The Wushu Encounter: A Journey Beyound Physical Training
- chuanmener@wien
- Sep 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 30
Reflecting on "Das Ist Wushu" Program at Middle School in Vienna
As educators and parents, we share a common goal: nurture our children and students with all the skills and wisdoms so that they could grow out themselves into confident, disciplined, and well-rounded future endeavors. That's why we were so thrilled to partner with a prestigious academic middle-school for a groundbreaking two-day's Das Ist Wushu Program recently, which has set a new standard for youth cultural sports diversity enrichment programs.
"Das Ist Wushu"
A Beginner's Wushu Program for an Immersive Experience
"Das Ist Wushu" is a thoughtfully designed introductory program that provides an overview and practical techniques of Wushu for beginners and authentic foundation seekers. The event showcased the significant impact of a holistic approach to student development, integrating physical training with cultural insights.
This program was led by our elite coach and facilitator as a collaboration between Chuanmener Sino-World Kulturaustausch Verein and the Austrian Wushu Federation (AWF) :
Head Coach Tang Jin (Austrian Wushu National Team Coach, Austrian Wushu Federation, Chinese Wushu 6th Duan)
Coach Fu Yao Zi Wang (eight-time Austrian National Champion, Chinese Wushu 4th Duan), and
Hope Hong from Chuanmener Sino-World Kulturaustausch Verein
Over the course of two full days, we engaged in an immersive Wushu experience that allowed students to explore authentic Chinese Wushu. This unique journey invited everyone to connect minds, bodies, and with the ancient cultural from the East. The program unfolded in various settings, including classrooms, sports halls, and outdoor parks, providing us with a valuable and enjoyable experience through hands-on activities and collaborative learning opportunities.
The program offered students far more than just martial arts skills. It fosters the first imprint of the crucial principle about the importance between force and balance, body and mind, self endurance and teamwork. Participants not only experienced fundamental hand and leg techniques and practiced a variety of Wushu forms like the "Five-Stance Fist" (五步拳Wu Bu Quan), Sanda散打, Bingqidao兵器道, Taiji 太极, and self-defense 自卫防身 drills but also developed invaluable life skills.
Through engaging, gamified drills, students developed teamwork, communication, and resilience, while fostering respect for teachers and peers. The program concluded with a final group demonstration, instilling pride and a commitment to self-improvement. It has shown that an integrated martial arts program can be a vital component of a well-rounded education.
This is a powerful message for every school and parent seeking to give their children a competitive edge. With Wushu now an official Youth Olympic Games sport, the skills learned here are more relevant than ever. This workshop has proven that an integrated martial arts program can be a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. We are currently exploring opportunities to partner with more schools, offering both after-school programs and long-term training, to help students build a foundation of confidence, discipline, and well-being that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Gaining a Competitive Edge for Life through Wushu
Self-cultivation with a Connected Body & Mind
“修身、齐家、治国、平天下” translates to "Cultivate the self, manage the family in harmony, govern the state, and bring peace to the world," originating from the Chinese classic The Great Learning (Daxue 大学) of the Warring States period (475–221 BCE).
This principle emphasizes achieving broader goals through self-cultivation (修身), which involves not only physical training but also mental discipline and moral refinement. It aligns with the notion of "exercising the body, cultivating the mind, and developing the spirit," fostering harmony and prosperity for individuals and society.
Wushu, a time-honored practice from ancient Chinese culture, serves as a powerful lifestyle heritage for self-cultivation. It not only strengthens the body but also fosters mental development, enhanced balance, flexibility, emotional harmony and resilience contributing to a healthier and more fulfilling life. The various forms of Wushu make it accessible to individuals of all ages, allowing for continuous practice that can extend into one's 90s.
Create a Pathway from Hobbyist to Champion for Austria
With Wushu's rising prominence as an official sport internationally, the Austrian National Olympic Committee and the Austria Wushu Federation are dedicated to cultivating a strong future for the sport by nurturing the next generation of athletes aged 10-16. This commitment includes preparing young competitors for significant events such as the 2025 World Traditional Wushu Championships, the 2026 World Junior Wushu Championships, and the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
The success of this workshop has motivated us to continue. We are offering more opportunities for interested students:
Youth Wushu Trial Program with Certified Coaches: Beginning this September, our AWF-affiliated studios will provide trial classes for students who wish to receive more comprehensive training. Please contact the following directly for details:
Österreichischer Wu Shu Verein: www.austriawushu.at
Kinder & Jugen 8-14 Jahr - Sonntag. um 15:00 - 16:00, Pfeilgasse 42b, 1080
Wushu Academy www.wushuacademy.net
Eltern-Kind (5-7 Jahre) Mittwoch 15:00 - 16:00, GEPS Auhofstraße 49, 1130
Kinder (7 - 10 Jahre) Mittwoch 16:00 - 17:00, GEPS Auhofstr.49, 1130
Jugend 10 - 14 Jahre Dienstag 18:00 - 19:00, Amalienstr. 31-33, 1130
ab 14 Jahren - Dienstag 19:00 - 20:30 - Amalienstraße 31-33, 1130
Unverbingdlichen Class Program in Schools: We are in discussions with schools and associations to establish a regular afternoon Wushu and Self-defense class, incorporating this valuable practice into their weekly schedule.
If you're interested in these or other partnership ideas, please reach out to us.
We are dedicated to empowering young individuals by fostering a love for learning and personal development. This journey is not just about individual growth; it is about coming together in a spirit of collaboration, much like the principles of wushu, where harmony and teamwork are essential. Let us unite in this collaborative spirit to inspire and uplift one another on our paths to success.
Was Ist Wushu? Das Ist Wushu!
Wushu (武术) is the official Chinese term for all Chinese martial arts, literally translating to "war art" or "fighting art." While it's also the name for the modern sport with its dynamic forms and competitions.
The association of "Kung Fu" with martial arts in the West largely came from the popularity of movies featuring stars like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. However, "Kung Fu" (功夫) actually means "skill through hard work," and it can be used to describe someone who is an deep expertise at anything, even cooking, tea making, dancing or painting.
