SEVEN MOUNTAINS TAI CHI Wu-Tang Arts of Centre County

THE WUDANG WIKI

Wudang Taijiquan

Wudang Taijiquan is often considered the original Tai Chi, with roots tracing back to the legendary Daoist master Zhang Sanfeng in the 12th century. Zhang Sanfeng, a prominent figure in the Wudang Mountains of China, is said to have created the art as a method of internal cultivation that harmonized the body, mind, and spirit. According to Daoist teachings, the universe is governed by the principles of yin and yang, the ever-moving forces of opposites. Zhang Sanfeng is credited with creating a martial art that reflects these principles, combining the fluid, soft movements of the body with the cultivation of qi (vital energy) and a deep philosophical connection to the natural world. Wudang Taijiquan, therefore, is not just a martial art; it is a way of living in harmony with the Dao.

At its core, Wudang Taijiquan is a complete system that blends internal martial arts (neijia) with Daoist philosophy, focusing on techniques that emphasize softness over hardness and yielding over confrontation. The art teaches practitioners how to use internal strength—generated through mental concentration and control of energy—rather than relying on brute physical force. The circular movements of the form, combined with slow and deliberate transitions, facilitate the cultivation of qi and the balance of yin and yang. In addition to its martial applications, the practice of Wudang Taijiquan serves as a method of spiritual cultivation, bringing practitioners closer to the natural forces of the universe.

The Influence of Chen Taijiquan on Wudang Taijiquan

While Wudang Taijiquan is often attributed to Zhang Sanfeng, the development of Taijiquan as a martial art evolved over centuries. In the 16th century, the famous martial artist Chen Wangting from the Chen village of Wenxian in Henan Province created the Chen Style Taijiquan by combining the principles of Daoist Zhaobao Taijiquan—a local form of Taiji practiced by Daoist monks—with traditional Chen family martial arts. The unique combination of Zhaobao Taijiquan's circular energy movements and the Chen family's explosive power (known as fajin) laid the foundation for the martial art as we know it today.

However, it was the Chen family that first began to popularize the practice of Taijiquan as a martial art, which eventually influenced the development of other styles. The Chen Style became the bedrock for all future forms of Taijiquan, including those created by subsequent masters. Master Yang Luchan, who learned the Chen family’s form, would go on to modify and spread the art across China, creating the Yang Style Taijiquan. Although Yang’s modifications were significant, it’s important to recognize that the essence of his form was still deeply rooted in the principles and movements he learned from the Chen family.

Yang Luchan and the Influence of Daoism

Yang Luchan’s contributions to Taijiquan cannot be overstated. As a young man, Yang traveled to Chen Village and studied with the renowned master Chen Changxing, learning the Chen Style in its traditional form. However, Yang felt that the Chen Style’s explosive power (fajin) did not fully align with the Daoist principles he was learning in his spiritual practices. The Daoist philosophy of softness overcoming hardness, yielding rather than resisting, was central to his understanding of martial arts, and he felt the Chen Style’s aggressive techniques did not reflect this deeper philosophy.

After leaving Chen Village, Yang began to adapt the Chen Style, incorporating Daoist principles into his own approach. Yang’s version of Taijiquan became more focused on internal energy and graceful, fluid movements, which is why today, Yang Style is often seen as one of the most popular and accessible forms of Taijiquan. However, Yang’s modifications were not purely focused on internal cultivation but were aimed at making the art more suited to the martial needs of his students.

Later in his life, Yang met a Daoist priest who helped correct his understanding of Taijiquan. The priest pointed out that Yang’s form, though effective in terms of power and structure, had lost touch with the internal cultivation of energy that made Taijiquan unique. This interaction sparked a deeper study of Daoist practices, and Yang’s subsequent teachings of Taijiquan were more closely aligned with the philosophies of Wudang.

The Wudang Influence on Yang Style

It is at this point that we see a greater connection between Wudang Taijiquan and Yang Style Taijiquan. When Yang Luchan began to correct his form through the guidance of the Daoist priest, he returned to the principles of softness and yielding that had originally been taught in Wudang Taijiquan. This is why the two forms—Wudang Taijiquan and Yang Taijiquan—share significant similarities, particularly in the long form. Both styles emphasize fluid movement, internal energy, and the harmonization of mind, body, and spirit with the natural world. The Wudang influence on Yang Style is especially noticeable in the way both styles handle the flow of energy through the body and the importance of mental focus in performing the movements.

What Makes Wudang Taijiquan Unique

While Yang and Chen styles of Taijiquan share some similarities with Wudang Taijiquan, Wudang Taijiquan remains unique in its approach to both the martial art and the spiritual path. The distinctive flavor of Wudang Taijiquan lies in its deep connection to Daoist alchemy, qi cultivation, and the balance of the five elements. Wudang Taijiquan not only focuses on martial applications but also on personal cultivation and spiritual enlightenment. The movements are not just techniques for self-defense but are a method for internal refinement—harmonizing one’s energy, emotions, and mind with the rhythms of the natural world.

In Wudang Taijiquan, the emphasis on Daoist philosophy is felt throughout every aspect of the practice. The practitioner learns to blend qi and physical technique into a single fluid movement that is both defensive and offensive. Moreover, Wudang Taijiquan emphasizes the integration of mind and body through meditative movement, helping practitioners to achieve mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical health. The forms themselves are a moving meditation, designed to lead the practitioner on a path of spiritual enlightenment, aligning them with the flow of the Dao.

Another defining feature of Wudang Taijiquan is the integration of Daoist alchemical practices. Wudang monks believed that the practice of Taijiquan could lead to immortality through the refinement of energy and the cultivation of internal power. The art is often paired with Daoist breathing techniques, meditation, and even the use of herbal remedies to support the cultivation of vital energy (qi). This deep connection to Daoist alchemy makes Wudang Taijiquan unique compared to other styles, as it is not only about fighting but about cultivating health, longevity, and spiritual growth.

Conclusion: Wudang Taijiquan as the Heart of Tai Chi

In conclusion, Wudang Taijiquan remains a powerful and holistic martial art, with its roots deeply intertwined with Daoist philosophy and internal cultivation. While other styles, like Chen and Yang, have contributed to the modern practice of Taijiquan worldwide, it is Wudang Taijiquan that maintains the closest ties to the original, spiritual practices of the art. For practitioners who seek more than just physical skill, Wudang Taijiquan offers a comprehensive path that integrates martial technique, health cultivation, and spiritual growth. Whether practiced for self-defense, health, or the pursuit of Daoist wisdom, Wudang Taijiquan remains a deeply transformative art that continues to inspire and shape martial artists around the world.