Breathtaking to watch and exciting to perform, Wushu has become a global phenomenon with tremendous crossover appeal. Finally, a well-produced comprehensive instructional book that encompasses all fundamental skills, training principles, and terminology of Wushu is available in a convenient single volume in the English language. Whether you are a beginner, an experienced competitor, or a coach, this book is a must for those in search of a solid source of information compiled by one of the most sought-after champions and masters of all time, Jiang Bangjun, and Emilio Alpanseque, a highly- accomplished and well-known international Wushu authority from Madrid, Spain. The topics covered are: History, Stretching and Flexibility Exercises, Hand Forms and Hand Techniques, Stances and Footwork, Basic Combinations, Balance Techniques, Jumping Techniques, Tumbling Techniques, and a Basic Compulsory Routine. Fully illustrated with more than 400 photographs, detailed step-by-step descriptions, and special tips, MASTERING WUSHU is your best first step into Wushu excellence!

A thorough introduction to Wushu--an ancient form of Chinese exercise--this guide details the combination of physical support and cerebral involvement that improves health, self-defense skills, mental discipline, and body awareness. A wide variety of styles and movements that can be applied to different population groups--from infants to professional athletes--are detailed, and exercises that can be done with children or a partner are presented. Each exercise is accompanied by illustrations.

Chinese martial arts is considered by many to symbolise the strength of the Chinese and their pride in their history, and has long been regarded as an important element of Chinese culture and national identity. Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts comprehensively examines the development of Chinese martial arts in the context of history and politics, and highlights its role in nation building and identity construction over the past two centuries. This book explores how the development of Chinese martial arts was influenced by the ruling regimes’ political and military policies, as well as the social and economic environment. It also discusses the transformation of Chinese martial arts into its modern form as a competitive sport, a sport for all and a performing art, considering the effect of the rapid transformation of Chinese society in the 20th century and the influence of Western sports. The text concludes by examining the current prominence of Chinese martial arts on a global scale and the bright future of the sport as a unique cultural icon and national symbol of China in an era of globalisation. Politics and Identity in Chinese Martial Arts is important reading for researchers, students and scholars working in the areas of Chinese studies, Chinese history, political science and sports studies. It is also a valuable read for anyone with a special interest in Chinese martial arts.

Shaolin Monastery at Mount Song is considered the epicentre of the Chan school of Buddhism. It is also well known for its martial arts tradition and has long been regarded as a special cultural heritage site and an important symbol of the Chinese nation. This book is the first scholarly work in English to comprehensively examine the full history of Shaolin Monastery from 496 to 2016. More importantly, it offers a clear grasp of the origins and development of Chan Buddhism through an examination of Shaolin, and highlights the role of Shaolin and Shaolin kung fu in the construction of a national identity among the Chinese people in the past two centuries.

Outlines a Chinese program of exercise, martial arts movements, shadow boxing, and self-massage designed to promote fitness