Zhang Lingmei Wushu Exchange is starting a beginner's wushu class Sundays from 1 PM to 2 PM on July 15, 2007 at 1319 20th Ave. in SF. Wushu means "military arts" in Chinese and is the modern form of Chinese kung fu. It has been popularized by the media in films starring Jet Li and Jackie Chan. Wushu is known for its dynamic, artistic movements and is notable for its use of weaponry, primarily the straightsword, broadsword, spear and staff.
Zhang Lingmei is the head instructor at Wushu Exchange. She was formerly the coach of the all-China wushu team, of which Jet Li was a member. In 1974, when China sent its first delegation of wushu athletes to America, she was the team coach and performed in the White House. She is the highest ranked woman martial artist in China. More information about her can be found from an Asianweek article at http://www.asianweek.com/2002_01_18/arts_zhang.html.
Wushu Exchange is an informal place to learn wushu, placing emphasis on the health and safety of its members. I started Wushu Exchange when Coach Zhang moved to Las Vegas but now that she's back for the summer, there's a great opportunity to learn from her and one of our other students. The class will be taught by one of our senior students and/or Zhang Lingmei, depending on how much interest there is in the class. You can see him, me and Coach Zhang performing in the Journey to China video clips.
There will be a performance of wushu for those who are interested on June 24, 2007 at 2 PM at 1319 20th Ave. You are welcome to watch and stay afterward to ask any questions you may have about wushu.
This is a ten-week course, with no practice on Labor Day weekend. The goals for the course (which are subject to change) are:
- basic stances: horse, bow, sit, cat, drop
- basic kicks: front, side, inside, outside, snap, heel, side thrust, back sweep
- hand basics: punches, palm strikes, hooks, wheeling arm, hammer fist, waist turn
- jumps: front (others if there's time)
- Tan tui
The cost for the 10-week course is $80. Please e-mail me if you are interested or if you have any questions.
