The South African Wushu Federation

The SAWF proudly serves as the official governing body for all Chinese martial arts, Wushu, (more commonly known as Kung Fu) in South Africa. The primary function of the South African Wushu Federation is to facilitate, coordinate and oversee the national administration, growth and development of all forms of Chinese Martial Arts in the Republic of South Africa and to promote the interests of its members.

The SAWF was officially established in 2002 and in the following year acquired full membership of the International Wushu Federation (IWUF). As the governing body for all Chinese Martial Arts throughout the world, the IWUF has recognition from, inter alia, the International Olympic Committee and the SportAccord, formerly known as GAISF.

Locally, the SAWF is also affiliated with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) as a fully recognised National Federation. Accordingly, the SAWF is the only recognised governing body for Chinese Martial Arts in South Africa and consequently, the only institution authorized to award National Protea colours to athletes selected for the Official SA National Wushu Team.

The SAWF was founded upon the principles and values of martial ethics, and consequently and consistently observes and promotes adherence to these amongst its members.

In a relatively short space of time, the SAWF has seen phenomenal levels of growth and development through its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service delivery.

From humble beginnings, the SAWF has gradually become a significant player within their national and international sporting communities. Since its inception, the SAWF has established strong ties and friendly relations with the IWUF and its national members, including the Chinese Wushu Association.

The SAWF is also the first body in South Africa to have candidates attend and certify as international grade judges through the IWUF's International WUSHU Judges Examination courses. Nationally, the SAWF has trained and certified candidates as national judges, in line with the international standards set by the IWUF. Through professional service delivery and its status as the official governing body for all Chinese Martial Arts in South Africa, the SAWF offers its members exceptional value, which includes ongoing access to national and international events of the highest standard and stature under the auspices of the IWUF, as well as formal recognition on both national and international levels.

The SAWF continuously strives towards installing and upholding values of integrity, unity, and respect amongst its members. As the custodians of Chinese Martial Arts in South Africa, the SAWF is mandated and firmly committed to creating and sustaining a future within which the interests, values and traditions of Chinese Martial Arts will remain fully and eternally preserved.