Since the Zhou Dynasty, which ended in 771 BC, practical Wushu training has included basic skills such as strength training, fencing, staff sparring, spear training, etc. and it has also included training by using forms, such as the Shaolin Eight Methods, with the basic form supplemented by weapons forms, two-man forms, staff forms, etc.

The emphasis and importance of this type of martial training has played an important role throughout Chinese history During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), which was one of the most powerful periods of Chinese history, warriors were actually chosen through martial competition and officers were promoted through this same sort of competition Since at that time communications were well established with many neighboring countries; Chinese Wushu had a pronounced impact on these countries and was called "Tang Su Do," or the "Way of the Chinese Hand" During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), various forms of Wushu were well established in Korea, Japan, Tibet and many other countries What is called "Karate" is actually a descendent of Southern Chinese boxing forms and similarly, Judo can trace its origins to the importation of Chinese wrestling and Qinna, the precursor of Jiu-jitsu.