Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the USAWKF?
2. How was the USAWKF formed?
3. What are the accomplishments of the USAWKF?
4. What are the benefits of becoming a member?
5. What are the membership types and how much does it cost to be a member?
6. How many events (tournaments, seminars, etc) does the USAWKF organize and promote each year?
7. Will Wushu be an Olympic Sport?
8. Where can I find a Wushu, Kungfu, or Tai Chi training center near me?
9. How can I try out to be a U.S. Wushu Team Member?
10. How frequent are tryouts for the U.S. Wushu Team?
11. What is the selection process for officials within the USAWKF infrastructure?
12. How do I become a USAWKF Volunteer?
13. I forgot to renew my membership. Where do I sign up?

1. What is the USAWKF?
   
   The mission of USAWKF is to organize the amateur sport of Wushu-Kungfu in the United States and to improve the quality of the sport, increase its popularity, and deliver its benefits to the people of the United States.
   
   The United States of America Wushu Kungfu Federation (USAWKF) is the official United States representative to the 97 member-nation International Wushu Federation (IWUF), the official member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The USAWKF is the first and only organization in the U.S. to successfully develop regional and national activities and its formation has tremendously improved the way Wushu-Kungfu events are managed and conducted in the U.S.
   
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2. How was the USAWKF formed?
   
   In June of 1992, a group of Martial Artists led by Sifu Anthony Goh began discussions related to a national organization dedicated to the development of a tournament circuit and a national structure for operations. It was felt that if the United States was to compete effectively in Wushu-Kungfu events on an international level an official presence was required. With this agenda, the San Francisco discussions led to the election of a preparatory committee with a nine member executive committee.
   
   This was the first step towards unifying the Chinese martial arts community in America. The members of the committee networked, corresponded with and talked to martial artists from all over the country to ask for their suggestions about how this proposed national organization should be formed and how it should operate. Following this process, two meetings were held in Baltimore, Maryland and Orlando, Florida with the executive committee to synthesize this information, which led to more meetings in early 1993.
   
   In these meetings the group discussed bylaws, national and regional structures, membership, national competition ratings, fundraising, publications, national team selection, certification of judges and officials and other topics. A national advisory council was also nominated.
   
   The United States of America Wushu Kungfu Federation was brought formally into being during the inauguration held in Baltimore on August 21, 1993. During the ceremony the USAWKF's first Executive Committee/Board of Directors assumed their duties and responsibilities.
   
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3. What are the accomplishments of the USAWKF?
   
   In 1995, the USAWKF held the World Wushu Championships in Baltimore, Maryland. This was the first and largest world championship held outside of Asia. This event spurred other continents to host the World Wushu Championships in their respective organizations. This expanded participation in the World Wushu Championships greatly enhanced the prestige of the International Wushu Federation (IWUF).
   
   The USAWKF was the first organization to officially represent the United States in the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), the official member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
   
   The USAWKF has created a national network of martial artists, schools, coaches, and athletes dedicated to supporting the sport of Wushu-Kungfu in the United States. This network provides information, training, support, and promotion for our members and others interested in the art of Wushu-Kungfu.
   
   The USAWKF has provided a tournament circuit which has benefited martial artists, schools, and promoters. This has produced a higher quality of tournaments and a better competition environment for the Wushu-Kungfu community. In fact, many of the event promoters in the United States today were once nurtured by the USAWKF.
   
   The U.S. Team Trials have been improved with new guidelines, rules, organization, and openness. This effort greatly benefits the top athletes in our country who desire to represent the U.S. in the official world and international championships.
   
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4. What are the benefits of becoming a member?
   
   By joining the USAWKF you will be part of a dynamic effort of developing and promoting the sport of Wushu and Kungfu within the United States! In addition, with your membership you will receive:
   
   · Become eligible to be selected as a member of the U.S. National Team
   · Discounts to USAWKF Events
   · Quarterly Newsletter
   · Email Updates on the Latest News from the World of Wushu!
   · Membership Card
   · Membership Certificate
   · USAWKF Patch
   
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5. What are the membership types and how much does it cost to be a member?
   
   The USAWKF offers many flexible options for membership.
   
   Annual Individual or Families
   An individual membership is only $25 per year, but families can join for only $25 per year for the first person and $15 per year for each additional family member. That's a 40% discount over the individual membership!
   
   Annual Schools
   The USAWKF offers schools a special discount on memberships.
   
   For the cost of only four annual individual memberships, your school can get one annual individual membership FREE! This free annual membership has all the benefits of the USAWKF and can be used by instructors, owners, or students of your school.
   
   If your school wants to join the USAWKF, the cost is only $100 per year. This offer is a $125 value – you save $25! The school annual membership includes five annual individual memberships with all the standard benefits at a great price.
   
   Lifetime Individual and Schools
   In addition to the annual memberships, we offer lifetime memberships starting at $250 for an individual and $500 for a school within the United States.
   
   The lifetime school membership is the best value of all!
   
   For the cost of two lifetime individual memberships, your school can get FOUR FREE lifetime memberships for a total of SIX lifetime memberships. This offer is a $1500 value – you save $1000!
   
   These free lifetime memberships have all the benefits of the USAWKF and can be used by instructors, owners, or students of your school. Plus you never have to worry about renewing your membership.
   
   Annual International Individual and Schools
   If you are outside of the United States and want to join, the individual membership is $39 per year or $125 per year for a school.
   
   Lifetime International and Schools
   For International lifetime membership, the individual membership is $390 and the school membership is $595.
   
   The savings a lifetime membership offers pays for itself before you know it!
   
   Just click here to join the USAWKF today!
   
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6. How many events (tournaments, seminars, etc) does the USAWKF organize and promote each year?
   
   Every year, the USAWKF organizes and sponsors various tournaments, seminars, and demonstrations. However, the total number of events varies every year as it depends on how many promoters and event organizers develop their events.
   
   For example, in 1999 the USAWKF sanctioned more than 10 tournaments and events throughout the country.
   
   The USAWKF continues to work hard with promoters and event organizers to produce more regional and national events. In 2004, the USAWKF will sanction, organize, or send teams to the following events. The 1st World Traditional Wushu Festival (China), the 5th Pan-American Wushu Championships (U.S.A.), the 2004 International Wushu Kungfu Festival and Championship (U.S.A), the USAWKF Nationals, International Judges Training (Beijing) and other regional, national and International events.
   
   The USAWKF uses its newsletter, web site, and e-mail list to keep the members and friends of the USAWKF up to date on what is happening in the world of Wushu and Kungfu.
   
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7. Will Wushu be an Olympic Sport?
   
   Currently, the 97 member-nation IWUF has applied for the inclusion of Wushu to be a competition event in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This application was filed on December 20, 2001 and is fully supported by the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee and the Chinese Government.
   
   The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will probably announce the decision after the Athens Olympics (2004) in 2005.
   
   As this effort progresses, our members will be kept up to date on this important development.
   
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8. Where can I find a Wushu, Kungfu, or Tai Chi training center near me?
   
   The USAWKF maintains a directory of schools which offer a great variety of programs which are right for you. For schools that would like to be in our directory, we offer an easy online form to request addition.
   
   Just click here to go to the School Directory page.
   
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9. How can I try out to be a U.S. Wushu Team Member?
   
   The U.S. Wushu Team trials will be announced by the USAWKF and are open to all members who meet the competition requirements.
   
   Please click here for more information of the U.S. Wushu Team trials.
   
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10. How frequent are tryouts for the U.S. Wushu Team?
    
    The tryouts for the U.S. Wushu Team are held every two years on the odd numbered years. The next team trial will be held in 2005. Selected members remain on the team for a period of two years and they are eligible to participate in the official World and Continental Championships.
    
    Before the team trials, selection criteria will be announced and posted on the USAWKF website. To view the 2003 team trial selection criteria, please click here.
    
    If you would like to be on the U.S. Wushu Team, all you need to do is meet the following requirements:
    
    - Be a member in good standing of the USAWKF
    - A citizen of the United States of America
    - In good health
    - If selected, must be able to compete at the World Wushu Championships
    
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11. What is the selection process for officials within the USAWKF infrastructure?
    
    When talented people are identified by the membership or officials of the USAWKF, they are nominated to the Board of Directors for a position within the organization.
    
    The nomination requires a description of the nominee, a description of the position they will be filling, an overview of the skills the nominee will bring to the position, and a current resume.
    
    After the Board of Directors reviews the nomination, they will vote on the nomination. If the board agrees, the new official is confirmed.
    
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12. How do I become a USAWKF Volunteer?
    
    The USAWKF has a dedicated group of volunteers who bring their talents and energy to the goal of promoting Wushu and Kungfu in the United States.
    
    If you want to join our team, submit a resume with both your experience in the Martial Arts and any other areas of expertise which might be helpful. In addition, please submit references such as co-workers, coaches, teachers, or managers. The e-mail address for applying to be a volunteer is: usawkf@usawkf.org
    
    We have various projects and activities that may be perfect for your skills!
    
    The experience of being a volunteer for the USAWKF will provide you with the chance of working with some of the top people in the world of Wushu and Kungfu. In addition, the new friends you make can improve your skills in the Martial Arts arena!
    
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13. I forgot to renew my membership. Where do I sign up?
    
    Renewing your membership or joining the USAWKF is now even easier! In addition to the great information you can find on the USAWKF web site, we have developed an online application form.
    
    Just click here to go to the Online Application to renew your membership or become a member today!
    
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