Famous in foreign lands
In addition to the young competitors, many other countries came to display their skill and understanding of the martial art.
Over 40 competitors from Turkey, Iran, Sweden, Singapore and Italy came to join the competition. Though they have learned the same movements as the Chinese, they often have a different understanding of Wushu.
Most foreigners first became aware of Wushu after Bruce Lee's movies were widely screened in theaters abroad, but it was rarely taught in other countries until the formation of the International Wushu Federation (IWUF).
The federation holds the World Wushu Championships every two years, and the first was held in 1991 in Beijing.
After that, people who were captivated by the art began coming to China to study, and martial arts schools were also opened in their home countries.
Unlike Chinese people who learn it for exercise, some foreigners learn it for combat. A man from Italy said that he learned Wushu to protect himself from muggers.
Others, however, learn it to join competitions and make profit.
Competition and school don't always mix
Martial arts competitions provide entertainment for audiences and attract investment. Because of this, some governments hold Wushu competitions every year to make money and further promote the art.
According to an agenda from the General Administration of Sport of China, almost every month in 2011 there is a Wushu competition held somewhere in the country. Some are national level activities and some are regional events.
However, in recent years, some fans have complained that Wushu has been overly commercialized, as people attach more importance to profits than the spirit behind the art.
Many schools, especially those privately owned, have also been criticized. Most parents who send their children to such schools hope to make their children stronger and enjoy the learning process.
But some schools, instead of teaching the philosophy behind Wushu, prefer to make the children compete in activities so they can earn profits.
"First of all, the martial art contains deep cultural meaning. If these competitions and schools go against the principle of the art and make it too commercialized, the art will finally die out," said a parent.
Though enthusiasm to learn the sport is still strong and most competitions focus on providing a platform for Wushu lovers to share their understanding of the art, awareness should be raised about abuses and profiteering, so that the art will not fade away.
