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      Wushu literally means "martial art" in chinese.  It is 2 characters, Wu, meaning martial or military and Shu, meaning skill or method.  It is more specific than kung fu which refers to great skill, for example an artist as well as a wushu master is said to have good kung fu.

      Shaolin Wushu is simply the wushu taught at the Shaolin Temple alongside Chan Buddhism. Shaolin monks are taught "Traditional Kung Fu", 18 Weapons, "Contemporary" Wushu, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, San Da, Shuai Jiao, and Chin Na. Shaolin's wushu is unique in that it involves many techniques, from traditional to contemporary, artistic and martial.

     "Traditional" Wushu & 18 Weapons are forms from many different styles of kung fu, collected over the centuries.  Styles range from the animals and seven star to drunken and ground boxing.  Shaolin monks practice these forms with speed and power, and with repetition build immense strength and stamina.

      Tai Chi & Qi Gong are forms with more focus on one's breath and Chi.  They are done at a much slower pace.  Shaolin monks are taught these forms alongside their other forms and fighting training.  The Tai Chi and Qi Gong are practiced regularly to replenish Chi, promote health, and harden the body.

      San Da, Shuai Jiao, & Chin Na are the kickboxing, wrestling throwing, and joint lock techniques of Shaolin Wushu.  These are the applications contained in the traditional forms and the fighting techniques learned by the monks. They are practiced to guard their buddhism in order to pass it down.

   "Contemporary" Wushu is China's national sport.  It emphasizes jumping kicks and acrobatics, alongside speed, power, and grace.  Techniques are not as effective in combat because it is designed to be a competitive sport with performance value.  Wushu can be a very demanding, some of the best athletes in the world are wushu players.