Starting Wushu.

[OpenYourEyes]

Alright. Ignore my last post. It was a dumb post. I make that thread because I was considering starting Wing Chun, but I've since found it's too expensive. Instead I've settled for Wushu (Modern, not traditional) and I start this week...Does anyone have any advice on what I should do to prepare myself, such as learning some basic stances or changing my weights/stretching routine etc.? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[ggg214]

what do you want from wushu?

[OpenYourEyes]

what do you want from wushu?

Well I've always liked it. I just never really did it because I was more into application rather than display. But yeah...I'm really pretty excited to do it now. I just want to have those kind of skills (No, not because it looks "cool" or "hardcore", I just think it's a good art). Though in all honesty, if they taught traditional wushu in my area I'd do that instead. But they don't, so yeah. Does anyone have an actual answer to the question? Because I'm not really interested in flaming.

[jubaji]

I would suggest stretching A LOT.

[ido523]

what kind of wushu just a bit curious? because wushu means martial arts in general.

[OpenYourEyes]

what kind of wushu just a bit curious? because wushu means martial arts in general.

You know the sport? Like...WUSHU wushu? Long fist, southern style etc. Witht the flips and jumps. That kind.

[rhee]

That is sport WUSHU, but i better like traditional wushu.

[OpenYourEyes]

That is sport WUSHU, but i better like traditional wushu.

Sport Wushu. Yeah. I just said that. I also said I'd prefer to do traditional Wushu. You should read the posts properly O_o

[rhee]

Sorry for that!

[xyl]

ditto on the stretching. work on your jumping height, u cant do any of the difficult
moves without good height. if you get dizzy when you spin, you better start working on that too. I wouldnt do much weights. u need the cardio more than raw strength
here. might also want to work on those shin muscles to
prevent shin splints.

of course u might have figured all this out by now

[ggg214]

pay attention to your knees.
i think modern wushu is harm to this.

[TigerClaw]

Hello,

If you are looking for acrobatics, gynmnastics type motions and flowery fancy long fist type movements Wushu is what you are looking fo. It will be hard on the knees and you need to be able to really develope the stretching.

But if you are looking fo more combative self defense styles I would suggest tradtional Kung Fu. I am not sure how long in life Wushu can be done, I mean there are a lot of flips jumps fast motions etc. But in tradition Kung Fu the forms can be done most of your life.

[xyl]

Hello,

If you are looking for acrobatics, gynmnastics type motions and flowery fancy long fist type movements Wushu is what you are looking fo. It will be hard on the knees and you need to be able to really develope the stretching.

But if you are looking fo more combative self defense styles I would suggest tradtional Kung Fu. I am not sure how long in life Wushu can be done, I mean there are a lot of flips jumps fast motions etc. But in tradition Kung Fu the forms can be done most of your life.

1)I think we all agree on the stretching and it can be hard on the knees just like any other sport which you jump alot. landing well especially when you are tired will prevent injuries though; thats personal experience talking. most of my minor injuries were doing aerial techniques while really tired and just landing hard. Usually nothing more than a couple weeks of tenderness though.

2)I dont think wushu is completely useless if you focus on self-defense or combat. It is a great work out with elements from traditional kung fu (which its originally based off of). Of course the stuff you see in competition is pretty much just for show, but some of the basic drills they do such as stance training isnt much different from traditional stance training. Just my opinion but id rather do 1 hour of Wushu than 1 hour of running for cross-training.

3)i don't know if i agree completely with traditional forms being able to be done all through your life. most of the southern forms? yeah as long as you still have your root and some endurance. forms like Tan Tui or other fundamental froms yes. But Wushu, particularly Chang Quan, originates from Hua Quan, Cha Quan, Pao Quan, etc. etc. Im not sure i could do those forms well when i get older. I could go through them but not well. just my opinion though.

[JadeDragon]

Work on your jumps because like someone else said you have to have hight when you jump. Use ankle weights when practicing jumps. Then when you take them off you'll get super high (not the stoned high.....lol). Also practice these things: jump inside crescent kick (landing on right leg), Jump outside crescent kicks, butterfly kicks, Wheel arm slap kick, rising heel kicks, and body twists. These are a few of the basics.

[chafe]

Would taijiquan be a good starter/augment to any martial arts?