Wushu is a modern sport which is fundamentally based on various traditional kung fu styles. It is practised as a professional sport in many asian countries and its popularity is rapidly gaining momentum worldwide. There are two main categories of Wushu: Taolu and Sanda.
Taolu is a non contact performance sport and is widely known for spectacular flying kicks and amazing speed. Taolu is extremely intense and is a true test of one’s strength, flexibility, stamina and general athleticism. It challenges the agility of individual athletes based on their ability to execute a series of dynamic martial arts maneuvers and techniques both with and without the use of traditional Chinese weaponry such as swords and spears.
It’s emphasis is on demonstration and performance. Taolu is characterised by its dynamic and flowing motions along with its aerial kicks, rolling techniques and weaponry. In short, it is the most exciting and dynamic martial arts to be watched, to feel, and ultimately practise.
Under the governance of the International Wushu Federation (IWuF) there are eleven (11) standard competition events in Taolu that each provide a unique style and combined series of predetermined movements.
Barehanded: Changquan (Long Fist), Nanquan (Southern Fist), Taijiquan (Tai Chi).
Long Weapons: Gunshu (Staff), Qiangshu (Spear), Nangun (Southern Staff)
Short Weapons: Daoshu (Broadsword), Jianshu (Straight sword), Taijijian (Tai Chi Sword), Nandao (Southern broadsword)
Sparring routines are independently choreographed action sequences between (2) two or more athletes either with or without the use of weaponry.
Competition floors for taolu athletes are used at all International events spanning 14m x 8m. Three types of Judges (A, B and C) are trained to observe and score the athlete with a final score out of 10 provided after the completion of each routine.
International wushu competition is categorized by junior (18 and under) and senior (18 and over) level championships. In junior level events, the taolu routines are “compulsory” whereas each athlete performs identical movements and sequences that have been developed by the technical committee of the IWuF. Senior level events are competed using optional or “self choreographed” routines that can highlight the strengths of the individual athlete with the combined compulsory elements set forth by the IWuF.