Where did China Wushu come from?

The origin of China Wushu can be traced back to primitive society. At that time, human beings used sticks and other tools to fight wild animals, and gradually accumulated some offensive and defensive experience. The paintings of monks fighting in the murals of the Thousand Buddhas Hall in Shaolin Temple are regarded as an important means of practicing martial arts.

During the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, "Wu Dance" was used to train soldiers and boost morale. So Wushu can be practiced in the form of dance. Schools such as "Xu Ma" and "Xu Ma" established by Zhou also listed archery and dance as one of the educational contents. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the vassal states attached great importance to the application of tactics in the battlefield. Qi Huangong held "pancratium" in the spring and autumn, and selected heroes from all over the world. During this period, the manufacture of swords and kendo have achieved unprecedented development. During the Qin and Han dynasties, wrestling and fencing prevailed, and there were customs of feasting and dancing. There is a sword dance at the Hongmen Banquet. Its form is closer to the routine of Wushu today. The application of guns reached its peak in the Han Dynasty, and various marksmanship began to appear. It is said that Hua Tuo initiated the "Wuqinxi", which is the origin of China Wushu.

People all think that Wushu originated from the need of fighting, but the book "China Wushu-History and Culture" points out that although part of Wushu comes from military needs, most of it still comes from private struggles among the people. Military Wushu and folk Wushu have different requirements.