Athletes compete during the 2026 National University Wushu Tai Chi Push Hands Championships in Nantong. [Photo by Li Bo to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Two of China's premier university wushu (martial arts) competitions opened on Aug 11 at the Nantong Sports Exhibition Center Gymnasium, bringing together more than 1,100 athletes from 168 universities across China.

The events — the 2026 National University Wushu Tai Chi Push Hands Championships and the National University Wushu Long and Short Weapons Championships — represent the highest level of competitive wushu on campus.

In the weapons categories, competitors used implements with precision, delivering rapid sequences of strikes, thrusts, chops, and defensive blocks. The tai chi push hands contests offered a striking contrast: no flying blades or percussive blows, but a subtle duel of balance, leverage, and internal control, as opponents tried to unbalance each other through controlled contact.

Nantong, known as the "hometown of sports", has cultivated a deep athletic culture. The city has established wushu programs in 46 schools, with nearly 50,000 primary school students training in the discipline year-round. The host district, Chongchuan, has produced 25 world champions, including seven Olympic gold medalists.