Wushu is a modern Chinese martial art that has been derived from a technique that dates back thousands of years. The word “Wushu” is made up of “wu”, which means combat or martial, and “shu”, which means art. Wushu or Kung Fu is a complete Chinese martial art and a full-contact sport. It is a physically demanding sport that requires a blend of technique, combat and a level of showmanship.
The two main disciplines of Competitive Wushu
Taolu
Taolu is focused more on the forms, which include gymnastics and martial arts and routines that are performed either solo or in groups. Stances, kicks, jumps, balances, sweeps and throws are some of the forms in Taolu Wushu. These routines are either performed in groups or individually and are a set of pre-determined techniques.
Sanda
Sanda, on the other hand, is more of a full-contact combat sport which has been influenced by wrestling, traditional Chinese boxing and modern combat sports. It also represents kickboxing and primarily makes use of punching, kicking, throwing, and wrestling.
The Wushu International Federation (IWuf) is the body that governs Wushu, and there are certain rules that the athletes must adhere to when engaged in Wushu so as to maintain safety, fairness and respect amongst the athletes.
Rules and Guidelines in Wushu
There are various rules and guidelines that have to be followed in Wushu depending on the type of competition. However, there are certain common rules for both types of wushu competitions.
Division as per weight category
Division as per weight category is done in the sport of wushu to ensure that there is a certain level of fairness.
Equipments
Fighters have to ensure that they wear protective equipment like gloves, helmets and mouthguards. In Taolu Wushu, competitors have to wear traditional outfits.
Conduct
Wushu begins with a respectful salute, and there must be an absolute display of sportsmanship with no arguments and disrespectful behaviour towards the judges.
Scoring for Sanda
In Sanda Wushu, points are awarded for knocking the opponents off the platform, landing strikes or causing knockdowns. In case of any illegal moves or conduct that is unsportsmanlike, fouls and penalties are imposed.
Scoring for Taolu
The quality and the difficulty of movements performed, and the accuracy with which they are done, are what the judges give award points based on.
Time Limits
Strict time limits are set for each routine or round in Wushu. In Taolu, the performance has a set limit of a span of 50 seconds to 6 minutes. Whereas the bouts in Sanda have their own fixed durations for each round.
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