Wushu -- the art of fighting -- is the general term of all self-defense sports, some of which is a series of abrupt movements using the fists or the legs, or with the help of swords or lances. The mastery of the various techniques once entailed very esoteric knowledge, which would only be passed on within a family or monastery, or from master to pupil.

For an outsider, the variety of Wushu styles is rather confusing. One Wushu technique is " long boxing" which depends very much on dexterity and speed and is particularly popular with children and youngster. Another technique is imitation boxing, Xingyiquan, which focuses on forceful and balanced movements and is characterized by small jumps and strong arm movements, often accompanied by loud screaming.

Taijinquan, or shadow boxing, is a gentle method that aims to disarm the opponent without the use of force, and with minimaleffort. It is based on the Taoist idea that the principle of gentleness will ultimately overcome hardness. According to legend, it is also similar to Shaolin Boxing- originating from the movements of animals, geared to breaking the momentum of the opponent's attack and letting the action disappear into thin air. It was originally a technique for self-defense, but in China, it is mostly older people who use it for meditating and strengthening the body.

Shadow boxing depends on the application and mastery of the life energy qi, which can be directed to all parts of the body with the help of mental training. Qi must flow and circulate freely in the body.

The circular movements of taijiquan are derived from this-they can be firm or loose, hard or soft, be directed forwards or backwards, but the movement must always be smooth and flowing. Through consistent practice of taijiquan, one eventually comes very close to the ideal of Taoism.

In a wider sense, qigong (breathing technique) is also part of Wushu and dates back 3,000 years. In qigong, techniques for regulating the breathing can bring about concentrated thinking and a state of inner calm.