A martial art that is considered as both an exhibition and a full-contact sport, Wushu made its way to the benches and ranks of De La Salle University last July 2011, after renowned Wushu medalist Jai Tamayo spearheaded the formation of the team.
DLSU Wushu, from that point on, gathered students who are enthusiastic about the traditional Chinese martial art. The club practiced and performed exhibitions both in and out of the University. These exhibition matches included friendship bouts against different Wushu organizations as well as the Friendship Wushu Day that was conducted at Discovery last December.
Adding to the list of their early accomplishments are players who are both internationally and locally recognized as top-notch martial artists with an expertise in Wushu. Furthermore, the team is also composed of acclaimed national players from the Willy Wang Wushu Center in Manila.
The path to glory
Considering the current size and status of the team, head coach Ryan Ladyon of the DLSU Wushu team shares that despite the early achievements last December, the team still has a long way to go to reach recognition in the University and the national scale.
However, regardless of their preparative stance this year, the group is gearing up for a full-fledged output as they enter the National Games with Ladyon raising the team’s benchmark together with the expectations of higher, tougher, and stricter qualifications for the Wushu tournament in 2014.
“Right now we’re really focused on the tune-up and conditioning of our members since the standard of the competition is higher than before. Also, besides training and competing, they are also focusing on their academics at the same time. That’s why we have to prepare first”, states Ladyon.
Despite their aim being solely focused on the 2014 National Games, the Ladyon-mentored team is hoping to hit another target as they enter the competitions in store for them next year. Appealing for a slot at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Ladyon expresses that he wants Wushu to be a recognized league event. He explained that through exhibitions and friendship matches, together with the different University teams getting recognition from divergent competitions, Wushu can enter the league’s premises as an official sporting event that will attract more viewers and fans alike.
Ladyon shared his sentiments about Wushu being eclipsed by other sports, saying, “Mostly of course our main target is really the 2014 National Games, but eventually, that’s we started Wushu in the universities for a reason. We’re aiming to have a UAAP accreditation so that Wushu will be included in the league. If that happens, Wushu in the Philippines will not just be bigger, but it will attract more fans and aspirants who want to enjoy the art and learn its ways just like any other martial art.”
Holistic art
For now, with all hopes and dreams intact, Ladyon’s team will concentrate on their conditioning and internal linkages within the university level. The team is planning on showcasing Wushu demonstrations to gather supporters and future teammates who will live and learn the long heritage of this martial art.
Ladyon expresses his invitation to all Lasallians to come and try out for the Wushu team. However, being a part of the team requires utmost discipline and respect not only for the art, but also for its legacy and tradition.
In addition to the discipline and respect, values are also highly encouraged when it comes to joining the team. Ladyon even shared his sentiments about the right values being in high importance before any other physical training regime. But like any other sport, Wushu also demands a high level of athleticism and skill for those who venture into its territory.
