Actually, Wushu is just a general name for 130 schools of boxing and other styles of martial art. Since different school has different competitive rules it is hard to judge in terms of quantized standards.

Also at present, Wushu isn’t very popular in most countries and regions. More specifically Wushu is an indefinite notion in China, which not only includes competitive ideas but also the traditional elements such as Confucianism, philosophy and health preservation. Most foreigners have no idea about Wushu; they just unconsciously relate it with the Kungfu stars Bruce Lee and Jacky Chan, but actually Wushu is not just fighting. Due to the rarity of books about Wushu, it is usually taught by word and deed and costs a couple of years to train the basic movements, which easily make the students give up halfway.

All of these make Wushu a tough task for application.

Maybe we should learn from Tae kwon Do (kickboxing) which ranked as Olympic event in 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. After 1996 Asian Olympic Games, the Republic of Korea began to promote Tae Kwon Do to the world by the means of free teaching. Now, there are about 100000 Korean coaches around the world. To popularize this national event, Tea Kwon Do was listed as a compulsory course from primary school to University. If a student won the national champion, he or she can even enter the college without the entrance examination.

Wushu also can be introduced into Chinese schools for wide promotion. Except special courses, teaching books should play an important role in popularizing Wushu to the world

Standard and integrative rules for competition and judgment should be set to fit international competitions.

Professional athletes and referees are badly needed in the development of Wushu. With effective management and the backup of funds, the road to the Olympic Games for Wushu may be rocky but still promising.

By Feng Hui