During the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC), the practice of wushu began to evolve from a combat-oriented martial art to a form of exercise and self-cultivation. It incorporated philosophical concepts from Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, emphasizing the balance between mind, body, and spirit. The teachings of Laozi, the founder of Taoism, greatly influenced the concept of "wuwei" or effortless action in wushu. Throughout the later dynasties, such as the Han (206 BC-220 AD) and Tang (618-907 AD) Dynasties, wushu continued to develop and gain popularity. It became an important part of military training, with the Chinese army incorporating wushu techniques into their combat strategies.
