Ancient Chinese history records that during the "Spring and Autumn" and the "Warring States" periods (770 B.C. - 221 A.D.), the king of the Zhou kingdom ordered a sword contest. A young woman by the name of Yuh Niuy emerged from three thousand swordsmen as the ultimate victor in a seven-day contest. Her sword methods and philosophies were passed down for a thousand years. Some of her writings expound timeless Wushu philosophies. For example:

"When fencing, though highly alert,
The appearance is as calm as a fair lady's
But when in action, a vicious Tiger emerges."

On a similar note:
"Weak and exposed in appearance;
But powerful when unleashed.
One's reactions may start afterwards,
But the response arrives there first."

One further writing by Yuh Niuy dwells on the essence of Wushu:
"The Way is so small and simple, but the meaning is timeless and profound.
The Way has an entrance; it also has a Yin and a Yang.
The entrance constantly opens and closes,
Yin and Yang weaken and flourish.
When the Way is battle, be full-spirited within,
But outwardly show calm and be relaxed;
Appear to be as gentle as a fair lady, but react like a vicious tiger.
Though hidden within, the spirit of the body moves;
Though obscured like a setting sun, the spirit moves like an unleashed rabbit,
Catching the body and outrunning shadow like a mirage.
Back and forth in one breath.
The spirit cannot be retained in form.
And, though ever moving, it cannot be heard."