The Easier and Safer Way to learn Wushu Jumps
There are hundreds of training accessories for gymnastics and acrobatics: Mini trams, tumbling mats, landing mats, handspring rolls, training pods, etc. But unfortunately, for wushu there isn't much equipment out there. However, there are some nice training methods to learn wushu acrobatics safer and easier. Some of the methods here are used by chinese martial artists since decades, others are my own creations.
Description
- Learn all the wushu jumps with a sand pit. (for example a long jump sand pit or on the beach) Even jumping into your grandmother's vegetable garden is better then trying the jumps on hard ground. Always dig the sand soft enough so that you can't sprain your ankles or injure your knees.
- In order jump higher, at Chinese wushu schools they have a little bump at the edge of the sand pit. So you actually jump off from the bump and not from a flat ground. The bump should look like a wave and be 10 to 25 cm high. (see first illustration above)
- I once had the idea of placing a wooden springboard (sideways) in front of my sand pit. This way my jumps were much higher and I had more time to work on my technique. You might be able to get an old reuther spring board from a school or a gymnastics gym. Note: for most wushu jumps, you have to place the spring board 90° to the running direction - see illustrations 2 to 4. For the wushu cartwheel without hands you will have to place your springboard straight.
Advice
- In general, wushu jumps should not be done on mats. Sand is much better because you can keep twisting after the landing. Because gymnastics mats are kinda sticky, you can injure your ankles when you land your wushu jumps on plastic-mats/judo-mats etc.
- Always train with shoes - If possible, get yourself a pair of "Fei Yue Wushu Shoes".
- Do stability training for your joints.
- Also strengthen all your leg muscles with plyometric exercises, isometrics and of course weight training.
- Thin, weak leg muscles are more likely to get injured.
- Always stretch and warm up before you practice your wushu jumps.
- Think safe, don't risk your health.
Suggestions
Videos/Images
Martin Vidic doesn't take any responsibility for using his training methods. Read the T.O.S. Please feel free to contact mavi, if you have any ideas, suggestions or questions. To submit corrections or translations of this topic, please click here. (Privacy Policy)
