This is an article that I have wrote and submitted to youth.sg some time ago. It wasn't published so I guess it was rejected. It is basically some thoughts of mine that I think it would be nice to share.
Synopsis: What is the first thing that would come to your mind when you hear the word "martial arts"?
When the term, "martial arts", is mentioned, people would usually link it to either taekwando, judo or karate. I, however, would beg to differ.
After I graduated from my two years of 'extreme' junior college education, I wanted to have a change in my life, embarking on my journey to a more healthy and more happening lifestyle. Having said that, I don't deny that I do somehow have some influence by those action fighting scenes in movies with kung fu masters combating their opponents suavely. Scanning through the list of the co-curricular activities (CCAs) that were available in my new institution, I eventually made up my mind and decided to join the Zhong Hua Wu Shu Club.
By joining wushu, I can fulfil my desire of experiencing the fun-filled excitement with the cool stunts such as the flying kicks. Having a healthier lifestyle is inevitably one of the take-away due to the motivation to train weekly and consistently.
There are basically two main classifications of routines in wushu: the traditional and the competitive. It is then further categorised as fist routines, short weapon routines, long weapon routines and soft weapon routines. Besides from the commonly seen sword and cudgel (commonly known as the "wooden pole"), there are a lot more uncommon weaponary routines that are practiced by the wushu trainees. Examples are the nine-section whip, double er-mei pierces and double iron forks. Listing them all would make this article too long-winded so make a search on the internet to have a view of the awesome weapons.
In wushu, it is not just about learning how to do the stunts and memorising the routines for the sake of attaining the next level of belt. (Yes, wushu have belt levels too) It is also about the lessons of life. My three years of training in wushu has changed me tremendously, increasing my level of self-confidence and allowed me to be more calm in times of crisis as compared to the past. It is also about having the self discipline and the tenacity infused in oneself in order to achieve the goal that I am aiming for.
