Master redefines wushu

Chinese martial artist, actor and wushu champion Li Lianjie, better known as Jet Li, says he considers wushu as a set of skills designed primarily to stop fighting, a definition that may surprise those who have seen his aggressive moves in action films.

"Actually, wushu was created as a martial skill to avoid conflict by our ancestors," said Li, who was honored as the wushu ambassador of the first Sportaccord Combat Games 2010 Beijing on Thursday.

"Based on different cultural customs, wushu developed into various techniques and forms, highlighted by movies and television. Despite these differences, the key connotation of all schools of wushu is always to spread the notion of fitness, friendship and peace," Li added.