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Welcome to the ZCHIWA Website
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Welcome to the Zhu Chang Hai International Wushu Association, or ZCHIWA web site. Here, you can see details of who we are, what we do, where we do it, and how you can get involved.
ZCHIWA is our school of Tai Chi (Tai Ji Quan) and other Wushu (or Kung Fu as it is known in the West.) Our chief instructor is Zhu Chang Hai, graded 6 Duan by the Chinese Wushu Association, an International Wushu Judge, and 4 times National Champion of China. Working along side Chang Hai, is his son, Yun long Zhu, who holds a 3 rd Duan with the CWA, and is an UK national wushu open champion and International Gold medal holder.
Chang Hai, often referred to as Master Zhu, master zhu teachs in Belfast, and Yunlong have other wushu and Sanshou classes outside the city. We believe in making classes fun as well as educational, and accessible to all ages and abilities. See class lists for details.
Chang Hai is an expert in the Northern Styles of Wushu, (Mantis fist,long fist, broad sord, ect) and he only teaches these on request.
It is our intention to share information clearly with you, letting you know what we offer, and giving you a chance to ask questions, and share information on Tai Chi, and Wushu. Don’t forget to check out the Gallery, to see pictures of Wushu in action.
欢迎来到朱长海国际武术协会
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What Is Wushu
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You have probably heard of Kung Fu, as in all the Bruce Lee films. Well, Kung Fu is the Westernised name for Wu Shu, (Wushu). Both names are interchangeable.
Wushu is the general term for all styles of Martial Arts from China. There are 249 recognised styles of Wushu, as acknowledged by the Chinese Wushu Association, the Governing body for Wushu in China. There are many more similar styles not yet separately recognised.
Within the 249 styles, the majority are External Wushu. This means, the emphasis is on speed, muscle power, and strength. There are only 3 styles which are recognised as Internal Wushu, ie: Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi), Xing Yi Quan, and Ba Gua Quan. These are distinguishable by their focus on the movement of energy round the body, rather than just using muscle power.
There are 3 ways of practicing Wushu. On your own, between 2 people (sparing practice), and in a group. A style can use the bare hands, called Quan (fist), or a weapon. There are hundreds of different weapons used in Wushu, but they can be divided into 2 categories, hard, and soft. Hard weapons include: sword, staff, spear, club etc. Soft weapons include: fan, whip, chain and rope etc. For safety, weapons are used in routines called forms, performed by an individual, or in choreographed fight scenes.
There is more to Wushu than simply learning how to fight. A strict moral code is taught by all good teachers. As the phrase goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Students are taught to be level headed, and avoid confrontation. Wushu training involves steeping students in the Chinese culture, as the skills are inseparably linked to where and from whom they come. Students learn about respect and discipline from this culture, which spills out into daily life.
A good Wushu practitioner does not separate class behaviour and the rest of life. If you practice, conscientious behaviour is inevitably consistent.
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What Is Tai Chi
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Tai Chi, (Tai Ji Quan) is a holistic form of gentle exercise. It’s what is called an Internal martial art. This means the emphasis is on the movement of energy round the body, rather than just concentrating on muscle power and movement. Tai Chi strengthens, and brings balance to the organs, as well as strengthening the muscles.
Because of its soft and gentle nature, Tai Chi is highly suitable for all ages and body types. This is perhaps why Tai Chi is one of the most popular exercise forms in China. It is loved by young and old. Most of the practitioners in China take up Tai Chi after they have retired. It is a highly social activity, where you can make new friends, stay fit and active, while stimulating your brain, as well as working your body.
Most classes are between an hour and an hour and a half. Typically, there would be a warm up, where each joint is lubricated, and muscles stretched. Then comes the Qi Gong section, where energy is focused into holding a posture, or a sequence of postures. Then a sequence is learned, called “form”. And to finish, the class warms down, calming, relaxing, and centring the body.
There are many different styles of Tai Chi. Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu and Sun. All of them share the same core moves, though their flavours are quite different. You can Identify Tai Chi by its slow, smooth moving nature. Not only is it very balancing and relaxing to do, it is also very relaxing to watch. Done correctly, an atmosphere of calm is created when performed.
Tai Chi can be practised in many different ways. It can be performed on ones own, in partner work, called pushing hands, or in groups, with students all moving together. Then there are the weapons in Tai Chi. The sword, the staff, the spear, and the fan. Tai Chi is still slow moving and graceful with these weapons. It looks very like a slow dance, the weapon serving to add interest to the movements, though each move has a purpose in the art of defence. It is only after a student has learned an open handed form, that he/she can go on to learn a weapons form.
Tai Chi is famous for its health benefits. It works on the same energy system as Chinese Traditional Medicine. Regardless of your ailment, Tai Chi can be used to fortify health. It works on every level. physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Balance can be maintained by consistent Tai Chi practice. Some benefits come very quickly, such as stress release. Others come slowly, as the student progresses. Patience is a requisite in learning Tai Chi, but the act of learning it builds patience. Health is not a destination in Tai Chi, instead, it is a journey, with practice, health flows in.
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