International coaching course boosts the martial art of Wushu in PNG

Development for Wushu in Papua New Guinea has been given a boost of technical knowledge following an international training course for Wushu coaches in Jiangyin city, China.

Wushu" is the Chinese term for "martial arts"

The course was hosted by the Chinese Wushu Association and sanctioned by the International Wushu Federation [IWUF] from June 27 to July 3.

The programme covered training for both Sanda [combat sparring] and Taolu [forms/ patterns] with coaches from different countries around the world including China, attended the seminar.

The Kung Fu Wushu Association of Papua New Guinea (KFWA PNG) was represented at the course by Andrew Molen, the Development Officer, who had the opportunity to gain experience from former and current Sanda World Champions.

 “It was a great experience, I learned a lot of things, especially the throwing and wrestling techniques which is a key component in Sanda,” Molen said.

“Most of the combat sports in PNG are striking styles, meaning we mainly score with hits by kicking or punching but not a lot of wrestling and throwing. Learning this adds to our knowledge and skills base to train our athletes.”

Topics covered in the course included strength & conditioning, anti-doping, managing athlete mindset and conduct, sports science, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The practical sessions involved light sparring, shadow boxing, strikes, throws and wrestling. There was also a written and a practical exam for the participants.

President of the Kung Fu Wushu Association of PNG, Geoff Hui said this course is important for the continuous development of the sport.

He thanked IWUF, the Oceania Kung Fu Wushu Federation and the Chinese Wushu Association for the invitation and also ensuring that PNG participated in the programme.

“Whilst we want to develop all the disciplines of Wushu, our main focus now is on Sanda and this course will greatly boost our current programme in PNG,” said Hui.

He said KFWA PNG is currently running a programme for its Development Squad in Port Moresby which began in April this year.

The programme led by Molen in preparation for future international events, had a late start due to lack of support from the country’s sporting authorities, but it is progressing well.

There are 20 athletes on this squad but that has been trimmed down to 12. KFWA PNG opted to have a squad in place training while awaiting competition rather than scramble a team at the last minute.

“It takes time to instill proper techniques, fitness and technical knowledge of a sport into an athlete so that’s why we have this development programme,” said Molen.

“Whatever I learned from the course in China, will be shared with the team. They are excited and are already looking forward to our next training session,” he said.

There will be other international training programmes and Hui said KFWA PNG will continue to participate to build individual capacity of its athletes and officials, and the federation.

Other developments for the sport are expected in PNG soon following discussions with partners and stakeholders.

Hui is appealing to corporate organizations and the government to partner with the KFWA PNG to develop it as both a sport and a way of life.

“Wushu is based on traditional Chinese martial arts teachings and philosophies that aim to promote peace, discipline, good health and well-being for all ages.

“For those who wish to compete, there are opportunities to travel nationally and international to represent their province or country,” Hui said.

“It is a rapidly growing sport in the world and Sanda athletes can transition to other professional combat sports such as MMA, Muay Thai, Kickboxing or Boxing. Sanda also has its own professional circuit.”

Hui emphasized that Wushu as a sport, especially Sanda, is not just for students of Kung Fu and Wushu. It is open to athletes from other combat styles who wish to have another opportunity to compete.