Chinese Wushu

Wushu, also known as modern wushu or contemporary wushu, is both an exhibition and a full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. It was created in the People's Rebuplic of China after 1949 in an attempt to nationalize the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts. Most of the modern competition forms(taolu) were formed from their parent arts by government-appointed committee. Modern wushu is composed of two disciplines: taolu(forms) and sanda(sparring).

Taolu forms are similar to gymnastics and involve martial arts patterns and maneuvers for which competitors are judged and given points according to specific rules. The forms comprise basic movements (stances, kicks, punches, balances, jumps, sweeps and throws) based on aggregate categories traditional Chinese martial art style and can be changed for competitions to highlight one's strengths. Competitive forms have time limits that can range from 1 minute, 20 seconds for the some external styles to over five minutes for internal styles. Modern wushu competitors are increasingly training in aerial techniques such as 540 and 720 degree jumps and kicks to add more difficulty and style to their forms.

Sanshou (sometimes called sanda or Lei Tai) is a modern fighting method and sport influenced by both traditional Chinese boxing, Chinese wrestling methods called Shuai Jiao and other Chinese grappling techniques such as Qin Na. It has all the combat aspects of wushu. Sanda appears much like kickboxing or Muay Thai, but includes many more grappling techniques. Sanda fighting competitions are often held alongside taolu or form competitions.

In addition to events for individual routines, some wushu competitions also feature dual and group events. The dual event, also called duilian , is an event in which there is some form of sparring with weapons, or without weapons or even using bare hands against weapons. The dual event is usually spectacular and actions are choreographed before hand. The group event, also known as jiti , requires a group of people to perform together and smooth synchronization of actions are crucial.