In the past few years, we have definitely seen a rise of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). It is undeniable that mma and almost its synonym UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is one of if not the fastest growing sport in the world.

There are many MMA promotions out there including WEC, UFC, Strikeforce, etc. UFC President Dana White has indeed been a driving force in the growth of Mixed Martial Arts.

With explanations out of the way- I pose the question: Is the rise of MMA in its present form a good or bad thing?

The Bad:
We have every day guys at the club all fired up and heated thinking that because they took a few lessons in BJJ (Brazillian Jiu Jitsu) that they are now “Martial Artists” and can kick anyone’s ass. There are two things to this:

1) They might actually be able to take on a lighter inexperienced person who has had NO martial arts, bjj, or fighting experience.

2) It’s still annoying for people going around thinking they can “beat this guy or that guy up” and for them to think they actually know martial arts. They’re limited knowledge of 2-3 submission techniques would also predominantly only be useful in a one on one fight where there are rules. I don’t think these people think about that. They take their 3 classes and then start thinking they are unstoppable. That is not the mentality of a true martial artist.

The Good:
It is making the word “martial arts” more popular and more financially popular now that there are larger endorsements rolling in. What we can hope for is the evolution of the sport and for fighters to grow in their martial arts background. Hopefully this means that the people who are truly good are those that study some of the traditions and foundational teachings of martial arts. Ie: respect for fighters/coaches/people, discipline in training and life, precision and traditional techniques beyond the popular styles out there. Hopefully martial arts culture spreading into homes of people who were not familiar with martial arts will only help continue the legacy and traditions of martial arts.

Anyways, these are a few thoughts here at WushuKicks.com

Feel free to share you thoughts on the direction of Mixed Martial Arts and its effect on society and martial arts in general.

Here are the top 5 prominent wushu weapons to use, have, own, practice, and fight with.

1) Broadsword!

Wushu Broadsword from WushuKicks.com

How could you not like a weapon that hacks people and looks so fierce and manly? This weapon of choice became a recent favorite of mine after competing in Korea in broadsword for the first time. It is also China national mens all china games champion Zhao Qing Jian’s weapon of choice.

Here is our broadword video. Get one so you can practice and compete like the pros.

2) Straightsword

Wushu Straightsword from WushuKicks.com

The gentelman’s weapon. Wielded by Jet Li or “Wu Ming” (Nameless) in the movie Hero, the straight sword exemplifies grace, precision, and form.

See straightsword in competition by gold medalist of the 2008 Cal Martial Arts Tournament.

3) Spear

Wushu Spear from WushuKicks.com

Straight sword vs. Spear video

They say that it takes a year to learn staff, but a life time to master spear. Spear has its roots and traditions dated back thousands and thousands of years ago. It is also said that the hair on the spear means many things. Red hair means that you are more of a beginner because the blood of your enemies is freshly stained, but if you have darker spear hairs then it would mean you area more seasoned warrior. White spear hair means that you are out for revenge and are intending to make the hairs on your spear red with the blood of your enemy.

That said, if you watch the clip of Donnie Yen vs. Jet Li in Hero, you can see how wicked a weapon spear can be. It is definitely a weapon that requires practice and more practice to wield properly.

4) 9 Section Whip Chain

Wushu Whip Chain

From the flexible weapon corner, the 9 section whip chain is compact yet has deadly reach and impact. Shaolin Monks in olden times used this as one of their many weapons they would train with.

When you can whip people around from all sides and look cool at the same time, you definitely make our top 5 list. Also, in some demonstrations, fire is added to the end for an even more intense demo.

See here a demonstration by a shaolin martial arts monk.

5) Wushu Staff

Wushu Staff

Top 5 wushu weapons would have to include staff. This weapon was the specialized weapon of the Ancient mythological character The Monkey King. The Monkey King’s staff weighed hundreds of pounds and could grow or shrink to various sizes.

See the staff in use portrayed in The Forbidden Kingdom

There you have it. www.WushuKicks.com ’s Top 5 Weapons of Choice for wushu training and combative use.

Wushu broadsword, straightsword, spear, 9 section whip chain, and staff!

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