Tuesday, February 07, 2006

conflict of interests....?

For those that this may interest, it looks like Wushu is going to be part of the 2008 Olympics. As of now, I'm still not entirely sure if it in as a fully fledged Olymipic event or if it is going in as an "exhibition" event for consideration to it being allowed as a full event in later games. In any event, I can't personally see it getting too much airtime apart from perhaps in China where I can already sense Government officials rubbing their hands in preparation of the Chinese team taking all of the golds in these events....

As of now, the largest Wushu governing body resides in China. The largest competition environment is in China. The best coaches in the world are Chinese. In short, at present, practically the whole of the sport is run by the Chinese associations and even those that are not, seek recognition from them, just for the fact that they are the largest and most recognised body representing the sport. Surely there is always going to some conflict between this current situation and it's inclusion into the Olympic games?In my mind, there is too much cultural attachment and association between the event and China/Chinese people. How often have you seen some white dude in the silk pyjamas doing a routine and you thought "that don't look right". OK... admittedly, probably not that often but that is precisely the point. It will inherently difficult for western guys to not be judged on their physical appearance, even when the criteria for the judging is supposed to be about how they perform for the simple reason that it won't look right.
Perhaps I am being too cynical but I can't honestly see a fair board of judges, especially seeing as how the most recognised judges are still those that sit on the Chinese wushu associations.

Of course, Wushu being allowed in might mean that the san-shou format might also be included whcih would make a nice change from the TKD point sparring, amatuer boxing and judo that is in it now. It'd be good for some sort of harder fight competition format to be included, especially seeing as how that format allows people from outside of san-shou itself to participate.

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