Kung fu fighting and olympic glory

Li remains a major drawcard as wushu's official global ambassador - he was mobbed during a brief appearance in Jakarta.

But recent blockbuster movies like Kung Fu Panda and The Last Airbender have driven remarkable growth outside Asia, particularly in Europe and the Americas where younger fighters are signing up to learn the ancient ways.

"I'm starting to see younger athletes coming in who have seen it in the movies," Mario Martinez, US national team coach and long-time wushu fighter says, adding the sport had grown "immensely" in the US recently.

"I think wushu is starting to have a worldwide presence."

This year's world championships, which ran from Nov 13 to 18, featured a record number of around 600 athletes, with thousands tuning in worldwide to watch the drama live online, a first for wushu as it tries to take the sport global and attract new fans.

Many of those rising to the medal dais - including Tarassova and compatriot Vladimir Maximov, who won two golds - hail from emerging wushu nations, including some from outside Asia, which has traditionally dominated the sport.