Virtuoso Punk Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 As my recently posted introduction suggests, I'm no wu shu master yet. Hehehe. So, does anyone know what exactly wu shu athletes mean when they say "compulsory"? I mean, I know the dictionary definition but not the definition in a wu shu context. I hear it all the time: "spear compulsory form," "long fist compulsory," etc. I even know a few compulsory forms myself. But what exactly does it mean?!??! My sifu is from China, and his English is weak, so he's unable to explain properly. I speak Chinese, which is how I can train with him, but not well enough to understand a definition of a trade-specific term. I've searched the web for info, but all I find are examples of compulsory forms at best. Any help would be extremely appreciated! http://www.virtuosopunk.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryLove Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 There are standard forms in place by the Wushu governing body which are compulsory in competition or as part of Wushu instruction. If you don't learn them, you are not learning official "Wushu". https://www.clearsilat.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paolung Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 my understanding is that they are 'required learning'. simlilar to if you go to college for a degree, you have x number of "electives" you can take, and then the "required" courses. compulsory forms are the "required" ones. as Jerry said, if you don't learn those, it's not "official" wushu as defined by the official wushu body. "It is not how much you know but how well you have mastered what you've learnt. When making an assessment of one's martial arts training one should measure the depth rather than the length". - MASTER "General" D. Lacey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virtuoso Punk Posted May 1, 2003 Author Share Posted May 1, 2003 Ah... that's kinda what I was thinking. Thanks, folks. That really helped. On another note, what is this governing body you mentioned? Did you mean the USAWKF? Or maybe some entity in China? I know the sport of wushu has in general not been able to enjoy much worldwide agreement on standards, rules, etc. http://www.virtuosopunk.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali Posted May 3, 2003 Share Posted May 3, 2003 From 1911-1949, Qing dynasty decline and the Republic of China set up. Martial artist from different schools and style started to find a way to promote traditional Kung Fu. But that was always not a easy way because different style has this characteristic. Monky style Kung Fu is different from Eagle Boxing. Hence, some great masters gathered together to pick out some form which they thought is useful. Among them, "Chin Wu Ten Form" is some of these Kung Fu form being selected. This included Boxing form and Weapon form This is still basic training form for Chin Wu Association around the world. This usually happen in the Northern part of China. Meanwhile, in Nanjing, one of the most important port also set up the Central Kung Fu Stadium (This translation may be wrong) in 1928 under Central government. They started to standardize some form to be "Long Fist", "Long spear", "Sword play". These form usually select from some traditional Chinese Kung Fu style. This divided into Shaolin department and Wudan department, Different southern Kung Fu masters from Hung gar, Choy Li Fut and other more also simplified and gather the hand-technique to form some "new Nanquan". The word, "Nan" mean south. Before this period, all these new composed Chinese Kung Fu still emphasize on combat skill. However, after 1949, the Communist party became the ruling party. Of course, many Kung Fu masters fled to Taiwan, South East Asia, Hong Kong or USA for political reason or etc. Kung Fu do not affect much because many still stayed. Nonetheless, from 1966 to 1976, the Cutural Revolution, Kung Fu and related stuff were accused of "old culture". Many Kung Fu masters were insulted or killed. Within these 10 years, no one can openly practise Kung Fu. You can say this is a Dark Age for Kung Fu. Until 1984, the Communist government restarted its concern on Kung Fu. This started by doing 3 ways, no matter right or wrong. 1) Started to dig up some traditional Kung Fu form by giving money for master who gave out their Kung Fu form. Many books were printed out. 2) Simplified and standardized Kung Fu and using a word, "Wushu" to clarify from Kung Fu. All these simplified and standardized of Kung Fu. Like "Long Fist" took out some movement of "Wa Fist", one of the Northern style Kung Fu. But adding in many jumping stuff. To be frank, all these stuffs usually ignored the way of "Fa ji" or sense of combat. Just easy for judge to give mark for Form-demonstration competition. All the compulsory style is in this style. Not to insult anyone, these form is good for basic training but not for fighting. 3) Sanda - Chinese way of free fighting composed of punching, kicking, throw. In 1984, people need to wear shelter, and no 1-2 punch or hard blow to head at that time. Darkness grants me pair of dark black eye,Yet I determine to look for Brightness Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahgao Posted May 17, 2003 Share Posted May 17, 2003 does anyone know what exactly wu shu athletes mean when they say "compulsory"?"Compulsory" routines are international standard routines that was formed by the Chinese to promote wushu to the world. The routines includes: Changquan, Daoshu, Qiangshu, Jianshu, Gunshu, Nanquan, Nandao, Nangun, Taiji. Compulsory routines are usually use for international wushu comp as a standard for all country to compete in. But this will be changing as China is making wave into Qlympic 2008. There will be no moer standard routines but standard movements. You have to chorograph your own routine with the sets of standard movements IWUF had state in their book.what is this governing body you mentioned? Did you mean the USAWKF? Or maybe some entity in China?IWUF - International Wushu Federation (base in China) is the governing body for all local wushu feds. Daniel KawSgWutan.com - Singapore Pugilistic Community Infotainment Site Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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