Mission Statement

The CSUF wushu team strives to promote the expression of inner-self. We are dedicated to the development and enhancement of physical, mental, and spiritual well being. Through the art of Wushu, we are committed to teaching the values of strength, health, commitment, dedication, and self-discipline. By establishing the CSUF Wushu team, our students will also learn the value of teamwork, and as a team, will learn to assist and motivate each other to reach our goals. Not only in our training, but also in our entire lives.

Introduction to Wushu
Wushu, also known as kung fu or Chinese martial arts, is one of the typical demonstrations of traditional Chinese culture. It is a sport that utilizes both brain and brawn. The theory of Wushu is based upon the classical Chinese philosophy, while the skills of Wushu consist of various forms of fighting such as fist fights, weapon fights, and other fighting routines including such offense and defense acts as kicking, punching, throwing, holding, chopping, and thrusting.

Wushu is not just a way to enhance one's health and fighting skills. Its long association with dance has lent it an enriching artistic quality. At the same time its emphasis on posture, composure, seld control, spirit, and lively exercises creates a very beautifying effect. Wushu is an art that stresses cultivation of moral character and demonstration of spirit and temperament. This form of martial chivalry is often seen in many martial art schools that have their own form of school etiquette. This ideology has also been adapted by the Japanese in the form of the samurai's bushido (warrior's code) or the European knights code of chivalry.

Origin of Chinese Wushu
Chinese Wushu was developed through the centuries by the Chinese people in their struggle for survival. Its roots lie primarily in the purpose of self-defense which is a far cry from the artistic sport that is is today. In antiquity, man used clubs and sticks in his struggle against wild animals and in his search for food. A rudimentary weapon for this skill was developed later and the need for skill was further simulated by inter-tribal warfare. These foregoing condition led to the gradual development of more sophisticated weapons whose use required more skill. Ancient records suggest that dance was often an imitation of various animal movements, hence the monkey dance and the bear dance.

In the military, Wushu developed more systematically during the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279). Exhibitions of Wushu arts were held in the armies as morale boosters and military exercises. At this time, many military generals also introduced Wushu into military exercises and training in order to build a strong army for warfare. The military demand for Wushu increased its applicability, causing the whole society to attach greater importance to it. As a result Wushu obtained a legal position in the society and stabilized a warrior class. Because of its strict selectiveness, mlitary Wushu developed in many ways through its popularity among the common people. Many people developed their own styles that are often based on philosophies such as Taoism, imitate annimal movements such as the monkey, mantis, tiger, crane, and snake.

Self Defense Skills
Historically Wushu was primarily concerned with warfare. Today it still maintains distinct combat characteristics. These characteristics can be seen more so in sanshou (Chinese kickboxing) competitions where two fighters fight on a staged platform two feet off the ground, where throws, punching and kicking are permitted. The athletes fight for two round three minutes each if the result is a tie a third round is issued. The rules are simple but the intensity of the fighters using only ten ounces gloves causes an exciting yet dangerous 80% knockout rate.

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[Click here to see the different handforms of Wushu!]