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Wudang Martial Arts 武當武術 Wǔdāng
ChinaEast AsiaInternal / HealthChinese Internal
Martial traditions associated with the Daoist temples of Wudang Mountain, Hubei. The name became a symbol of 'internal' arts opposite the Buddhist Shaolin 'external' arts. Today Wudang Sanfeng Pai, Xuanwu Pai and others teach tai chi, bagua, xingyi, sword and Daoist qigong.
Key characteristics
- Daoist neidan (internal alchemy)
- Wudang sword (Wudang jian)
- Sanfeng Pai, Xuanwu Pai, Longmen sect lineages
Forms & curriculum
- Wudang Tai Chi 13
- Wudang Tai Yi Wu Xing Quan
- Xuan Wu Quan
- Wudang sword
- Wudang Bagua
What training looks like
Training usually begins with standing posture (zhan zhuang), breathing and slow solo forms. Partner drills such as push hands come later, followed by applications and weapons. Progress shows up as relaxation, root and coordination rather than belts.
Questions to ask a school
- Is the teacher's lineage clear, and are they open about it?
- Can you watch or try a class first?
- Are seated or adapted options offered?
- How is class time split between forms, standing and partner work?
Quick facts
| Origin | China |
|---|---|
| Era / founder | Linked by legend to Zhang Sanfeng (Yuan–Ming); modern schools on Wudang Mountain |
| Family | Chinese Internal |
| Type | Internal / Health |
Related philosophy
- Dao (The Way) 道 – The natural order described in the Daodejing; martial practice seeks to move in harmony with it.
- Jing, Qi, Shen – Three Treasures 精氣神 – Essence, energy and spirit. Practice refines jing into qi and qi into shen.
- Neijia vs Waijia 內家 / 外家 – Internal vs external families – a classification popularized c.1900 (Wudang vs Shaolin), more symbolic than strict.
- Zhang Sanfeng 張三丰 – Legendary Daoist immortal of Wudang said to have created tai chi after watching a crane fight a snake.
- Daodejing 道德經 – Laozi's classic (c.400 BCE) on the Way, softness overcoming hardness, and non-action.
- Microcosmic Orbit 小周天 – Circulating qi up the Du (governing) and down the Ren (conception) vessels in meditation.
Where to learn
- Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy – Eddie Wu Kwong-yu – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Shanghai Jianquan Taijiquan Association – Shanghai, China
- Yongnian Wu (Hao) Style Association – Yongnian, Hebei, China
- Zhong Yunlong – Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China
- Yuan Xiugang – Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China
- Purple Cloud Palace (Zixiao Gong), Wudang – Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China
- Five Immortals Temple (Wuxian Guan), Wudang – Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China
- Golden Summit (Jinding) & Purple Heaven Palace, Wudang – Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China
Watch 影片
Wudang Dan Pai · 27:47 · YouTube ↗
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