Wushu, which is sometimes called Guoshu, Gongfu or Kung Fu, in the west translates as "martial technique", it is also sometimes called "The Art of Fighting". Wushu is the overall term for all self-defense sports in China. Some of these techniques may be carried out with the fists or the legs, or with the help of swords or lances. Mastery of the skills taught by Wushu was passed on within a family, or a monastery, or from master to students. Nowadays Wushu is a national sport in the People's Republic of China with competitions taking place every year.
In the first half of the century, all types of Wushu were less widely known. Since the 1950s, Wushu has gained increasing popularity.

Wushu is the Chinese term for martial arts. All Chinese martial arts are Wushu. Wushu traces back to as early as the time of the clan communes in primitive societies. As far back as the Shang and Zhou dynasties, there appeared activities of Wushu, which served as means of Soldier and became course for students at school, as well. In the Olympic sense, however, Wushu is a sporting exercise and an artistic form. Wushu requires flexibility, coordination, speed, strength, agility, grace, and stamina. Wushu included six major styles: Northern Fist, Southern fist, Er’mei, Wu-don, Shaolin and Tai Chi.

          Wushu is best grouped into 4 categories: fighting with hands or fists, fighting with swords and other weapons, training in pairs, and training in a group. The various fighting patterns use clever combinations of attack and defense, advance and retreat, movement and silence, acceleration and slowing down, hardness and elegance, pretence and reality.

          One Wushu technique is "Long Boxing" (Chang Quan). This technique depends very much on dexterity and speed and is particularly popular with children and teenagers. Another technique is "Xingyi Quan". This style is forceful and relies on balanced movements. Xingyi Quan is popular with middle-aged people. "Nan Quan", the southern style of boxing, combines all schools' techniques from south of the River Yangzi. It is comprised of small jumps, strong arm movements and often accompanied by loud screaming. "Nan Quan" boxing is based on the movements of tigers, leopards, snakes and cranes.

          Some of the similar movements of the techniques of the south are also practiced in "Shaolin Boxing", a techniques that evolved in the north in the Zen Buddhist Shaolin monastery. It is based on observations of the movements of animals. The "method of physical training" of Shaolin boxing is considered to be one of the most sophisticated Asian martial arts. Shaolin Boxing, also known as Kung Fu abroad, is consists of Shaolin Karate, Drunk Boxing, Monkey Boxing and Crane Boxing.