Beginning Wushu Kung Fu: Where to Start and What You Need to Know

Have you ever wanted to learn Kung Fu but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve watched Wushu performances online — all that explosive movement, acrobatics, and precision — and thought, “That looks amazing, but I don’t live anywhere near a martial arts school.”

You’re not alone.

Whether you’re in a big city or a small town, you can begin your Wushu Kung Fu journey right where you are — no fancy gym or massive training hall required.

What Is Wushu Kung Fu, Exactly?

Wushu is a modern expression of traditional Chinese martial arts. It blends fluid movement, athletic performance, and martial technique into a system that’s both artistic and powerful.

You’ll often see two branches of Wushu:

• Contemporary Wushu – focuses on performance, including jumps, forms, and weapons.

• Traditional Kung Fu – rooted in older fighting systems, emphasizing practical techniques and discipline.

At Arkansas Wushu, we believe in the beauty and discipline of both. Check out our Styles page to see what we have to offer!

Sometimes Wushu is also divided into Northern Styles and Southern Styles. Northern Styles are known for their high kicks, flashy moves, and acrobatics. Southern Styles are known for their powerful movements, deep stances, and intense fighting applications. You have probably seen both many times in the movies without realizing it.

If you are a Bruce Lee fan, than you have seen Wing Chun! This is a southern art known for it’s simplicity. Sammo Hung also practiced a Southern Style of Kung Fu known as Hung Gar. If you are more of a Jet Li fan, than you have seen Northern Wushu! Both Northern and Southern Kung Fu have created great actors and more importantly, legendary martial artist.

Can You Learn Wushu Without a School Nearby?

Absolutely. While training with a master is ideal, many people today start at home with nothing more than:

• A small open space,

• A phone or computer,

• And the right mindset.

💡 Tip: Check out our videos on YouTube to begin your Journey. They’re designed for people training at home with zero experience.

Beginner Wushu Basics You Can Practice Today

Start with stances — the foundation of every movement:

• 🐎 Horse Stance (Mabu) – Builds leg strength and endurance.

• 🏹 Bow Stance (Gongbu) – Trains balance and striking position.

• 🦶 Empty Stance (Xubu) – Great for mobility and transitional movement.

Once you’re comfortable, add:

• Basic punches (like straight punches and palm strikes),

• Kicks (like front kicks and side kicks),

• And eventually, full forms (Taolu).  WuBu Quan is the best place to start!

Daily Training Routine for Wushu Beginners

A 15-30 minute routine is all you need to build a habit:

1. Stretching (5-10 min) – Dynamic Stretching! Especially hips and hamstrings.

2. Stances + Basics (10-15 min) – Focus on form, not speed. Try to get the stances low!

3. Shadow Practice or Forms (5-10 min) – Put movements together.

4. Cool Down (5 min) – Prevent injury and increase flexibility. Use static stretching and controlled breathing.

Recommended Gear (Optional but Helpful)

You don’t need gear to start, but here are some things that can help:

• Lightweight martial arts shoes

• A basic training uniform (or just comfy clothes)

• 

• A practice staff (for traditional weapon forms)

🛒 Check out our recommended beginner gear here:
[Affiliate links to Century Martial Arts or Amazon]

Training Alone? Here’s How to Stay Motivated

• Set a goal like learning one form in 30 days.

• Record your progress (you’ll be shocked at how fast you improve).

• Leave a comment on our videos or message us — you’re not training alone if you’re part of the community.

Final Thoughts

Starting Wushu can feel intimidating, but the most important thing is just to begin. You don’t need a gym, a black belt, or to be in shape — you just need a willingness to move, learn, and grow.

Practical: The Most Miss-Defined Term in Martial Arts

The only way they could prove Kung Fu wasn’t practical, was to try to change the definition of the word!

When it comes to martial arts, few words are more more misunderstood—than “practical.”

In the modern Era where MMA schools are everywhere, you will hear lots of critizism for practicing traditional Karate or Kung Fu.  The argument is always something similar.

“Traditional martial arts are a wast of time, they aren’t practical.”
“You need MMA, Boxing, Jujitsi, or Judo if you actually want to know how to fight.”

But what if we’ve been defining “practical” all wrong?

Besides even if you train MMA, the techniques you are learning, most likely came from some form of traditional martial art or Kung Fu!

What Does “Practical” Even Mean?

By definition, practical means “useful and effective in real life.”
But here’s the question we should all be asking:
Real life for who?

If you’re in law enforcement or the military, then combat-based training might be essential. Even then, there are plenty of people who go through that training and still have no better than your average fighting skills.  For the average person—working a 9-to-5, raising a family, or aging gracefully—physical confrontation generally is not a daily concern.

So if a martial art helps you move better, stay healthy, stay sharp, and live longer… isn’t that more practical?

Which are you more likely to use in your everyday life? That cool flying arm bar the MMA guy taught you? Or the increased range of motion you have from daily stretching?

Traditional Martial Arts Build Real-Life Skills

Here are a few areas where traditional martial arts like Kung Fu, Karate, and Taekwondo offer long-term, real-world value:

• Hand-Eye Coordination: Great for driving, reaction time, sports, or simply not dropping your phone.

• Balance & Body Awareness: Especially important as we age—good balance prevents falls and injuries.

• Focus & Mental Clarity: Training forms (kata, taolu) builds concentration and mindfulness.

• Flexibility & Injury Prevention: Regular training improves mobility and reduces the risk of everyday injuries.

You Can Practice Traditional Arts for a Lifetime

Here’s something rarely talked about:
Combat sports often have an expiration date.

Styles like MMA, boxing, or Muay Thai rely heavily on sparring, explosive power, and full-contact training. These are intense systems that take a toll on the body. That’s why you rarely see 70-year-old MMA fighters.

But traditional martial arts? They’re built differently.
They emphasize flow, breath, posture, coordination, and internal strength—all things that age with you, not against you.

It’s not uncommon to see Kung Fu, Tai Chi, or Karate practitioners training well into their 80s and 90s. That longevity is practical.

“Combat-Only” Isn’t Always the Most Useful Approach

Modern systems like Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are praised for being “reality-based,” but they tend to focus solely on immediate threats—like being attacked in the street.

While this training is undeniably useful, it can overlook the other 99% of life where mental discipline, emotional control, and physical well-being are more important than throwing a punch.

Unfortunately the culture in some of these schools develops undesirable traits. Some MMA schools teach their students to mock other styles or schools, train them to be overconfident, and the fight culture can often lead to health risk.

For example, Jujitsu is great for ground fighting! It can teach you to submit your opponent or get up and get away if you need too! However, most MMA schools won’t tell you some of the hidden risk!

While grappling on the ground, you are in constant contact with your opponent, and can easily cause small abrasion or tears in the skin, which can easily lead to contact of open wounds between fighters!  This means that you can actually spread blood-borne diseases through training the art, possibly including  a STD related illnesses! Is it really practical to train to win a fight that may never come only to risk catching a life threatening disease? Some might consider that training “impractical”.

So… What Is Martial Arts Practical For?

Instead of asking, “Is this style practical?”
Maybe the better question is: “Practical for what?”

If your goal is to:

• Stay active and mobile as you age

• Improve your reaction time and confidence

• Build discipline and emotional control

• Train for life, not just self-defense…

Then traditional martial arts might just be the most practical choice of all.

Train for Life, Not Just for Combat

At Arkansas Wushu, we believe martial arts should improve every aspect of your life—not just prepare you for a rare worst-case scenario.

We blend traditional martial arts with modern understanding to help you build:

• Functional strength

• Everyday balance and coordination

• Calm, focused energy that benefits you at work, at home, and in daily life.

• Combat Application! (yes, we still have those too!)

Recommended Gear for Practical Training

🛡️ Looking for reliable training tools that can grow with you?

We recommend Century Martial Arts gear—durable, affordable, and used in our own training sessions and YouTube tutorials.

For some of our Tutorials, check out our YouTube page!

Final Thoughts

Let’s stop defining “practical” by how hard you can hit someone.
Let’s redefine it by how well you live.

Because if martial arts can help you move better, breathe deeper, and live longer—it might just be the most practical thing you ever do.

The Ultimate Guide to Everyday Self-Defense: Using a Cane, Umbrella, and Other Objects

When Traditional Weapons Aren’t an Option, Bring an Umbrella!

Picture this: You’re traveling, and security confiscates your tactical pen or perhaps you’re walking home, and a police officer questions why you’re carrying a baton. Many traditional self-defense tools such as knives, batons, and  even pepper spray—can be illegal in certain areas or raise suspicion.

In traditional Kung Fu, you would learn 18 different weapons! Obviously, you would never be able to carry that many, especially the long weapons! The idea was by learning the 18 traditional Arms, you could pick up and use just about anything as a weapon!

Smart self-defense isn’t about carrying a lot of self-defense tools—it’s about using everyday objects that blend into your environment. Two of the best tools for this purpose are the cane and an umbrella.

The Cane: A Warrior’s Walking Stick

Why It’s the Ultimate Everyday Weapon

✅ 100% Legal – No permits, no restrictions. You can carry it anywhere.
✅ No Suspicion – It’s just a walking aid. No one questions it.
✅ Surprisingly Devastating – A well-placed strike can break bones or disable an attacker.

Techniques That Give You an Edge

• Deception – Carrying a cane can make you appear weak, making your attacker over confident.

• Hook & Trap – Use the curved handle to control limbs or weapons.

• Long-Range Advantage – Keep attackers at bay with sweeping strikes. Perfect for keeping knives at bay.

💡 Pro Tip: A hardwood or reinforced cane looks unassuming but can take serious impact without breaking.

💡 Pro Tip: Most of the techniques you find in the Chuan Fa style of martial arts can easily be adapted for cane!

The Umbrella: The Forgotten Self-Defense Tool

Why It’s Better Than a Knife in Public

• Never Confiscated – You can take it through TSA without hassle.

• Hidden in Plain Sight – No one expects an umbrella to be a weapon.

• Multi-Use Defense:

  • Thrust → Works like a spear.

  • Swing → Functions like a baton.

  • Open → Becomes a makeshift shield.

Tactical Upgrade: What Separates the Good from the Useless

Most umbrellas snap under pressure. But a Blunt Umbrella (favored by executive protection teams) can withstand 200+ lbs of force—enough to dent a car door. That’s the kind of durability you want. There are also other options such as “The Unbreakable Umbrella”

Other Everyday Objects for Self-Defense

Even if you’re caught without a cane or umbrella, you can still defend yourself with items you already carry.

🔦 Flashlight – A 1000-lumen beam can blind an attacker long enough to counter. A solid metal body adds striking power.

📰 Rolled-Up Magazine – When tightly rolled, it functions like a baton and can fracture ribs. Works in places where weapons are banned.

👖 Belt (The Prison Shiv Technique) – The buckle becomes a striking tool, while the leather strap can entangle an attacker’s limb.

Training Tips: How to Make These Tools Effective

The 5-Second Rule

If you can’t deploy your tool in 5 seconds or less, it’s useless. Practice:
✔️ Quickly moving into positions that let you strike vital points.
✔️ Transitioning between different hand positions while warding off an attack.

“Dirty Tricks” That are Highly Effective!

• Umbrella jab to the groin → follow-up strike to the throat.

• Cane handle to the clavicle → A loud snap means the fight is over.

• “Accidental” trip with the cane → Immediate stomp to end the encounter.

Final Word: Smart Fighters Carry Smart Tools

While others hoard illegal weapons, the smart survivor carries tools that:
✅ Blend into everyday life
✅ Work in any legal jurisdiction
✅ Serve multiple purposes beyond self-defense

Your Next Move:

• Keep a combat-ready umbrella in your car or office.

• Learn three cane strikes this month. (check out a our YouTube video on Cane Defense!

• Train with what you already carry—because the best weapon is the one in your hand.

Would you trust your life to an umbrella or cane? Drop a comment below—we’ll help you get trained.

Are you ready to take on a new challenge that will improve your flexibility, strength, and overall mobility? Whether you’re a martial artist, an athlete, or someone who wants to enhance their physical capabilities, this is the perfect opportunity to achieve a new fitness goal.

I’m excited to announce the launch of my “30 Days to Learn the Splits” series on YouTube! This program is designed for beginners and intermediate practitioners alike, offering a structured, step-by-step guide to help you unlock the full splits in just one month. You’ll be amazed at the progress you can make when you dedicate just 10-15 minutes a day to targeted flexibility training.

Why Learn the Splits?

The splits are more than just an impressive feat of flexibility – they offer numerous benefits for your overall fitness and well-being. Here are just a few reasons to join this challenge:

• Increased Flexibility: Stretching the muscles in your legs and hips will increase your range of motion, helping you move more freely in everyday activities.
• Improved Strength: This challenge focuses not just on stretching but also on building strength in your hips, legs, and core to support your flexibility.
• Injury Prevention: Proper flexibility can help prevent injuries in martial arts and other physical activities by ensuring that your muscles and joints are less prone to strain.
• Better Posture: A flexible lower body can contribute to improved posture, relieving tension in the back and hips.

What to Expect in the Series

Each day of the challenge, you’ll find a new video posted on my YouTube channel that walks you through specific stretches and exercises designed to improve your flexibility. Here’s what you can expect:

• Daily Progression: Each video builds upon the previous one, ensuring steady, safe progress toward achieving the splits.
• Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with flexibility training, I break down each movement so anyone can follow along.
• Full-Body Benefits: While the focus is on the splits, you’ll notice improvements in your overall mobility, muscle control, and strength.
• Motivational Tips: Flexibility training takes patience, and I’ll be with you every step of the way with motivational advice to keep you going!

Join the Challenge!

Ready to get started? Here’s how you can join the “30 Days to Learn the Splits” challenge:

1. Subscribe to My YouTube Channel: Stay updated by subscribing so you don’t miss any of the daily videos.
2. Watch and Follow Along: Set aside 10-15 minutes a day to follow along with the stretches and exercises in each video.
3. Track Your Progress: Measure how close you get to the full splits each week, and share your progress in the comments or on social media with the hashtag #SplitsChallenge.

Get Involved and Stay Connected!

If you’re looking for support and motivation during this challenge, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll be posting updates and tips on my Facebook, so be sure to follow me there as well. Let’s make this an engaging community effort – feel free to share your progress, ask questions, and connect with others taking on the challenge.

Are you ready to see results in just 30 days? Don’t wait – join the challenge today and unlock your flexibility potential!

Martial arts tournaments are divided into several divisions. One of my favorite divisions is the self-defense event. Tournaments are a great place to test your knowledge and performance of choreographed defense techniques. Today I want to share some tips to help you win at your next event.

The first tip is to use techniques that you enjoy performing. Some techniques are simply more fun than others, and this will come through in your performance. Picking techniques, you like will help you be more energetic and make the performance more enjoyable to watch. Techniques you are not confident in will leave you feeling unsure of your performance.

Keep in mind that some tournaments will want you to break down the technique and explain it. I personally do this every time, and it generally scores some extra points. Make sure you can go through the technique explaining it step by step, and then follow it up with a full speed demonstration. I have seen students lose in tournament that would have gotten 1st place had the only taken the time to explain the technique.

Your oogy’s performance is just as important, if not more important, than your own. A dummy can make or break your score in a tournament. Remember this is a performance, not a fight. Looking sloppy and uncoordinated will cost you points. You want your opponent to act as realistic as they can while moving in a way that compliments your technique. You will want to make sure your dummy knows what techniques are coming, how to react, which direction to fall, and even where to yell to emphasize pain. If you dummy is just silent the entire time, you are not going to score as high as you would if they played along as if the techniques were actually happening to them.

To help your dummy along, you will want to make good use of your own Kiai. Being loud scores points, being quiet makes your performance boring and easy to ignore. Usually when you Kiai, it is also a good time for your partner to pretend to scream in agony. For example, if you are demonstrating an arm break, yelling will really help define the technique as a power move meant to do massive damage. It is also a technique that would cause your opponent a lot of pain, and you will want your partner to demonstrate that.

Introduction: Kung Fu, a martial art with a rich history rooted in ancient Chinese culture, requires practitioners to possess both skill and endurance. Endurance is a crucial element for any martial artist, as it enables them to perform at their best for an extended period. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Kung Fu practitioner looking to enhance your endurance, this blog will provide you with valuable tips to help you achieve your goals.

• Develop a Balanced Training Routine: To improve endurance, it’s essential to have a well-rounded training routine. Incorporate various types of exercises that target different aspects of fitness, including cardiovascular exercises, strength training, flexibility training, and skill-specific drills. A balanced routine will help you build endurance while simultaneously enhancing other crucial attributes for Kung Fu practice.

• Focus on Cardiovascular Exercises: Cardiovascular exercises form the foundation for building endurance. Engage in activities such as running, swimming, cycling, or jump rope to improve your cardiovascular fitness. These exercises increase your heart rate, enhance lung capacity, and improve oxygen utilization in your body. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to high-intensity cardiovascular exercise three to five times a week.

• Interval Training for Explosive Power: Kung Fu requires bursts of explosive power, making interval training an excellent addition to your endurance-building routine. Integrate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions into your workouts. Alternate between short periods of intense activity, such as sprinting or rapid punches/kicks, with brief recovery periods. This type of training enhances your anaerobic capacity, enabling you to sustain intense efforts for longer periods.

• Incorporate Strength Training: Building strength plays a crucial role in improving endurance. Focus on compound exercises that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, such as squats, lunges, deadlifts, push-ups, and pull-ups. Strength training enhances muscular endurance, allowing you to maintain optimal performance during Kung Fu training sessions. Aim for two to three strength training sessions per week, focusing on both upper and lower body exercises.

• Enhance Flexibility: Flexibility is vital in Kung Fu as it allows for fluid movements, reduces the risk of injuries, and improves overall performance. Incorporate stretching exercises into your routine to enhance your flexibility. Dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching after workouts can help increase your range of motion and reduce muscle tension. Improved flexibility will enable you to move with agility and ease during your Kung Fu practice.

• Practice High-Intensity Kung Fu Drills: To simulate the demands of Kung Fu practice, include high-intensity drills in your training regimen. Focus on specific techniques such as rapid punching, kicking combinations, or shadowboxing. Performing these drills with intensity will improve your endurance while refining your technique and speed. Start with shorter durations and gradually increase the length of your high-intensity training sessions.

• Train with Sparring and Partner Work: Incorporating sparring and partner work into your training will challenge your endurance in a practical and dynamic manner. Engaging in controlled sparring sessions or practicing techniques with a partner will require sustained effort and constant movement. This type of training mimics the intensity of real combat scenarios and helps build endurance while sharpening your reflexes and tactical skills.

• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Endurance training extends beyond the martial arts studio. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for long-term progress. Get enough sleep to allow for proper recovery and muscle repair. Maintain a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients to fuel your body and support your training. Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during intense workouts.

Conclusion: Improving endurance is a fundamental aspect of Kung Fu practice. By following these tips and incorporating them into your training routine, you can gradually build your endurance, allowing you to perform at your peak for extended periods. Remember, consistency, discipline, and patience are key when striving to enhance your endurance as a martial artist. Embrace the journey and enjoy the rewards that come with your improved physical and mental capabilities.