The 1st Junior World Wushu Championships, held in Malaysia from August 20-25th 2006 marked an important step in the development of Wushu internationally. 44 countries, including New Zealand, competed in Taolu (forms) and Sanshou (free sparring). Youngsters aged between 13 and 17 years took their first step to gain experience with the best in the world. The tournament was divided into two main divisions – Taolu Group B, which included basic routines of empty hands, weapons and set sparring routines in 3 styles – Chang Quan (long fist), Nan Quan (Southern styles) and Taiji Quan and Taolu Group A, which included the same 3 styles but with more advanced routines. This enabled more young competitors to compete comfortably at their level and early in their Wushu career.
Victor Cheong Cudgel Play
The other major part of the event was Sanshou where competitors competed within their weight category. There were 8 weight divisions for men and 4 for women. The international rules for Sanshou at this age are modified to exclude repetitive punching to the head and face, no kicking to the head or face and a reduced bout time of 1.5 minutes as opposed to the 2 minute bouts for adults.
Throughout all the divisions the standard of competition was very good and once again China and the other Asian countries dominated the medal charts. New Zealand was represented in the Sanshou competition by three competitors from Kapiti Coast Fighters in Wellington, Jacob Allen, Oliver Mackie and Tony Mazur, and in the Taolu competition by Victor Cheong from the Wushu Culture Association (WCA) in Auckland.
The New Zealand team was completed by Team Manager, Mr. Grant Butcher, Sanshou Coach, Mr. Barry Page with the assistance of Ms. Marcia Huso, and international Sanshou Judge Mr. Orlando Garcia. Tony Mazur was awarded the bronze medal in the 80kg division.
Platform Judge Orlando Garcia World Junior Wushu Champs
The New Zealand Kung Fu Wushu Federation (NZKWF) is holding its annual National Tournament in Wellington on Saturday 25th November 2006. This tournament will include Traditional and Modern Kung Fu Wushu and Taiji Quan bare hand and weapons forms, as well as Dui Lian (choreographed fighting) and Sanshou (free sparring). There are divisions for men and women, juniors and adults.
We are rapidly approaching the year 2008 and the Beijing Wushu Olympic Tournament. The International Olympic Committee and the International Wushu Federation have made the decision that even though Wushu is not an official event at the Olympics this event can be run parallel to the Olympic Games. This will be the most important event in the history of Wushu as the eyes of the world will be on Beijing at this time.
It is therefore very important that New Zealand is prepared and there is a team ready to represent the NZKWF and participate in this event. In my opinion this event will be the beginning of a new era for Chinese Martial Arts throughout the world. 2008 will be the year when the branches of Martial, Athletic and Medical Wushu will realize the importance of becoming one, and working and interacting together to preserve the origins, principles and essence of Wushu.
2007 is shaping up to be a busy year for New Zealand Wushu with the World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day (WTCQD) in April, The Auckland Wushu Festival in May, the Oceania Championships at a date and venue yet to be confirmed, and the 9th World Wushu Championships in September.
V Cheong, J Allen, T Mazur & O Mackie in Kuala Lumpur
The Wushu Culture Association website now has the syllabus for the elementary programme for Chang Quan, Nan Quan and Taiji Quan. The WCA would like to hear from anyone interested in becoming a Wushu coach and progressively attaining accreditation in elementary, basic, intermediate and advanced levels of coaching.
Follow the links for information pertaining to the Wushu Culture Association and for the New Zealand Kung Fu Wushu Federation.
