World-class Wushu athlete training in Milford

Most people pack lotion and sunglasses when they make a plan to spend the summer in Prince Edward County. International athlete Maximiliano (Max) Rodriguez packed his sport’s stick and sword and a desire to become healthy again.
Rodriguez took up residence in Milford and through strict diet and exercise, is back to training in the sport of Wushu, an exhibition and full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts.
Created in the People’s Republic of China after 1949, in an attempt to nationalize the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts, Wushu has become an international sport through the International Wushu Federation (IWUF), which holds world championships every two years.
Rodriguez, 24, first competed for Argentina in the Beijing Olympics in 2008 where it was organized as a demonstration sport. He competed in three world championships – Hanoi 2005, Beijing 2007 and Toronto 2009 – but competed with chronic pain in his hip.
A year ago he decided to stop training and heal. He has since learned about nutrition, stretches regularly to keep his body in shape and this spring came to Milford where his diet focuses on local fruit, vegetables, and grains.
By the end of July, for the first time in more than a year, Rodriguez was free of pain and began training again.
People driving through Milford near The Miller’s House Bed and Breakfast late in the afternoon can sometimes see Max go through his strenuous and difficult routines which involve the use of a long stick (gun) and a sword (dao).
His goal is to return to China to train and gain more knowledge of his sport.
“The public is welcome to come watch this amazing athlete train between 4-7 pm daily,” said Bob Cowan, owner of The Miller House. His first exhibition is Wednesday at 4 pm. A second will be held Saturday, Sept. 24th.

“You will witness a fantastic performance involving strength, balance, flexibility and focus. Max needs our help to achieve his goals and return to China. A hat will be passed at the end of each session to help him get there.”