GALLERY and VIDEO: National Wushu Championship and Trials 2015
POORTVIEW–The South African Wushu Federation saw droves of Kung Fu competitors take to the floor and ring to showcase their skills.
The South African Wushu Federation (SAWF) held its National Wushu Championship and Trials 2015 on 20 June in Poortview.
The championship, hosted at the South African Wudang Wushu Institute, brought schools from various provinces such as Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
According to SAWF Secretary-General Tammy Davey, the athletes showed their skills as Kung Fu practitioners in various disciplines on the day namel, with Taolu divisions (IWUF international compulsory Taolu routines), Sanshou (full-contact fighting), Tui Shou and Chi Sau.
Trials were held to potentially select an official National Protea Wushu team to represent South Africa at the African Wushu Championships to be held in Brazzaville, Congo later this year.
Davey further explained that the one of the main roles of the South African Wushu Federation is to promote and develop Chinese martial arts (Wushu) throughout South Africa.
Wushu, commonly known as Kung Fu, has something to offer for people of all ages and genders. “It is good for fitness, self-defence and overall coordination development. We are developing the sport to encourage more women and children to take part. It is important to expand into the areas that have not been exposed to this amazing art form before,” said Davey.
There are different styles of Kung Fu from standardised forms in the IWUF’s international compulsory Taolu routines. Davey articulated,”[There is also] a large variety of traditional Kung Fu styles including Shaolin, Chen-style Taiji, Wing Chun, Yang-style Taiji, Wudang and so much more.”
