Development Guidelines to Promote Wushu Culture of University Students

Abstract

Background and Aims: Wushu is a significant component of Chinese traditional culture, integrating physical training, artistic expression, and philosophical values. However, its promotion in modern universities remains limited due to insufficient resources, weak cultural integration, and low student participation. This study aimed to develop comprehensive guidelines to promote and sustain Wushu culture among university students at Jimei University, Fujian Province.

Methodology:  The sample included 379 first-year students (male and female, aged 18–20 years) selected through stratified sampling, and 25 physical education teachers purposively included from Jimei University. In addition, 7 experts participated in interviews, 9 experts in focus group discussions, and 7 experts in a connoisseurship validation session. Research tools consisted of questionnaires, interview guides, focus group protocols, and validation forms. The validity of the instruments was confirmed using the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) (student questionnaire = 0.87; teacher questionnaire = 0.91; interview form = 0.93). Quantitative data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, while qualitative data were examined through thematic content analysis.

Results: The findings highlighted that students and teachers recognized the cultural importance of Wushu but identified critical barriers such as inadequate funding, limited cultural elements in curricula, and low engagement. The developed guideline was organized under the POLC framework: (1) Planning, clear objectives, needs assessment, partnerships, and annual planning; (2) Organizing, funding allocation, management teams, instructor development, and integrated curricula; (3) Leading, student engagement, motivational leadership, campus promotion, and communication; (4) Controlling, performance monitoring, feedback systems, teaching evaluation, and policy review.

Conclusion: The study produced a systematic, practical, and culturally relevant guideline for managing and promoting Wushu culture in universities. The model not only improves student engagement and cultural identity but also provides universities with sustainable strategies for integrating traditional culture into modern higher education. These guidelines benefit students, teachers, administrators, and policy makers, contributing to both cultural preservation and educational innovation.