What are the rules for weapons and clothing in wushu taolu?
Officials' detail · The events · 1 of 1Weapons are sized to the athlete. A straight sword or broadsword held upright in the left hand must reach at least the top of the ear. A cudgel must be at least as tall as the athlete, and a spear at least as long as the athlete's reach with one arm stretched overhead. Each style has its own uniform.
How it works
- Certified equipment: weapons must be certified by the international federation.
- Jian and dao: held vertically in the left hand, the tip not lower than the top of the ear.
- Broadsword ribbon: at least 30 cm.
- Nandao: the tip not lower than the jaw.
- Gun and nangun: not shorter than the athlete's height.
- Qiang: not shorter than from the floor to the middle fingertip of an arm stretched straight up. The tassel is at least 20 cm.
- Fan: held upright by its root, the tip not lower than the elbow.
- Changquan-type uniform: a mandarin-collar top with short or long sleeves and loose trousers, with a sash or belt.
- Nanquan-type uniform: a collarless top, sleeveless for men and short-sleeved for women.
- Taiji uniform: a long-sleeved mandarin-collar top and loose trousers.
- Colour and fabric: the athlete's choice.
The glossary has the weapon events, the jian and dao, the qiang and gun, nanquan, taijiquan and changquan.
Tricky cases
A weapon bends badly during a routine. Is that penalised?
Yes. A weapon deformed by more than 45 degrees from its intended shape costs 0.1 point, and a broken weapon costs 0.2.
A button comes undone during the routine. Does it matter?
Yes. A torn costume or an opened button costs 0.1 point.
Can a woman athlete of the Islamic faith cover her arms and head?
Yes. The rules allow a long-sleeved top under the uniform and a headscarf, of the same colour as each other and matching the uniform or its trim.
Can an athlete choose any colour of uniform?
Yes. "The fabric type and color of the competition attire may be selected by the competitor", and embroidery or print is allowed.
Why the rule exists
A shorter, lighter weapon is easier to spin and control, so without a minimum every athlete would shrink theirs. Tying the length to the athlete's own body keeps the difficulty equal for a tall adult and a small junior.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Straight sword and broadsword | Tip to the top of the ear or higher | Taolu Rules Art. 16 |
| Southern broadsword | Tip to the jaw or higher | Taolu Rules Art. 16 |
| Cudgels | The athlete's height or more | Taolu Rules Art. 16 |
| Spear | Reach of a raised arm or more | Taolu Rules Art. 16 |
| Sanda | No weapons; gloves, head guard and chest protector | See the sanda set |
From the rule book
International Wushu Federation, Wushu Taolu Competition Rules and Judging Methods (2024), Articles 15, 16 and 34 to 38, and the Judging Methods, Table 10-1-6. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: Wushu Taolu Competition Rules and Judging Methods (2024) (PDF, Chinese and English).