Taolu is a routine based competition that challenges the agility of individual athletes based on their ability to execute a series of high flying martial arts maneuvers and techniques both with and without the use of traditional Chinese weaponry such as swords and spears. Athletes are judged using an internationally adapted set of standards on their technical, expressive and difficulty merits by a panel of specially selected judges. The routines can be choreographed to highlight the competitor’s strengths and have time limits that are typically 1 minute and 20 seconds for most events. Taolu is considered as the non-combative performance based component of Wushu.

Competition floors for taolu athletes are used at all International events spanning 46’ x 26’. The floor is carpeted with a 6’ safety area and is comprised of a cushioned raised platform to provide athletes stability and landing support. Three types of Judges (A, B and C) are trained to observer and score the athlete based on the 3 required elements of taolu with a final score out of 10 provided after the completion of each routine.