Wushu: Almost Olympic
By Sarah Giffrow
7 Aug 2008
Please vote for the main photo in this storyfor On Stage. I hope to highlight the awesome visual beauty of wushu by getting this photo in the door!
You probably know it better as kung fu, and you may have seen it in action films, but what is Wushu all about?
Basically, wushu is kung fu, but the contemporary style also incorporates some acrobatic elements that make it very challenging to practice, and totally amazing to watch! "Wushu" is the Chinese word for "martial art," ("kung fu" actually means "hard work"), so wushu includes the fast external styles, and also the smooth internal styles like T'ai Chi.
In hopes of bringing more attention to the sport, China will be hosting an international wushu tournament during the Olympic Games in Beijing. If you're lucky enough to be there for the Olympics, be sure to check out the competition.
I've been practicing wushu for almost five years, and I love to share the sport with anyone who'll listen. These are just a few shots of the amazing wushu players and teachers who have come to the US, and there's a lot more talent out in the world! I'm honored to have trained with some of the people in these photos, so I hope you enjoy the sneak peek.
No responses
