Class Information

Wushu Fundamentals

Includes warm-up, stance training, mobility training. Focus is on learning proper structure and application of techniques (ex: different ways to make a fist and how each one is applied). Learn kicking and its application, jump kicks and other Martial Art fundamentals. Designed to build motor skills, coordination, and strength.

Forms and Applications

Includes northern, southern and northwestern systems of martial arts. Learn their applications and principles by using traditional and contemporary form patterns. Forms will be learned from all systems to foster a well rounded understanding of Chinese martial philosophy and technique. Some systems we teach inlcuded Shaolin, Hua family, Zha family, Praying Mantis, Fanzi etc.

Kung Fu Conditioning

Learning technique is only half the battle when learning a fighting system, your body also needs to be conditioned to deliver the intense strikes and kicks without injury to yourself. The Kung Fu Conditioning class includes exercises that strengthen the areas of the body used for striking (for instance: knuckles, palms, arms and legs). Work is done with various training bags, wooden dummies and with controlled contact with other students (not sparring). This is a great class for those interested in being able to utilize all the techniques they learn in the fundamentals and forms classes.

Weapons

Basic principles and combinations. May included 32 staff, 32 broadsword Shaolin and other family sets.

Advanced weapon work includes advance routines and weapons that have a high degree of bodywork (straight sword, spear, two handed straight sword, drunken sets, etc.)

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Chicago Wushu Curriculum

Classes For Kids and Adults

Here at Chicago Wushu, we aim to provide training for people of all ages. We offer a variety of Chinese martial arts styles to meet your needs.

Contemporary Wushu

Nowadays, the term wushu is synonymous with contemporary exhibition sport and full contact sparring based on Chinese martial arts. Modern wushu is composed of forms taolu and sparring sanda. Taolu forms are individual routines similar to kata or gymnastics floor routines where a martial artist performs an individual performs a series of martial arts moves and is judged according to specific rules regarding artistry, skill, power, and precision. Sanda is the modern Chinese version of sport fighting which involves punches, kicks and grappling.

Traditional Kung Fu / GongFu

Ther terms traditional kungfu or traditional wushu can refer to a variety of traditional Chinese martial arts styles including Shaolin, animal styles, northern and southern styles.

Taichi / Taiji

Taichi is an internal Chinese martial art often practiced for health reasons. Tai chi forms are known for their slow movement. There are several styles of tai chi but the 2 most popular ones are Chen and Yang. Tai chi chuan literally means "supreme ultimate boxing" in Mandarin. The philosophy of tai chi is to meet violent force with softness. The theory is to be sensitive to the movement of your opponent and remain in physical contact with him and safely redirect his attack.

The beginner in this class focuses on Yang style Tai Chi. Basic mobility, hand and leg coordination and the 24 or 108 routines are practiced. After a certain proficiency has been reached the student will move on to Yang Tai Chi Sword then eventually branch out into the older, more martial, Chen style. Advanced students will learn Wudang Straightsword.

Baguazhang

Baguazhang's main characteristic movement is circle walking. Practitioners walk around the edge of a circle facing the center as if circling an opponent.

Cheung is the main system practiced, including: qigong, 8 changing palms, swimming body dragon, dao, spear and deer horn knives. Other forms, styles, and their applications may also be included.

Kids Kung Fu

These classes, for ages 5-12, help children to develop basic motor skills, hand/eye coordination, focus and disipline. We keep it fun for them, interspersing learning marital arts with fun games that keeps them active and attentive. The ratio of games to learning changes as the children grow older and are able to focus for longer periods. The environment in non-competitive, with no testing, instead we believe in gently challenging each child to do a bit more then they thought they could. This will increase their confidence and self-esteem and helps to develop a life-long love of martial arts and physical activity.