Chinese Wushu – External and Internal
From: http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=797382&lang=eng_news
Wushu, known in the West as Kungfu, is a kind of Chinese traditional sport characterized by various barehanded and armed combat techniques. Wushu exercises consist of both “external” and “internal” work, the former meaning movements of the body while the latter being related to the spirits. The two aspects are combined as movements are guided by consciousness so as to achieve a unity of body and mind. Thus, constant practice of wushu helps not only to strength muscles and bones, but also to regulate the central nervous system and improve the cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory functions.
To meet the upcoming 2008 Olympics Games, the scientists at the Exhibition Department of the Museum came up with the idea of creating an exhibition on exercise science. According to a visitor survey conducted before designing the exhibition, they found that hands-on activities and self-led discovery are most popular among the questioned in the survey. They tried to lead the visitors to the fantastic world of wushu and to make them understand the right way of health-building.
The exhibition Wushu starts with the sculptures of a grandpa and his grandson practicing Chinese kungfu. Then here at the entrance, a short film is playing to introduce the exercise science. In the gallery, we display Inbody, F-Scan, Force Plate, Accelerometer, 3D workshop and Infrared Camera for visitors to understand their body and movement, and to practice wushu with masters. If visitors are eager to know further about exercise science, we also offer an E-check system for them to use.
This exhibition is organized by the National Museum of Natural Science, in collaboration with Graduate Institute of Sports Science, Taiwan Wushu Association, and United Integrated Services Optical Dept.
This exhibition is made possible by the generosity of Sports Affairs Council, Exective Yuan, and in part, by some other enthusiastic communities and people.
How do you define wushu and what other chinese martial arts have similar qualities?
Tags: chinese martial arts, chinese wushu, external style, internal style, taiwan wushu association, wushu, Wushu News, wushu tai chi