1 Shanghai University of Sport,Shanghai,China
2 Vrije University Brussel,Brussel,Belgium
3 Shanghai University of Political Science & Law,Shanghai,China
Introduction :Despite its increased international popularity over the past 20 years,Wushu(or Chinese martial arts)failed to enter the Beijing Olympics in 2008 as an official event.This study attempts to determine restricting factors regarding Wushu’s international development and provides a number of strategies for further improvement.
Methods :Through three online questionnaires,containing both open and closed questions,representatives of 52 member countries of the International Wushu Federation(IWUF),a number of IWUF officials,as well as international Wushu coaches participated in this investigation.
Results :Findings revealed a number of factors that seems to account for the low Wushu participation rates in most countries.Among other things,these factors include limited financial resources primarily relying on membership fees or minimal government subsidies.Moreover,Wushu’s non-Olympic status results in many countries in only limited support from their national Olympic committees.Also,the distinct differences that can be noticed between various countries regarding the level of Wushu coaches and athletes,their educational systems and promotional and communication policies can be regarded as restricting factors in the international development of Wushu.
Discussion/ Conclusion :Based on this study’s findings,strategies for a more successful international promotion in the future are suggested.Firstly,to improve the quality of foreign Wushu coaches,China’s coaches resources should be shared with other countries.IWUF should also regularly organize Wushu seminars,provide high quality Wushu education in local language so that coaches and teachers have the opportunity to improve their skills,and grant them relevant certificates through examination.Similarly,foreign countries should be encouraged to send their coaches to China to further improve their skills and get higher qualifications.Secondly,Wushu should actively be promoted to be included in major international sport competitions on a more permanent basis,such as the World Games and the Universiade,etc..Thirdly,Wushu administrators(both in China and abroad)should receive specific training regarding administrative,managerial and organizational skills.Fourthly,efforts are needed to communicate more effectively with regard to official international Wushu information including a platform with freely shared Wushu resources for all IWUF members.Fifthly,academic institutions(e.g.,universities)in various parts of the world should be encouraged to support Wushu’s international development by conducting scientific research and providing education in Wushu.Sixthly,more variation is needed regarding Wushu competition rules and formats in order to provide more appropriate opportunities for a wider group of Wushu participants.And lastly,the distribution of relevant Wushu material(e.g.,books,equipment,videos)should be organized more effectively,thereby providing better services for Wushu enthusiasts from around the world.