What is Wushu? What is Kung Fu?
What do I learn from the martial arts?		 International Competitive Events of Wushu:
IWuF World Wushu Championships
SportAccord World Combat Games
TAFISA World Sport For All TreX Games
IWGA World Games
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What is it about "Kung Fu" that has inspired youth and adult alike for so many generations? It is the unique combination of physical ability, respect, action and culture. The likes of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li has placed Chinese wushu (martial arts) at the very forefront of film and television and has paved the way for many youth oriented attractions such as the Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles and Kung Fu Panda to name a few. Since its very beginnings, wushu has captured the hearts and interests of many practitioners from around the world. From its health and cultural benefits to self-defense and application, wushu/kung fu also involves a great emphasis on the traditional teachings of respect, honour and discipline. The same features that continue to draw parents and youth of all ages to participate in the art. Now as a full fledge olympic level sport there are more than 116 registered members of International Wushu Federation with millions of practitioners worldwide..

What is it that makes the martial arts so popular? It is the fact that everyone can find something meaningful and beneficial through practicing wushu, regardless of age, ability, gender or background. The greatest number of participants in wushu are those that train at the recreational level who participate in various disciplines of Tai Chi, Traditional Kung Fu and Contemporary Wushu - just for fun. Then there are the high performance athletes and international competitors who are drawn by the allure of competition and higher levels of physical excellence. Wushu in general whether for fun or for competition not only helps you improve your fitness, it also demands mental focus, provides a valuable outlet for personal expression, achieves discipline, and is a top notch way to learn self-defense.

If you have never been involved in the martial arts, or simply want to explore the differing types, find out how wushu can promote self-esteem, self-discipline, and form the healthy foundation for an active lifestyle. Speak or visit a member club (click here) to find out how you can best participate in this amazing time honoured sport.

"MARTIAL ARTS IN YOUR AREA"
Creative Input and Editing by: Linda White, Blake Purdy, Toronto Sun

In a time when stress and anxiety are everywhere, and computers and hand-held games are putting children at risk of developing serious health problems, there are many reasons to make like a Power Ranger or Ninja Turtle and discover the benefits of martial arts.

Many people choose to study martial arts because they’re interested in self defense. Canadian figure skating champion Elvis Stojko got involved in martial arts at the age of 10 to help his skating and for protection, since he wasn’t a big kid. He earned a black belt and has gone on to perform in world wushu championships.

While defense is an important benefit, martial arts training encompasses not just the physical aspect of the centuries-old sport, but valuable mental and emotional lessons as well. These formidable traits found in wushu can be used to help nuture children and as a result provides a great training platform that will help in many other sports such as soccer and hockey.

Martial arts help build confidence and self-esteem, as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy. Children develop patience, self control, discipline and perseverance. Every child wins because they set and achieve personal goals and are never left warming the bench like they might in some team sports.

“Speed, power, coordination, balance and agility are equally important in martial arts,” says Alan Tang, president of Wushu Canada and a coach of this country's national wushu team. “You don’t need to compete in wushu. You can use it as a cross-training platform, especially for coordination and agility.”

Wushu is a great form of exercise and a different approach to the martial arts that can be enjoyed by youth and seniors alike. With a wide variety of martial arts to choose from, you’ll want to check out the different methods available and consider which best meets your interests and goals.

Karate, for example, focuses on building strength and endurance and involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring. Kung-fu, the traditional term referring to Chinese martial arts, involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques and teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, grappling, leg sweeps and more. "Kung Fu" is the literal term that tranlates to "Hard Work" as was used as a reference to the Chinese Martial Arts for many years, however as the sport develops globally, the official term of "Wushu" is now adapted and recognized under the International Olympic Committee and its' associated organizations.

Taiji "Tai Chi", a mind-body practice sometimes referred to as moving meditation, uses slow, circular movements and in China is regarded as one of the best overall forms of exercise. Low-velocity, low-impact movements can be performed by older individuals experiencing joint degeneration, muscle atrophy, poor balance, and low stamina.

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a school, including level of instruction. Check out an instructor’s qualifications and teaching methods and watch how they interact with students. (WushuOntario provides a full screening and certification process to the coaches registered with the association). It should be a fun learning experience. Make sure the training centre is safe, well-maintained and clean, with ample space and decent equipment.

The types of programs offered can vary from one school or club to another but can include adult only, mixed programs and combat programs. Check out the Athlete development and membership sections of the website for a list of recognized schools and clubs.

Before signing on the dotted line, take advantage of complimentary classes typically offered by schools to determine if a class is right for you. “Try a few disciplines and decide which you enjoy the most,” says Tang. “Martial arts is a lifelong experience; an interest; a passion.”