Every child has different talents and interests. Does your child like Wushu or display an interest in martial arts? What does the future look like for a kid pursuing Wushu? Find out more and discover how you can support your child’s Wushu journey in Singapore.

What is Wushu?

Wushu is a general term for Chinese martial arts. It dates back thousands of years to the Qin Dynasty. It was officially recognised in 1990 when the International Wushu Federation was formed. Since then, it has been represented at the South-East Asian Games (SEA Games), World Championships and other international competitions.

Today, Wushu mainly falls into two categories – Taolu, which refers to choreographed routines, and Sanda, which refers to full-contact combat. The Taolu discipline can be further segregated based on the types of stances, movements, and weapons used. On the other hand, the Sanda discipline features a mix of Wushu and Kung Fu combat techniques, and combatants are split into different weight categories. Wushu is thus both a graceful and combative martial art form.

Although this martial art originated as a form of self-defence, in today’s modern context, Wushu is a form of performing sport, which means it incorporates elements of the performing arts as well as sports. Wushu competitions today are based on the precise execution of a series of acrobatic manoeuvres, jumps, and routines.

Wushu in Singapore

Wushu is a highly recognised sport and martial art form in Singapore. The three main types of Wushu in Singapore are the Changquan, Nanquan and Taijiquan. The Singapore National Pugilistic Federation was established in 1967 and renamed the Singapore National Wushu Federation and, later, Singapore Wushu Dragon & Lion Dance Federation (SWDLDF).

The Wushu Federation aims to unify Wushu organisations and instil the spirit of traditional martial arts in Singapore. The SWDLDF also works closely with the government and schools to roll out martial arts programmes in schools. You can read more about SWDLDF here.

Wushu as a CCA

The Wushu CCA programme is generally designed to invigorate students mentally and physically. Students trained in Wushu will enhance their flexibility, agility, strength and stamina. At the same time, they will develop self-confidence, resilience, discipline, and respect for themselves and others. Thus, the Wushu CCA aligns with essential values that should be inculcated in every child. These values are developed over time as students dedicate hours to perfecting routines with the utmost precision.

Wushu is offered as a CCA in many primary schools, such as Nanyang Primary School, Pei Chun Public School, Tao Nan, Nan Chiau Primary School and more. Children can learn the fundamentals of Wushu and, if selected by the school, can begin competing in the primary school segment of the National School Games (NSG) in Wushu.

Wushu is also popular in many secondary schools in Singapore. Wushu CCA members in secondary schools continue participating in the National School Games (NSG). During these competitions, students showcase their choreographed routines. Additionally, members of the Wushu CCA often display their acts in school performances on special occasions. Since Wushu is a Chinese martial art, it is most popular during festivals such as the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Wushu for Direct School Admission (DSA-Sec)

Wushu is recognised as a talent area under the DSA-Sec programme. Secondary schools that emphasise Wushu as a CCA are likely to accept candidates with promising achievements in this martial arts.

If your child is passionate about Wushu and is actively involved in their primary school’s Wushu CCA, you may encourage them to hone their potential and aim for DSA in their ideal Sec- school.

DSA allows your child to apply for admission into a secondary school before taking their PSLE and secure a seat for themselves. However, your child will still need to earn a minimum PSLE score set by the school to qualify for the DSA seat offered to them.

Some popular secondary schools with Wushu DSA include Hwa Chong Institution, Catholic High, Nan Chiau High School, Nanyang Girls School, Victoria School, River Valley High School, Dunman High School and Chung Cheng High School. Several of these schools offer Integrated Programmes (IP), meaning students do not have to take O Levels and can go straight into the associated junior colleges.

To know more about DSA Sec, read : New to DSA-Sec? Here are 5 Things You Need to Know

Competitive Path for a Child in Wushu

Children interested in taking a competitive path for Wushu in Singapore may begin training from age 4. You can send your child for training at Wushu classes in Singapore to hone their abilities even before they start primary school. It is usually best to send them for training from a young age as this is when they are most flexible and agile.

The Xin Ying Wushu Training Centre is one example of an academy for Wushu in Singapore, offering step-by-step programs for students to build their skills systematically. Students are trained in basic Wushu and Taiji techniques before specialising in the programme.

In primary school, they can aim to join national competitions such as the National Primary Schools Wushu Championship. They can then progress to the National School Games Wushu Championships in secondary school and junior college if they are internally selected. There are also Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Wushu Games for students in Polytechnics, Institutes of Technical Education, and Universities.

Suppose your child performs exceedingly well in any of the local Wushu competitions. In that case, they may be scouted by SWDLDF to attend selection trials for the National Youth Team or National Team. This will allow them to represent Singapore internationally as a Wushu practitioner and competitor.

Apart from competitions, Wushu associations and affiliated organisations often organise other events and activities to promote Wushu. Your child may participate or eventually become an instructor or judge to help further the cause. Singapore also takes pride in having Wushu performances at events such as the Annual chingay Parade.

Also read : Singapore Sports School (SSP) – All that you need to Know about it

Is Wushu only for certain races?

Wushu is now considered a contemporary performing sport. Although Wushu is traditionally known as a Chinese martial art, it is not limited to people of the Chinese race. In a multi-racial and multi-cultural society like Singapore, anyone can practice and train themselves in Wushu.

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Charmaine

Charmaine writes about education, lifestyle and personal finance tips. She tutors part-time and is well acquainted with the local education system. In her free time, Charmaine loves to explore food and date places in Singapore.