FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

China, Wushu

Jul 1, 2008
2008 / July 2008


Let’s begin with two opposing statements, a yin and a yang, so to speak: Wushu will be included in the 2008 Beijing Olympics; Wushu will not be included in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Which is true? For all intents and purposes, they both are.

But I’m getting ahead of my story. First things first: What the heck is wushu?

It is the national sport of China. More accurately, it is China’s national sports — wushu, it seems, is the umbrella term for a disparate range of activities. Some are blatantly combative, akin to kickboxing or wrestling, while others are more gymnastic, celebrating individual grace rather than brute force.

Traditional wushu has been practiced throughout China for thousands of years, with each region, and many individual teachers, formulating their own styles. In 1949 the Communist Party created wushu in a concerted effort to formalize and nationalize Chinese martial arts. Committees were formed, rules were drawn up, and two principle disciplines were defined.

The first is san shou, a form of one-on-one fighting. Wearing protective boxing-style gloves, chest protectors and headgear, the combatant attempts to topple his opponent out of the marked arena using a combination of punches, kicks and throws. It is aggressive and frenetic, with bouts usually consisting of three two-minute rounds.

The second discipline, taolu, sees competitors perform a choreographed routine in front of five judges who score each performance on a scale of one to 10. Some routines are executed bare-handed, while others involve the use of swords or spears. This is gymnastics with attitude, a sublime fusion of kung-fu and ballet.

Taolu, in all its guises, is the predominant form of wushu, and over the decades it has become established in 86 countries, including the United States, where the presiding body is the United States of America Wushu- Kungfu Federation (http://www.usawkf.org). The global popularity of wushu is enhanced by blockbuster movies featuring the former wushu champion, Li Lian-jie, better known as Jet Li. Among Li’s most famous films is the action-packed Shaolin Temple trilogy, set in the real-life Buddhist monastery of Shaolin (http://www.shaolin.org.cn), where for centuries monks have practiced wushu as part of their quest for enlightenment.

Wushu is also featured in hit movies Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers, further bolstering the sport’s exotic mystique. With its marriage of grace and power, physical exertion and mental serenity, wushu continues to attract converts, especially in Western countries where it offers an antidote to the stresses of modern life. In fact, it’s estimated that 80 percent of wushu practitioners are non-Asian.

But back to the Olympics conundrum: Encouraged by its increasingly global appeal, China has persistently lobbied for wushu to be accorded official Olympic status. When the Olympic Committee named Beijing as the site of the 2008 Olympic Games, China hoped wushu would finally be included as an Olympic sport or, at the very least, as a demonstration sport.

Unmoved by pleas for its inclusion, Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, stuck to a commitment to limit the number of Olympic sports to 28.

So began a process of political agility worthy of the wushu arena.

Call it a happy coincidence or a skillful compromise, in August at the precise time Beijing is hosting the Olympic Games, the city will also be staging the 2008 Olympic Wushu Tournament. Though it’s not an official part of the Games, the tournament does have the blessing of the IOC. Yin and yang.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Florida’s Amrit Ocean Resort Launches Wellness Retreat Series

Situated on Florida’s Singer Island, recently opened Amrit Ocean Resort launches a wellness retreat series. Held monthly, this series aims to inspire longevity. The first retreat kicks off Feb. 27.

A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO

Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor

Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Aman to Open Its First Property in Bangkok

More than 35 years after opening its first property, Amanpuri, in Phuket, Aman returns to Thailand with the opening of Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok. Set to debut April 2, the 52-suite property lies within privately owned Nai Lert Park, offering guests a secluded haven in the middle of the bustling city, much like sister property Aman New York.

Daily
Feb 12, 2025

Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival Returns in March

Celebrating the best of Asian and Asian American filmmaking, Colorado’s Dragon Boat Film Festival is a fun mix of screenings by established and emerging artists. The theme of this year’s event is Honoring Our Past to Guide Our Future, held March 14–16 at Denver Sie Center.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025

Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox

On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.

eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Deal at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel

Still looking for a Valentine’s Day offer? The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, in New York City, has the LOVE Ben promotion available. With this offer, enjoy a stay in the hotel’s signature suite, as well as a private, late-night MoMA tour for two (with transportation included).

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025

Take the Ultimate Romantic Trip with Newport Harbor Island Resort’s New Offer

Take a Valentine’s Day or romantic trip back to the days of gilded mansions and cobblestone streets at Newport Harbor Island Resort in Newport, Rhode Island. This ocean-facing property has a special Valentine’s Day offer for couples.