Purchase Guide

A series of tips to help you choose the items best suited to your needs: sizes, ranges, etc.

GENERAL INFORMATION :

Our catalog is available in different ranges, depending on the level of practice and the style studied: Classic, Athlete, Tradition, Master...
You can also browse by categories and subcategories: Weapons, Sabre, Swords (...) in order to better compare the models.
If in doubt, you can consult this guide as well as our F.A.Q. Do not hesitate to seek advice from our Customer Service, by telephone at 06.61.26.52.62.
For associations, we offer various advantages described in the “Schools Supplies” section.

Warning: The products sold on the Wushuguan site are exclusively intended for the practice of Chinese martial arts and energy arts. They should only be used within the framework of these practices, under the supervision of a competent and qualified teacher. Any use outside this framework is expressly discouraged.

WEAPONS :

- Our swords series :

Classic: These are low-cost products, which will be suitable for your first years of practice. These weapons are very popular with clubs for group purchases. They may, however, contain slight imperfections (painting or finishes) which will not affect the practice, but which may not be suitable for the most demanding practitioners.

Athlete: Weapons manufactured by partner forges of the Chinese (C.W.A) and international (I.W.U.F) federations. Products developed for competition and modern practice, their design, balance and weight are studied to obtain optimal performance in the sporting context.

Tradition: Weapons generally heavy and robust, their blades are often thicker. The form is refined, conforming to the characteristics of a style or an era. These quality products will bring you authentic sensations. They are particularly suitable for old styles.

Master: Forged by the best craftsmen, these top quality weapons are made from selected materials (Damascus steel, noble wood, etc.). Great finesse of work, pleasure of handling, it is a reference series for all passionate practitioners.

- How to choose the size of a weapon?

The first step is to ask your teacher, because they may have their own preferences, or requirements related to the style practiced! The following information is general that is found in many styles and particularly in competitive practice.

(A/B) Straightswords and broadswords: Stand straight, with your arms at your sides. Measure the distance from the palm of your hand to the top of your ear. This dimension corresponds to the blade size used. For Southern swords (“Nan Dao”) remove a few centimeters.

(C) Staffs: They must be at least the height of the practitioner and a maximum of 10 centimeters longer. The sticks are generally recut by their users.

(D) Spears: Stand straight, arms extended upwards, the distance from the ground to your fingers should correspond to the size of your spear, tip included.

Other weapons: The size, weight, rigidity and position of the balance point depend on the practitioners, the style and the requirements of the teacher.

Technical advice: For reasons of ease of movement, weight (...) we invite beginner practitioners to use weapons up to 4 or 5 centimeters shorter than these competition standards. In certain styles, experienced practitioners can conversely choose to use longer weapons.

- Thickness and flexibility of the blades: :

(A) Thin and flexible blades: Blades marked "flexible" can twist up to 180°. These weapons are light and make clicking noises when struck. These can be initiation or competition products, used in modern external martial arts. Although very easy to handle, we do not recommend these models for practitioners of internal arts and traditional styles, except as part of an initiation or if wrist or shoulder problems (...) require you to use weapons. very light.

(B) Semi-rigid blades: Blades marked "semi-rigid" can twist slightly. Used in traditional styles and internal martial arts, these blades allow a vibration to be transmitted during strikes, without it being of too great an amplitude. Far from certain old weapons with very thick blades, they nevertheless represent a good compromise between ease of handling and realism. They are recommended for competition, demonstrations and more generally for all practitioners who do not want a weapon that is too heavy.

(C) Rigid blades: Traditional weapons, they are reserved for experienced practitioners, looking for realistic work. Generally heavy, with a balance further from the guard, the handling of these weapons is more physical. Their blades allow little or no vibration. However, these are the most authentic products.

- What accessories for your weapon ?

The first highly recommended accessory for any weapon is a cover. For reasons of discretion, so that your weapon is neither in sight nor within the reach of others and especially young people, it is an essential accessory. Obviously, the cover is also practical and protective, it will generally improve the longevity of your weapons.

Straightswords: Traditionally, Chinese swords are decorated with fringes, attached to the base of their hilt. Depending on the style used, you will prefer to let them hang to their full length or attach them as close as possible to the handle. It is also advisable to use a grip to cover this handle. In intensive practice, the sword will be much more pleasant to handle and less slippery.

Northern Broadswords: raditionally, Chinese swords are decorated with one or two scarves, attached to the base of their hilt. The most common scarf size is 30 x 30 cm, but they can be shorter for Juniors, or longer for aesthetic reasons. It is also advisable to use a grip to cover the handle. In intensive practice, the sword will be much more pleasant to handle and less slippery.

Staffs ans Spears: Our spear tips are sold with common accessories (red or white colored ornament, balls) however, it is customary to surround the staff with adhesive tape in order to avoid that it splits.

Other weapons: Certain weapons can be adorned with scarves (Tai Ji Sabers, Hooks, Ropes, etc.), the addition of small scarves is strongly recommended at the tip of the chains and ropes, as this greatly improves their maneuverability.

Maintenance of metal weapons:

1) Standard maintenance : In order to protect metal weapons, it is useful to grease them regularly. There are different solutions. Oiled wipes are practical, but rather recommended for occasional use of the weapon. The Balistol bombs in 100 ml and 400 ml, on sale on our site, are suitable for more regular or even intensive use. Other products exist on the market, such as “three in one” multifunction oil or microcrystalline wax. Cleaning can then be done with a soft cloth.

2) Shocks and oxidation : If your weapon has suffered shock or deterioration likely to make it dangerous, no longer use it and seek professional advice. If, however, your weapon has suffered minor damage and a metal splinter protrudes, use a file, then an abrasive block (on sale on our site). It is also possible to use fine sandpaper for finishing and/or a schotch-brite type sponge. Against oxidation, you can use the same abrasive block and/or a sponge. Depending on the degree of oxidation, it is sometimes necessary to use an anti-rust product.

CLOTHING

- Outfit categories :

Classic: Ideal for the first years of practice and widely appreciated by clubs for purchasing in quantity, these outfits benefit from excellent value for money. The fabric selected for their creation is a blend of nylon and viscose, pleasant to wear, resistant to washing and very little creasing.

Natural: Range made up of two models, the first unisex and the second with a traditional feminine cut. Their fabric is made up of at least 50% natural materials (linen or cotton). This range combines the advantages of natural material to the touch and those of synthetic to washing. Light outfits, very popular in summer.

Athlete: Quality outfits. The fabric, a mixture of Polyester and Spandex, as well as the cut are particularly suited to the sporting practice of Chinese martial arts. This range will be suitable for daily training as well as internal and external arts demonstrations and competitions.

Tradition: Outfits made according to the rules of the art. The buttons and neckline are handmade. The cut is very neat. The fabric is soft and matte. Only the buttons and the jacket border are satin. This model is particularly suitable for the daily practice of traditional styles, both internal and external.

Limited Series: Outfits for internal and external arts demonstrations and competitions. Original designs and embroidery, these clothes are made in small series. Buttons and neckline generally handmade, reinforced seams, very careful cuts specific to the different competition categories (Chang Quan, Nan Quan, Tai Chi Chuan, etc.)

- Choose an outfit cut:

The first step is to ask your teacher, because they may have their own preferences or requirements related to the style practiced! It is the same for competition, depending on the federations and the events, there may be different constraints (collar, number of buttons, color, etc.).

Here are the frequently used criteria for major Chinese martial arts families:

(A) Internal Styles: In Tai Chi Chuan, the traditional outfit consists of pants and a long-sleeved top, closed at the front with 7 buttons, worn without a belt. Lightweight voile over-jackets are sometimes worn. For women, there are variations of tops with half-long sleeves or bias collars. For other internal practices (Ba Gua, Xing Yi, etc.) short sleeves are sometimes more appreciated.

(B) Northern styles (and common practice of Kung Fu): In Chanq Quan, the outfit generally consists of pants and a short-sleeved top, closed at the front with 7 buttons, worn with a belt. Women's models sometimes have a side opening.

(C) Southern Styles: In Nan Quan, the male outfit includes pants and a top without sleeves or collar, closed at the front with 7 buttons and worn with a belt. The female outfit has short sleeves.)

- Jacket and pants sizes:

Some products in our catalog are initially developed for the Chinese market. The sizes used (S, M, L, XL, etc.) may not correspond to Western standards. We provide each product sheet with a set of useful data, allowing you to avoid any errors when choosing your garment.

Since Chinese martial arts jackets and pants are loose-fitting clothing, the "Practitioner's Size" is the main element to consider in your choice. The other measurements will allow you to verify in case of doubt. Finally, do not hesitate to contact our customer service for further advice.

(A) Jacket length: This measurement is equal to the height of the jacket, expressed in centimeters. This is the distance between the top of the shoulder and the bottom of the jacket.

(B) Jacket width: This width is measured below the level of the armpits, garment laid flat. Since martial arts clothing is loose-fitting, it is normal for this dimension to be larger than that of standard sports clothing.

(C) Trouser width: This width is measured at waist level, with the garment laid flat. Since the elastic in the pants is not stretched, this measurement is usually less than that of standard sportswear.

(D) Trouser Length: This measurement is equal to the height of the pants, expressed in centimeters. The so-called "lantern" cut of Chinese martial arts pants must cover the foot, it is normal for this measurement to be significantly larger than the practitioner's leg size.

- Shoe sizes:

Depending on the brands and models, the shoes sold on our site may have sizes similar to those of sports shoes generally sold in Europe, or they may be one or two sizes smaller. It is therefore particularly important to consult the size tables that you will find in the "Description" section, at the bottom of each of the product sheets.

Although shoe sizes are more difficult to determine than the rest of the clothes, due to the different shapes of feet (width, shape of the toes, etc.), the tables have been created and refined as our sales progress. of shoes, in store and remotely. They will work well in the vast majority of cases.

- Some tips for school outfits:

The first criterion for establishing a school outfit is to be able to offer a product that is affordable for everyone.

Classic Range: Available in Junior and Adult sizes, this range is suitable for beginners to experienced practitioners. It can be personalized with your school logo in heart embroidery, for a price of around €40, making it the first choice of clubs.

Tradition Range: Superior range, its manufacturing is particularly careful and its fabric offers a very beautiful drape. Its color is similar to that of the classic range and it can be personalized in the same way, in order to offer a high-end model to students with intensive practice, while maintaining the homogeneity of the group.

Athlete Range: With sets around sixty euros, this is an excellent choice for modern sports and martial arts oriented schools, as well as demonstration teams. Due to their very elastic fabric, they are more difficult to personalize. The fabric and cut differ quite significantly from the two previous ranges.

“Trousers + t-shirt” set: T-shirts and pants can be personalized with the image of your club. The cost of a set including pants and a t-shirt is generally around thirty euros, which makes it possible to offer a lower priced alternative.

Colored belts: We offer satin or matte belts. The range of colors follows the current order of grade changes: White / Yellow / Orange / Green / Blue / Violet / Red / Brown / Black. Printing your logo can also be done.