Traditional Wushu is carried out for health and self-defense benefits. It has a wide following within China. Athletic Wushu on the other hand is what will take place at the “2008 Beijing Olympic Games Wushu Tournament.”

Organized by the International Wushu Federation (IWF), the tournament will feature 128 players from 42 different countries. Officially recognized in 2002 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the IWF is technically not a participant in the 2008 Olympic Games.