Interest in Wushu increased in Kyrgyzstan during COVID-19 pandemic

Bishkek, June 11, 2021. / Kabar /. Interest in Wushu has increased in Kyrgyzstan during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to a wide range of wellness practices.

The word "Wushu" is translated from the Chinese language as "martial art". Wushu is one of the most popular martial arts in the world. It has a long history and became popular thanks to the masters who told about this art through the cinema.

Senior trainer of the Wushu Federation of Kyrgyzstan Lyubov Seryakova said that Wushu is a multifaceted system of knowledge, which includes the practice of self-defense, versatile self-development, as well as various health-improving techniques.

“There are many styles and trends in the martial art of Wushu, taking into account different physical and psychological characteristics of a person. Each of these areas has its own strengthening and health-improving exercises. Various Wushu practices cause a positive healing effect in case of heart diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, diseases of the respiratory tract, and psychological disorders. The most popular practices in the field of health-promoting practices are the Tai Chi Chuan style and exercises for working with the internal resources of the body, called qigong," Seryakov anoted.

Thanks to a wide range of wellness practices, Wushu has gained renewed interest during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some studies of the health properties of Tai Chi Chuan style techniques and Qigong exercises.

The Journal of Neuroimaging (USA) published a study by specialists from the USA and China, proving the beneficial effects of Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong on the human body. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed an increase in the level of N-acetylaspartate in the cerebral cortex, one of the key metabolites of nerve cells, in Tai Chi Chuan practitioners, as well as an acceleration of energy metabolism.

The practice of rehabilitation of patients with the help of Tai Chi Chuan is widely practiced in China, Russia, Spain and many other countries. Tai Chi Chuan is recommended for patients who have undergone viral infections, those who suffer from osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, to fight tuberculosis and other lung diseases.

“In the Federation of Traditional Wushu of the Kyrgyz Republic, people of different ages, levels of training and goals are engaged in various styles and directions of Wushu. The youngest wushuists are 3 years old, the oldest are over 70. The federation clubs are located throughout the republic," the wushu master emphasized.

Also, Lyubov Seryakova added that during the pandemic, classes did not stop.

“During the quarantine, trainings were conducted remotely. Since December, classes have been conducted offline. Each of the wushu practitioners notes that Wushu training helped to cope with the difficulties that arose during the pandemic. One of the main ways of training in Wushu is the practice of martial sets of exercises, which are also called "duel with the shadow". This shadow is not only the represented combat enemy, but also our weaknesses, diseases, fears, since the main principle of Wushu's martial art is not to surrender! A real warrior, even at 3 years old, at least at 70, can do anything! This principle is followed by wushuists of the Federation of Traditional Wushu of the Kyrgyz Republic,” said the trainer.