Development of Chinese Martial Arts: The Influence of Wuju System’s Establishment in the Sui and Tang Dynasties

Abstract

Wuju system, also known as Wuke, was began in Tang Dynasty, the second year when Wu Zetian became empress. However, it was abolished in the 27th year of Guangxu in Qing Dynasty and has lasted for more than 1,200 years. As one of the main ways to select martial arts talents in feudal China, it has had a profound impact on the development of martial arts. In Sui Dynasty, martial arts were prohibited, then, there emerged some informal systems to select martial arts talents. Wuju system was formed in Tang Dynasty, completed in Song Dynasty, developed in Ming Dynasty, finally abolished in Qing Dynasty. Even though, it improved the selection criteria for talents that are adept with both the pen and the sword. However, with the successive invasions of Western colonists, the traditional martial arts are clearly no longer suitable for the needs of modern warfare. The abolition of Wuju system caused a fierce debate in the imperial court, but it was finally abolished. Wuju system has had a positive impact on the development of martial arts, but at the same time, due to the limitations of itself, to some extent, it has slowed the developmental pace of martial arts. Therefore, we must absorb the essence and discard the dregs of Wuju system, studying it from different perspectives, drawing on the experience of the past and providing some references for the future development of martial arts.