Wushu
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
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Wushu is a Chinese term which literally means "martial arts"; it is also known as "modern wushu" or "contemporary wushu." It developed as an exhibition and full contact sport derived from the traditional martial arts of China. It was created as a sport in the People's Republic of China in 1949 and is now growing in popularity globally. The International Wushu Federation is its international governing body, and it organizes the World Wushu Championships every two years since 1991.
Wushu is composed of two disciplines; namely, the Taolu, or forms, and the Sanda, which means "sparring."
Taolu closely resembles gymnastics and incorporates patterns and movements based on Chinese martial arts. These forms comprise basic movements such as stances, kicks, punches and balances that come from the different styles of wushu or Kung Fu; sometimes these movements can be altered to highlight the beauty and grace of execution. Judges give points according to the spcific rules that these forms follow. Time limits in these competitions are observed; competitors who extend beyond the time limit are given point deductions.
The Sanda or Sanshou competitions resemble Western kickboxing, with the exception that throws and knee strikes are allowed. A fighter wins points each time he "downs" the opponent, regardless whether it is done with a punch, a kick, or a throw. The number of points awarded for each "downing" varies according to the nature of the technique and the force with which it is delivered, as determined by the ringside judges.
