Grace, speed, flexibility and focus are just a few of the ingredients that make up the world of Wushu, a form of Kung-fu that has found a home at the University.
The University Wushu Club — founded in 1994 by then-coach Daniel Wu — impressed students walking past the Lillis Business Complex on Wednesday as club members executed flying leaps, daring flips and precision sword play.
Junior Nick Gallagher snapped a whip chain around his body, using both his arms and neck to control the movements. Senior Lorelei Cortez moved across the pavement with a sword swiveling in her hands. And the club’s coach, Phillip Dang, elicited cheers from the crowd as he executed a perfect flip.
“We do some crazy stuff,” Dang said. “Everything is graceful, everything is perfect. It is the most difficult art to perform.”
This is the junior’s second year coaching approximately 20 students in Wushu. Dang first started Wushu when he was 10 years old, and has been passionate about it since.
Historically, Wushu was the study of military skills. However, Dang teaches contemporary Wushu, which is a combination of traditional moves and acrobatics. Specifically, the club focuses on long fist, which is characterized by expansive and agile movements, fixed postures and choreographed performances.
Wushu is China’s national sport and became an internationally competitive event in 1985. Approximately 10 people from the University club compete at three different competitions throughout the year.
Gallagher is going into his third year with the Wushu club but has been doing Wushu for five years.
“It’s a good form of exercise,” he said. “It’s really fun to do.”
Dang and Gallagher said they hope Wushu will be added to the 2008 Olympics, especially with China as the host.
The University hosted the collegiate Wushu competition in 2002, with schools such as Stanford, the University of California at Berkeley and UCLA all competing. Dang took first place in the all-around men’s competition, and he was also accepted to the U.S. Wushu team over the summer, although he is now an alternate.
Members of the club are also trained with a few weapons: a straight sword, a broad sword, a staff and a whip chain.
Cortez is one of the few girls on the team and said she loves it. She started Wushu last year with no training and Dang said she has come a long way.
Members of the club practice four times a week: Mondays and Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Practices take place at the Student Recreation Center.
The University team is always looking for more participants. For more information, visit the club’s Web site at www.geocities.com/uowushu, or attend a Wushu practice.
Dang said he is excited about the talent on the team as they train for upcoming competitions.
“We’re pretty successful,” he said. “It’s inspiring.”