How big is the wushu taolu competition area?
I · Intermediate · The events · 2 of 4Individual routines and duilian are performed on a mat 14 metres long and 8 metres wide, marked by a white line 5 cm wide, with a safety area of at least 2 metres around it. Touching the floor outside the line with any part of the body is out of bounds and costs 0.1 point.
How it works
- Individual events and duilian: 14 m by 8 m.
- Jiti: 16 m by 14 m, with a safety area of at least 1 m.
- The line: white, 5 cm wide, on all four sides.
- Headroom: at least 8 m of clear space above the mat.
- Between two mats: at least 6 m.
- Raised platform: allowed, between 0.6 m and 1 m high.
- Out of bounds: any part of the body touching the floor outside the boundary line.
- Not out of bounds: a weapon touching the floor outside, or a body part beyond the line that does not touch the floor.
- The deduction: 0.1 point each time, by the group A judges.
The glossary has taolu, the routine, the quality of movements, the judge groups, the weapon events and jiti.
Tricky cases
A spear tip touches the floor outside the line. Out of bounds?
No. A weapon touching the floor outside the boundary is not out of bounds.
An athlete's arm reaches over the line in a low stance without touching down. Out of bounds?
No. A body part beyond the line that does not make contact with the floor does not count.
An athlete steps out twice in one routine. Is the deduction 0.1 or 0.2?
0.2. These errors are deducted each time they occur.
Is the line itself in or out?
The rule speaks of touching the floor "outside of the boundary line". The rule book does not say more, so a foot on the line is not, on those words, outside it.
Why the rule exists
A routine has to be planned to fit the space, and fitting it is part of the skill: athletes travel the full length of the mat at speed and must still turn inside the line. The safety area protects them when a jump runs long.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Individual events and duilian | 14 m by 8 m; 2 m safety area | Taolu Rules Art. 18 |
| Jiti | 16 m by 14 m; 1 m safety area | Taolu Rules Art. 18 |
| Lighting | At least 1,000 lux | Taolu Rules Art. 18 |
| Sanda | An 8 m square raised platform | See the sanda set |
From the rule book
International Wushu Federation, Wushu Taolu Competition Rules and Judging Methods (2024), Article 18, and the Judging Methods, Table 10-1-6 and its definitions. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: Wushu Taolu Competition Rules and Judging Methods (2024) (PDF, Chinese and English).