The World Kuo Shu Federation (T.W.K.S.F.) is a world-wide not-for-profit organization that promotes the Chinese styles of martial arts; in Chinese, martial arts are sometimes called “Kuo Shu” – a two character word that means “national art.” The term “Kuo Shu” is now recognized as synonymous with traditional Chinese martial arts. Russian Kuo Shu was organised in 1993. 

Over the past thirty years, international awareness of the Chinese martial arts has been growing, and qualified instructors from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.,  have brought these arts to other countries in Asia, to the Americas, to Europe, and to Africa. Today, these “national arts” are available to people all over the world. It was the recognition of the growing global interest in Chinese martial arts, and to support the continued exchange of knowledge, that international martial arts leaders developed T.W.K.S.F. in 2002. Currently, there are more than 60 group members in T.W.K.S.F. 

In just a few years, T.W.K.S.F. has made remarkable progress toward its objectives. The 1st World Kuo Shu Championship Tournament was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil over November 8th and 9th, 2003. The 2nd World Kuo Shu Championship Tournament was held on November 10th and 11th, 2006 in Singapore. The 3rd World Kuo Shu Championship Tournament was held in 2009 on Sept 3 to 6, 2009 in Ulm, Germany.  Other tournaments have been held in Europe and the Americas under the sanction of T.W.K.S.F. 

Tournament events typically include forms, internal and external, as well as the traditional Kuo Shu Lei Tai fighting. The Lei Tai – or “raised platform” – is the traditional form of Chinese full contact fighting. Most techniques and striking areas are legal, and the event – which permits punching, kicking, sweeping, and throwing – is conducted on an open-sided platform which stands two feet off the ground. 

In addition to tournaments, the organization has also trained and certified referees, and provides a ranking system for practitioners. International referee certification typically entails a week-long training program, with extensive practical and written examinations, to reach the “B” level. Additional instruction – including a second week-long training program – and significant referee experience is required to achieve the “A” level of certification. These instructional programs are offered at least once every other year. Since 2002, T.W.K.S.F. has certified more than 60 referees, providing a solid basis for quality judging at events world-wide.