Monitoring the readiness of wushu athletes at the stage of direct preparation for competitions

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Postgraduate student Zhu Zehuan1
Dr. Sc.Phil., Associate Professor V.A. Baranov1
1The Russian University of Sport «GTSOLIFK», Moscow

Keywords: society, culture, lifestyle, Tai Chi Chuan

Introduction Tai Chi Chuan, a Chinese martial art with deep historical roots in the People's Republic of China (PRC), has transcended its original combat-oriented framework to become a global phenomenon. Its essence and practice have evolved, shaped by the cultural contexts of different societies.

Research Objective To identify the substantive foundations (similarities, differences, and determinants) of Tai Chi Chuan in Chinese, European, and Russian cultures.

Methods and Research Organization A content analysis of literature and online sources was conducted to examine the cultural and substantive foundations of Tai Chi Chuan.

Results and Discussion The study revealed both shared and distinct cultural elements in Tai Chi Chuan practice across societies:

  1. Chinese Culture (PRC):
  • Rooted in Daoist philosophy (Yin-Yang balance).
  • Emphasizes health benefits: strength, flexibility, endurance, and breath control.
  • Widely practiced as a form of preventive medicine and community activity.
  1. Russian Context:
  • Primarily viewed as a fitness program or self-defense martial art.
  • Limited adoption due to a shortage of qualified instructors.
  • Cultural differences may explain its niche status compared to China.
  1. European Practice:
  • Dual Perception:
  • Youth: Attracted to its martial arts aspects (e.g., Tai Chi boxing styles).
  • Older Adults: Focus on health (balance improvement, fall prevention, breath regulation).
  • Adapted to local wellness trends, often stripped of philosophical depth.

Cultural Determinants:

  • China: Holistic integration of movement, philosophy, and medicine.
  • Russia: Pragmatic approach favoring physical utility over tradition.
  • Europe: Bifurcation into combat sport and geriatric wellness activity.

Conclusions Tai Chi Chuan’s cultural core remains tied to Chinese societal values, making direct replication in other contexts challenging. For Russia, this necessitates:

  • Developing culturally relevant content and training methodologies.
  • Bridging the instructor gap to preserve authenticity.
  • Exploring hybrid models that blend traditional principles with local needs.

References 

  1. Liu, S. (1999). Put adaptatsii tai tszi tsyuan k sisteme fizicheskoi kultury Rossii [Pathways for adapting Tai Chi Chuan to Russia’s physical culture system] [Abstract]. Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education.
  2. Zhu, C., & Baranov, V. A. (2023). Soderzhatel’nye aspekty sportivnoi trenirovki v tai tszi tsyuan [Substantive aspects of Tai Chi Chuan training]. In Novye realii tsennostnykh smyslov teorii i praktiki sportizatsii obrazovatel’nykh uchrezhdenii [New realities of value paradigms in sports-based education] (pp. 78–81). Symposium proceedings in memory of V. K. Balsevich.