The Wushu Landscape in Singapore

mmexport1391101030286 Previously, we discussed about how Wushu has evolved into a modern sport we see today. In this post, we will shift our focus to Singapore to understand the local Wushu scene. The Singapore Wushu Dragon & Lion Dance Federation (SWDLDF) is the governing body for Wushu in Singapore. Along with the International Wushu Federation (IWUF) and other organisations, SWDLDF seeks to develop and promote Wushu within and beyond the country. 11146621_993741013999980_3234837361458832287_n In Singapore, the more prominent events to advocate Wushu are competitions. Each year, there are numerous competitions organised at the national and international levels. NTU IVP 2013 (2) Here are some of the well-known national competitions: 1. National Primary Schools Wushu Championship – an annual Wushu competition organised by the Singapore Primary Schools Sports Council (SPSSC) for students who are in primary schools under the Ministry of Education (MOE). IMG_3241 2. National School Games Wushu Championships – an annual Wushu competition organised by the Singapore Schools Sports Council (SSSC) for students who are in secondary schools and junior colleges under the Ministry of Education (MOE). IMG_1728 3. National Wushu Championships – a Wushu competition organised by the SWDLDF for Wushu practitioners from affiliated clubs of the SWDLDF, organisations under the People’s Association and schools under the Ministry of Education (MOE). National Wushu Competition 2008 (50) 4. Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Wushu Games* – a Wushu competition which primarily focus on Traditional Wushu for students from the local Institutes of Technical Education, Polytechnics and Universities. *The name of the competition varies with the hosting institution each year. IVP 2013 Through these local Wushu competitions, the SWDLDF may invite selected outstanding athletes to attend selection trials to enter the National Youth Team and/or National Team. IMG_4415 Besides competitions, organisations and associations also organise various events and activities to promote Wushu, including: a. Chingay Parade 2015 – organised by the People’s Association, brought together 1,000 Wushu practitioners across Singapore to deliver a magnificent contingent display. It was one of the few events in Singapore’s history where different Wushu associations and schools unite together for a massive performance. Chingay (2) b. Mass Taiji Display – organised by the SWDLDF, gathered 3,818 participants to perform the 13-Style Taijiquan routine together in unison at Yio Chu Kang Stadium. The event also set a new Singapore record for having the largest number of people doing Taiji together in 2014. mmexport1393764186353 c. National Wushu Display – a biennale event organised by the SWDLDF where top-notch performers across the world come together to deliver world class martial arts performances at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The last edition of this event was held in 2012. 1916227_220594355928_6577565_n There is no doubt that the Wushu scene in Singapore is indeed vibrant and the popularity of the sport keeps increasing! So what are you waiting for? Be a part of the Wushu Singapore movement today!

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