Principle of Gradualness

2 min read

The principle of gradualness is another feature of Chinese Wushu. This requires a lot of patienceand persistence to learn. The course only can be completed gradually and is impossible to succeed quickly. Because Chinese Wushu places high demand on the basic techniques and attaches great importance to the rudiments, the actual combat techniques are seldom passed to the beginners. And because Chinese Wushu regards the exercises which benefit the internal organs to be the foundation, and pays great attention to the practices of maintaining good health (nurturing qi) and moralcultivation(setting moral values), the combat techniques have never been put first. Such combat techniques are quite different from those of the foreign combat techniques.

Unlike Chinese Wushu combat, Muay Thai, Japanese Karate and boxing all aim to destroy the object. Though they have their basic techniques, the actual combat exercises are taught after the basic techniques are learned. This enables beginners to master some combat techniques quickly.

People learning Muay Thai can participate in a Wushu contest on stage after five years of three-stage exercises including basic exercises, single movement practice and simulated combat practice.

However, five years only allows the strong strength to be practiced, which is the primary stage of Chinese Wushu. If a Muay Thai learner and a Chinese marital arts learner fight each other after five years of exercises, the latter will likely be unable to withstand the fierce attack of the former. If the combat is held after ten years of practice, the latter is unlikely to be defeated. If the combat is heldafter 15 years of exercises, the latter will surely be the successor. This is because the foreign combat techniques mainly depend on strong strength and are too eager to attain quick success and instant benefits. While some Muay Thai boxers make their fortune from the techniques, their strength isquickly sapped after they reach the age of 3o. Meanwhile, many Muay Thai boxers endure injuries during combat, which are hard to relieve due to the focus on strong strength and lack of exercises to benefit the internal organs. Therefore, longevity in the foreign boxer and Muay Thai boxer is rare. As for the Japanese Sumotori, they usually only live about forty years, similar to the Muay Thai boxer.

The principle of gradualness determines the long journey of progress when beginners learn combat techniques. Because Chinese Wushu combines the practice of maintaining good health, the martial art can help practitioners lead a longer life. As long as the learners keep practicing the exercises year after year, they can master enough of the actual combat techniques needed to prolong life. Such gradualness can also be seen clearly in age. Foreign boxers usually reach their prime between the ages of 2o and 3o. However, Chinese Wushu masters often mature after the age of 3o.

Some reach a zenith around the age of 4o, and their signature techniques marking their fame remain unchanged even into their sixties and seventies, or longer.