Wushu athletes show how it’s done in Poortview
The team from the Chinese Wushu Federation made a stop in Poortview to exhibit just why they're one of the best Wushu teams in the world.
The South African Wushu Federation (SAWF) headquarters in Poortview once again welcomed a number of foreign Wushu athletes, this time for yet another phenomenal demonstration of the Wushu sport.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Wushu sport, it is known in the western world as Chinese Kung fu and is a full contact sport and a complete martial art. The sport is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but is not yet an Olympic sport.
It can involve weapons, or be free-hand, and is more rhythmic, artistic and reminiscent of gymnastics than most other Chinese martial arts. “It often becomes a very artistic and beautiful performance,” said SAWF president, Jurgens Lamprecht.
Wushu is one of the most-practised forms of Chinese martial arts, and one of the world’s best national teams – the Chinese Wushu Federation (CWF) – paid the SAWF a visit in Poortview on Mandela Day.
Their demonstration came a day after their performance at the opening ceremony of the 2018 BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Games on Tuesday, 17 July.
After the sun had set on Mandela Day and the cold air made its way into the West Rand, the Chinese team as well as South Africa’s very best Wushu athletes lit up the night with vibrant demonstrations. The South African Wushu team comprised numerous members of the Poortview-based centre, including seasoned athlete, Nerine du Plessis.
The evening got under way with the welcoming of the CWF by Jurgens, shortly before the South African team began their demonstration. After the SA contingent made the home crowd proud, the Chinese team stepped up and showed once again why they are one of the best Wushu teams in the world.
A vast array of forms and sparring routines were demonstrated throughout the evening, with a wide variety of weapons also being used in the demonstrations.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
