Wushu means "martial arts" in Chinese and can be applied to tai chi, wing chun, kung fu or any other branch of martial arts originating in China. However, the word has also come to mean the formalized competitive performance of martial arts forms. This type of wushu is extremely rigorous and should not be attempted without qualified personal instruction. But you can teach yourself a handful of basic exercises before beginning formally.
Inward Crescent Kick
Step 1
Stand in a formal fighting stance with your knees bent, looking over your left shoulder. Your feet should be parallel, pointing 45 degrees clockwise from the direction of your gaze.
Step 2
Bring up your right knee to belly level in front of the center of your torso. If you can, bring it up to chest level.
Step 3
Swing your foot clockwise at the knee, striking with the inside of your foot between the bottom of the big toe and the front of the arch.
Step 4
Return your foot to the position where it started. Switch your stance so your right foot is now in front.
Step 5
Repeat steps two and three with your left foot.
Outward Crescent Kick
Step 1
Stand in a formal fighting stance.
Step 2
Bring your right knee to belly level in front of the left side of your torso. If you can, bring it up to chest level.
Step 3
Swing your leg counterclockwise from the knee. Strike with the outside of your foot between the bottom of your pinky toe and the front of your arch.
Step 4
Return your foot to the position where it started. Switch your stance so your right foot is now in front.
Step 5
Repeat steps two and three with your left foot.
Four-count Block Combo
Step 1
Stand in a horse stance. This is where your feet point forward, shoulder width apart. Your back remains straight with your knees bent--as close to 90 degrees as your legs can handle.
Step 2
Move your right hand straight up the middle of your body, like you would throwing an uppercut punch. As your fist reaches the top of your head, snap your elbow up and out until your whole arm is above your head at a 45 degree angle.
Step 3
Keep your arm bent and your fist stationary as you bring your elbow down until it's in front of your sternum. Move your arm in a straight line to the left, stopping on the opposite side of your head.
Step 4
Move your arm in a straight line to the right, crossing the sternum and stopping on the far side of your head.
Step 5
Rotate your forearm counterclockwise, keeping your elbow in place, until the thumb side of your fist is just past the outside of your leg.
Step 6
Return your hand to where it started. Repeat steps two through five with your left hand.
Tips and Warnings
- Once you've gotten the hang of these basics, try doing them in combinations. For example, inward crescent kicks can easily flow into an outward crescent with the other foot. As you continue to train, keep in mind that the best training comes from participating in a live class.
Things You'll Need
- Room to practice
References
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Instructor; Hillsboro, OR
- Wushu.com
- "Bushido Martial Arts Yellow Belt Manual"; Bushido Martial Arts International; 2006
Member Comments