Wushu Classes in Portland

Wushu – which is sometimes called Guoshu, Gongfu, or Kung Fu in the West – is the overall term for all self-defense sports in China. Originally, Wushu comprised a set of martial skills used by Chinese soldiers and fighters that were passed on within a family, or a monastery, or from a master to his or her students. Many of these martial arts have an ancient heritage, with Wushu practitioners dating to China’s earliest dynasties. Today, Wushu has evolved to become a national sport in the People’s Republic of China, with standardized forms, judging criteria and annual competitions. Most of the modern competition forms were derived from parent (or classic) styles and forms.

Wushu is best grouped into four categories: fighting with hands or fists, fighting with swords and other weapons, training in pairs, and training in a group. In practice, Wushu incorporates combinations of attack and defense, advance and retreat, movement and silence, acceleration and slowing down, hardness and elegance, pretense and reality.

Providing instruction in the full range of Wushu styles and forms enables us to find the best styles and techniques for each student’s age and physical capabilities. From a physical standpoint, Wushu training in Portland helps students develop strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, stamina, reflexes, and body awareness. On an emotional and intellectual level, we have found that Wushu helps young people gain better self-discipline, focus, and respect both for themselves and for others.