FORMS AND CLASSIFICATIONS OF WUSHU

Traditionally, Chinese martial arts are classified by one of three methods:

1. Internal or External styles.
2. Southern or Northern styles.
3. As "Shaolin" or "Wudang" or "Ermei."

Roughly speaking, the difference between internal and external styles can refer to whether the strength is from the torso and legs (internal) or whether the strength is derived from training of the more specific arm and leg muscles (external). The word "internal" often connotes a more pliable martial style. Southern or Northern styles naturally refer to the general origin, but finer distinctions are often made about style differences of these two schools.

Shaolin boxing styles are generally said to be derived from the form of fighting practiced at the Shaolin Temple in Henan province. Similarly, Wudang is the name of a mountain used by Taoists in Hubei province and Ermei is a significant religious mountain in Sichuan province.