Martial Arts (Wushu 武术)
What is a martial art?
“Martial Art” means many things to many people.
Some of the obvious functions of a martial art are as a
means to health, fitness, recreation, self defence,
confidence, self expression, power, peace of mind, and
mastery of mind, body and spirit.
A martial art is often the means by which one learns to
constantly seek balance in what may seem like an
inherently violent world.
To those who practise traditional martial arts, a martial
art is not a path to violence. On the contrary, it is the
means by which violence itself is overcome.
Those who come the the martial arts out of a need to
conquer an enemy find that the best way to defeat the
opponent is to better understand the nature of violence
and the nature of the self. Those who come to the martial
arts with a predisposition to violence find their desire
and the need to dominate others exorcised by the process
of self mastery.
At the same time, those who may tend to shrink from
conflict out of fear of violence often find, through
training, a means to engage the world more intensely with
the compassion and awareness that is necessary to
overcome the external violence as well as the unnamed
fear.
The mental, physical and emotional skills and qualities
that are cultivated in the practice of martial arts can
have a profound affect on the quality of a person’s life.
This is why martial arts are part of spiritual
traditions, healing practices, philosophies, cultural
traditions, and national fitness programs. They are not
only military traditions.
What styles do we teach?
The Cloud Mountain Martial Arts curriculum includes traditional basic wushu training and conditioning with a strong emphasis on the “neijia” or “internal martial arts” of Chinese Wushu.
"Internal martial arts" are unique in their use of subtle mental and physical skills. They are known for their emphasis on the harmonious relationship between mind, body, and spirit. They are also known for their therapeutic health benefits and being suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The curricula at Cloud Mountain Martial Arts Orillia include:
- Taijiquan
- Wushu Qigong
- Xingyiquan
- Baguazhang
- Yiquan
- Liuhebafa
Martial application training includes:
- Qinna (Joint control, pressure point manipulation, and grappling.)
- Shuaijiao (Throws and take-down techniques.)
- Tuishou (“Pushing Hands)”
- Ti and Da (Striking with all parts of the body.)
- Sanshou (Free hands)
Beyond the basic technical mastery is thorough training in strategy, tactics, psychology, and the correct application of mind, body and spirit.