This article is specifically for those peeps out there who want to get started in modern wushu for the very first time in their lives! Here’s a bit of advice from the Outlawz.
We get a quite a lot of emails from complete beginners to the sport of modern wushu asking us various questions such as:
- “What is wushu anyway?” - “Am I too old for wushu?” - “Should I do modern wushu or more traditional stuff?” - “Should I do tai chi or longfist?” - “Can you tell me which is a good school?” - “Which style will suit me better?” - “I am really worried I won’t be able to do all those spinning fly kicking jumpy moves?” - “I am just no sure if my body can handle it, what do you think?” - “I’m 19, is it too late to start?” - “Do you know of any teachers near me, I live near/on a farm”
ETC ETC ETC ETC ETC…
To be honest, questions like this are rather hard to answer considering that circumstances differ for each individual. But we’re here to help if and when we can to answer your questions about this amazing sport that is loved by so many around the world. Instead of you asking these questions, which in hindsight may be a little pointless, we’d advise how you may better use your time to get straight into it.
Simple, GO check out some schools, and TRY it out. You never know until you actually try it for yourself. Rather than ask other people’s opinions of it all, why don’t you just experience it for yourself and go from there. Here are some pointers:
First off though, some do ask about learning traditional in combination with modern wushu. Some will have interests in both so training in both is fine. For example, training in northern style Chinese martial arts will certainly be beneficial in learning Longfist in Modern wushu. Be sure to differentiate between traditional and modern and realise that both have different aims.
If your prior concern is applications, self defence and fighting then a traditional school may be what you are looking for. If you are looking for something athletic and acrobatic like with the sole purpose being on performance alone, then modern Wushu could be more suited to you
1. You’ve then seen footage of pro athletes on this wicked site (www.w1f.net) and now you want to imitate whatever it was that you saw.
- Do some research into what modern wushu is and what it’s all about. Briefly associate yourself with its history and origins. It might help to actually know the difference between traditional and modern or contemporary wushu (See “What is Wushu” article).
2. So now you know what modern wushu is and you want to get started. Once again, research into the different schools available to you in your local area. Most schools will have a website so take a good look. Email or make a brief phone call to the prospective coach/instructor/teacher of the school. Your prospective coach will be the one to answer all your questions regarding your training.
- Do not be afraid to ask if you can sit in on a class to observe. Discuss this with the coach in advance so he/she is aware of your attendance. A few people seem to think it is disrespectful to watch a class and then decide not to join for whatever reason. Not at all, this is a modern age and one has a right to chose a school that is suitable to him/her.
- What matters is how you conduct yourself. Contact the coach in advance to make an enquiry, politely ask if you may sit in on a class or even try out the first class. Most schools would allow this but some do not. It is up to the coach so be sure to enquire in advance.
- Arrive EARLY to the class you intend to watch. Don’t just turn up literally on the hour when the class has just started, it’s a bit rude to say the least. After the class is over speak to the coach and let him/her know whether you feel it’s the right school for you, and show some appreciation for being allowed to sit in.
3. So you have decided upon a teacher and school that you wish to attend. First off don’t walk before you can crawl. Your coach will be able to determine just how physically capable you are and what you can actually do. As complete beginners you will be expected to the follow the pack. Depending on one’s potential and ability you will grasp things quickly or perhaps slowly. You will eventually get an understanding of the basic wushu movements and drills. Your coach will be there to ensure you know exactly what to do.
- The first class for a newbie can be daunting. It seems everyone else knows exactly what, how and when to do things. You will feel at a complete loss and wonder why on earth you’re looking like a complete retard.
- The key is to enjoy it and let go of your inhibitions, everyone has to start somewhere. In your first few lessons you will be prancing about while your body mechanics adjust and you improve your co-ordination. But essentially you are familiarising yourself with the class structure, and the movements and the drills and so on. After a few lessons you will be able to visualise what exactly you are supposed to do. Soon your body mechanics will get used to these rather difficult and somewhat intricate movements. Your hand eye leg co-ordination will improve and so on.
- Don’t rush, like all things in life you can’t just turn into a badman over night. These things take time.
4. The KEY to all this, is your COACH. He/she will be able to educate you on stretching, movement, technique, what styles he/she can teach you, weapons, and so on. Learning from more senior students in the class can also be of benefit to you (Check out the articles by Vincent Hopkins of YiDao which provide tips on smart training).
The MOST important thing is PRACTICE. Modern Wushu is one of those ridiculously hard sports/arts that requires regular training to maintain even the slightest of improvements.
Consider the following factors when deciding upon a school/teacher:
1) Prices and rates 2) Distance you would need to travel – travel costs 3) Reputation of the coach or coaches 4) Quality of teaching 5) Class structure 6) Standard of the senior students 7) What you will be able to learn 8) Class Atmosphere – recreational, competitive or both
ETC ETC ETC….These are just some of the factors you may want to think about before you start. Everyone is different and everyone will perceive things differently so make your own mind up. Ensure that you are enjoying training and have complete trust in your coach who will help you through it.
Never hesitate to ask your coach if you are unsure or if you just don’t know! But above all ENJOY your wushu and train hard. The sport exists for everyone to enjoy at varying levels for varying ages.
The original wushuonefamily.com website was created in 2002 when Ray and Houman returned from their summer trip to Beijing, China. The intention of this website's founders was (and still is) to raise the profile of Chinese Martial Arts, Kungfu/Kung Fu, Taiji/Taichi, Qigong and all related Chinese arts by building an online community, and providing videos (including our famous W1F trailers), downloads, photos, competition results, forums, diaries, blogs, articles, stories and reference.
The Ultimate Jet Li website is no longer available, however if you are a Jet fan it might be good to check out W1F for more information on Jet's art, Wushu.
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