Wudang Martial Arts (Wudang Kungfu)

Wudang Mountain wushu, noted for its exercise of the internal organs and breathing techniques, developed along with Wudang Mountain Taoism. Taoist priests put equal emphasis on religious practice and promotion of the health. Wudang Martial Arts were created in the early years of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) by a Taoist named Zhang Sanfeng. It combines the essence of the Book of Changes and the Tao Teh King (Daodejing) of Laozi (an ancient well-known philosopher). Originated in Mt. Wudang, a Taoist holy land, it is of great value to fitness and body-building. By now, it has become popular in China and worldwide, as a kind of fitness sport.

Wudang Kungfu is one important style or family of Chinese Martial Arts. It contains profound Chinese philosophical theories, combining the traditional concepts of Taiji (Tai Chi), Yin and Yang, Wu Xing (Five Elements), and the Ba Gua (Eight Trigrams) into boxing theories, boxing skills, exercises and attack strategies, all derived by studying the laws of life and nature. Wudang Kungfu (neijia quan internal boxing) is featured by overcoming motion with stillness. The opponent will be laid down the moment he attacks. It is apparently different from Shaolin which is classified into external type boxing. Internal Gongfu was created by Zhang San-feng, a famous Taoist in the Song Dynasty.

Tai Ji is originated from Infinity. It is the basis for all movement and stillness. It is the originator of the Two Extremes (Yin and Yang). Tai Ji was formed from Infinity by separating Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are the equal and opposite pair. Sometimes Yin stands for female and Yang stands for male. In Tai Ji, Yin represents stillness and Yang represents movement. The working of the universe is based upon Yin and Yang. In Tai Ji, there is stillness in movement and movement in stillness. The two are interconnected and should not be separated. Internal power is through control of the mind. Concentration of mind moves the internal energy prior to any external movement.

Taijiquan is a stepping-stone to Daoism. In Daoism, one has to train one's behaviour and mind. It is important to keep a peaceful mind. Through meditation, combining Yin and Yang, and stillness in movement, the internal power will flow through the whole body achieving the ultimate aim.

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice for cultivating the body energy, for the benefits of the physical body, mind and spirituality. Qigong practices are varied. They include hard and soft qigong, healing qigong, and general toning qigong. Wudang Qigong is an "earlier heaven" method based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles and teachings. Qigong is a good practice for everyone, at any age to keep healthy in both body and mind. The ancient practitioners took back heart and will, and stabilised the jing and nurtured the qi; made the qi of the breath like the wind and the the qi of real yang like the fire. In practising and heating, they transformed jing to qi, and qi to shen; let energy concentrate, and united with the nature of Dao.

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