How much experience do I need to compete in Wushu?

I have about 1 years worth of training in wushu. Is there a tournament where novice practitioners can compete in?|||Modern wushu is composed of two disciplines: taolu (forms) and sanda (sparring). Taolu forms are similar to gymnastics and involve martial art patterns and maneuvers for which competitors are judged and given points according to specific rules. The forms comprise basic movements (stances, kicks, punches, balances, jumps, sweeps and throws) based on aggregate categories traditional Chinese martial art style and can be changed for competitions to highlight one%26#039;s strengths. Competitive forms have time limits that can range from 1 minute, 20 seconds for the some external styles to over five minutes for internal styles. Modern wushu competitors are increasingly training in aerial techniques such as 540 and 720 degree jumps and kicks to add more difficulty and style to their forms. Given the level of difficulty in these forms, you would require approximately 3 - 5 years of consistent practice to compete an national level.





Sanda (sometimes called sanshou or Lei Tai) is a modern fighting method and sport influenced by both traditional Chinese boxing, Chinese wrestling methods called Shuai Chiao and other Chinese grappling techniques such as Qin Na. It has all the combat aspects of wushu. Sanda appears much like kickboxing or Muay Thai, but includes many more grappling techniques. Sanda fighting competitions are often held alongside taolu or form competitions. It takes considerably less time to develop sanda techniques than taolu, so you would be able to enter sparring competitions sooner than you would forms.





Given wu shu%26#039;s structured learning syllabus, I would not be surprised if your organisation hosts tournament events for both forms and sparring, even at your level. Speak to your instructor, who will be able to contact the organisation head quarters for more info.





Good luck.