What is Wushu?

Wushu is Chinese Martial Arts.  In the United States it is more popularly known as Kung Fu.  Wushu is by far the most prevalent martial art seen in present day TV and in the movies.  Jet Li, Jackie Chan and the late Bruce Lee are all highly accomplished Wushu practitioners.  Technique Studios is proud home to one of St. Louis’s few modern Wushu schools-O-Mei Wushu USA.

What is the curriculum?

Wushu, in its curricula form, is vast.  In China, Wushu is studied and practiced throughout one’s entire life.  For the serious practioners, Wushu becomes a way of life.  Wushu takes many years of dedicated study to master even the simplest of techniques.  Even so, beginners can learn and benefit a great deal from the start.  Examples of our curricula include; Forms with or without weapons (Taolu), Sparring (Sanda/Sanshou), Chinese Grappling Techniques (Chin na), Body Conditioning and Tai Chi Chuan.  Definitions for each can be found on the Wushu Program insert at Student Services.

Due to the vast nature of the curriculum, Wushu students are recommended to maintain the following training schedules:Wushu Jr- 1x per week, Wushu Kids- 2-3x per week (including 1 sparring class), Wushu Teens/Adults 3+ times per week (including 1 sparring class).  Red Belts and higher should attend at least 1 weekly class + 1 sparring class. 

Students with belts should expect to attend Weapons Camps and Clinics when they become available.

Students with Belts are also required to take at least 2 sparring classes per month at a minimum.  See Shifu for gear information and scheduling. Otherwise regular attendance in a sparring class is highly recommended so that the student learns practical application of the techniques learned. Students coming 2+ times per week can substitute sparring class time for regular class that week.  

What can I expect to cover in class?

Classes always begin with stretching and warm-up exercises followed by “the basics”.  Depending on the day, students will then move onto taolu or chin na.  The final few moments of class are reserved for group conditioning as well as meditation.  NOTE: Wushu training (like all martial arts) is comprised of correct repetition of techniques, movements, and postures.  The class structure will not alter much, creating a disciplined environment for students.  Throughout the class, proper respect for the teacher and classmates is expected and reinforced.  Students are highly encouraged to come to class to learn.  Class time is learning time, practice time is at home.  Class time is where Shifu will teach and hone your technique, diligent practice at home is need to master learned skills.

What is expected of each student?

Student Expectations:

• Be committed and persevere through difficulties
• Arrive 5 minutes early to every class, dressed, prepared and ready to train
• Be dressed in a clean and complete uniform, every class, otherwise approved attire
• Come prepared to work hard, train hard and eager to learn.
• Come prepared to focus and retain what you are taught.
• Maintain a positive learning attitude remain “coachable”
• Maintain respect for the teacher (Sifu), classmates and the facility
• Review the Wushu handbook regularly
• Compete “homework” assignment given, it’s for your benefit and progress not Shifu’s.

What is expected of the supporting family?

Most likely, you enrolled your child in Martial Arts probably because you would like for him/her to learn self-defense and discipline along with the physical and mental conditioning that only martial arts training can bring.  Wushu is not an easy sport.  Without a doubt, it takes dedication, hard work and perseverance in order for a student to feel any measure of success. Continuous positive encouragement when it’s good, and being firm and committed when it’s not is expected so that your student can succeed and feel SUCCESS!  NOTE: It is not uncommon for beginners to experience “good” and “bad” days. 

As the supporting family, we encourage you to help your child persevere through the difficult times.  Positive reinforcement and encouragement at home is a must.

Your support is critical to your child’s success.  Here’s how you can help:

• Ensure that your child arrives 5- 10  minutes early to every class. Ensure they are mentally ready to engage in the class as well.
• Ensure that your child’s uniform is clean and complete. This adds value and meaning to their uniform which builds respect.
• Make sure your child attends every class. Do not give your child the option on attendance. Consistency builds to the success and value they have in themselves and the program.  Make-ups should be uncommon.  Please stick to your registered days and times.  
• Monitor practices and encourage at-home work. Most children are not self motivators that will come from you the parent.
• Impress upon your child the benefit of hard work by being committed to completing the entire season (at a minimum). This ensures quitting is never an option.
• Encourage your child to persevere through difficult times even when it’s boring because it’s repetitive. Mastery is achieved through repetition.
• Stay plugged in.  Checking email and bulletin boards for special notifications, events, training tips, etc. It’s your responsibility to know what's going on.