The main wushu jumps are: Flying Front Kick, Whirlwind Kick, Lotus Kick, Butterfly Kick, Butterfly Twist, Cartwheel Roll, and Cartwheel Roll Twist. Depending on the difficulty (e.g., extra rotations) of the jump, points are awarded—typically between 0.2 and 0.6 points per jump. When you combine two wushu jumps, additional points can be earned. Another way to gain extra points is through special landings, such as a split landing after a whirlwind kick. However, if jumps or landings are not executed properly, points will be deducted.
There is a cap on the total number of bonus points you can receive for acrobatic jumps. As of 2003, that limit was 2.4 points. For current rules, refer to the IWUF (International Wushu Federation) official website. Find more wushu instructions at Wushu Main.
Flying Front Kick to Whirlwind Kick (very common)
Land on your right leg after the flying front kick. Take 2–4 steps before jumping off your right leg. Shorter athletes often take 4 steps, but using just 2 looks more polished. The first step is straight, and the second turns 90° in the direction of the run. Keep your upper body upright during both jumps and the steps in between. Do not pause too long on your right leg after landing—maintain a smooth, fast transition.
Flying Front Kick to Cartwheel Roll (rare combination)
This combo is uncommon because it’s difficult and each jump only adds 0.2 points. You could get the same score by simply following the flying front kick with a butterfly kick.
Land on your right leg after the front kick. As your left leg touches down, immediately go into a no-hand cartwheel. Your cartwheel must be very clean. If you bend your knees or lean back too far, it won’t work. Keep your hands in front of your hips. When learning, skip the actual kick—just hop and land on your right leg before the cartwheel.
Flying Front Kick to Butterfly Kick or Twist (popular)
Seen often in beginner changquan (longfist) routines. After landing on your right leg, step forward with your left, then with your right, turning the right foot 90° counterclockwise. Hop on your right leg and go into a butterfly kick or twist.
Whirlwind Kick to Butterfly Twist (very popular)
Land on your right leg. Step forward with your left, ensuring the whirlwind kick wasn’t landed too deep. Step again with your right, hop (see butterfly twist run-up), and execute the twist.
Whirlwind Kick to Butterfly Kick (rare)
Land on your right leg, step forward with your left, then step with your right (90° counterclockwise). Hop and rotate your foot another 90° for the takeoff. Launch into the butterfly kick. Don’t think of the combo as one continuous move. Focus fully on the butterfly kick. Transitioning from vertical (whirlwind) to horizontal (butterfly) movement is difficult—especially since the butterfly kick isn’t a full rotation.
Lotus kicks are generally not used at the beginning of a combo.
Butterfly Kick to Butterfly Twist (popular)
No steps between jumps. Before trying this, practice doing 2+ butterfly kicks in a row. Make sure your butterfly twist is solid.
Butterfly Twist to Whirlwind Kick (popular)
Land on your left leg after a 360° or 720° twist. Immediately step forward with your right foot and bring your torso upright. Don’t stay on your left leg too long. Take two more steps, twist your right foot 90° counterclockwise, and perform the whirlwind kick.
Cartwheel Roll to Whirlwind Kick (popular)
Your right leg lands first in the cartwheel roll, followed by the left. As you land, rotate to the left to face the front. Step forward with the right, then the left, and finally the right again. Twist the last step’s foot 90° counterclockwise. Jump with your torso vertical.
The above are just the most common combos. You can also create your own. For example:
These combos are difficult because one rotates left, the other right. It's easier to combine jumps that rotate the same way (e.g., Butterfly Twist → Whirlwind Kick).
Before performing these combos with full jumps, practice them with hops. This helps you get used to timing and transitional steps.
Although examples above use 0–2 steps between jumps, smaller athletes may use up to 4 and still score full points. More steps = easier transition. But remember: in competitions, the carpet size limits your run-up.
Highest-scoring combo:
720° Whirlwind Kick → 720° Butterfly Twist → Split Landing
Lowest-scoring combo:
Flying Front Kick → Butterfly Kick
Fun combo (not for competitions):
Try chaining together as many 360° Whirlwind Kicks and Butterfly Twists as possible. Start with a Butterfly Twist, land, and go straight into a Whirlwind Kick with no steps in between.
