Chinese martial arts - known as Wushu - don't just have to do with self-defense. It's also a kind of performance. And its popularity is growing as curiosity about China grows. CGTN's Jim Spellman introduces us to a father-daughter duo who are teaching Wushu to the next generation.

Outside Washington, DC, far from their native China, Anji Zhang and his daughter Olivia are spreading their love of Wushu.

OLIVIA ZHANG WUSHU TEACHER "Wushu movements are longer, are bigger, are wider, have more flow than karate."

Anji Zhang is a former coach of the China National Wushu Delegation and has competed on five continents representing China around the world. Olivia is known as "The Dragon Princess" a name bestowed upon her by the Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. after he witnessed one of her performances back in 2009. At their studio, the U.S. Chinese Wushu Institute, they train the next generation. Chinese and American students work side by side. Brother and sister are rehearsing. Preston and Petrina Steimel are brother and sister.

"He started when he was really little and he liked it a lot so and he's better than me, ha ha."

Their mom is Chinese, their dad American. Wushu is helping them learn more about heritage. They have come to appreciate Wushu's mix of combat and performance.

Bro:"This compared to more like kickboxing, for example, this is very different." Sister: "It's like an art." Bro: "More than like karate, that's like self-defense." Sis: "This is self-defense but its pretty!"

Wushu sometimes uses swords like these or a staff carved from a tree limb. The Dragon Princess makes it look easy so I decide to give it a try. The occasional bonk on the head seems inevitable, but I quickly get the hang of it. Olivia Zhang says people are drawn to Wushu by the power and grace of the sport and by a growing curiosity about China.

OLIVIA ZHANG WUSHU TEACHER "The cool Wushu movements as well as the Chinese economic growth that is attracting more people to its culture and Wushu is a major part of the Chinese culture."

The Dragon Princess -- and her father -- will continue to spread their love of Chinese culture through the art of Wushu.

OLIVIA ZHANG WUSHU TEACHER "There is so much to Chinese culture and being able to be a part of it, to display Chinese culture- I'm very honored."

Jim Spellman, CGTN , Rockville, Maryland.