing the counterattack.
push
In this case, defense is the best offense. A quick movement towards the chest causes the opponent to step back and lose balance.
BRUCE LEE (1940-1973)
With the legend of martial arts and cinema, nothing was choreographed and the fights filmed were spontaneous. In addition to becoming a wushu master, Bruce Lee created his own fighting style, Jeet Kune Do. While acting and practicing martial arts, the guy still found time to major in Philosophy.
– One of the most famous blows in the movies, the one-inch punch, is most often used in wing chun, a Chinese martial art that Bruce Lee dominated.
– The styles derive from the movement of 12 beings: bear, snake, eagle, tiger, dragon, rooster, horse, praying mantis, monkey, hawk, swallow and heron.
– Before becoming an actor, Master Jet Li also demonstrated fighting for authorities. It was in 1974, at the White House, in front of Richard Nixon.
– Around 200 BC, many women were teachers. One of the best known was Yuenu, who performed for Emperor Goujian.
SPORTS DISPLAY
Official competitions bring together fighters of various styles in combats and exhibitions
Melee
In competition, the fights take place on a raised platform and the fighters, barefoot, wear gloves and head protectors. The choreographed, individual and collective presentations, in turn, take place on the floor and are reminiscent of Olympic gymnastics floor events.
The rule is clear
One of the 13 referees is on the platform and guides the fight along with two assistants. The other ten count, by far, the points of each fighter for the final count.
Right point
The fight is decided by knockout or points. For simple blows, those that hit the head are more valuable. Blows to the torso are worth a little less and to the legs even less. What gives more points, however, is fitting a sequence of blows or sending one of those that are difficult to execute, such as the 540º jump.
fight time: from 1min20s to 5min.
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Wushu weapons are linked to Chinese military tradition.
DAO: In China, this saber used in Asia 5,000 years ago is the most basic of weapons.
BIAN: Short sword, used in the Shaolin Quan style, appears in several movies.
HAMMER: Made up of a 4m rope with two 180g weights at the end.
DAN: Very common trident in kung fu, mainly in the Chuang Fa style.