SEVEN MOUNTAINS TAI CHI Wu-Tang Arts of Centre County

THE WUDANG WIKI

Sanfengquan (Wudang Sanfeng Kung Fu)

Wudang Sanfengquan (武当三丰拳), often simply referred to as Sanfengquan, is a unique and revered style of Chinese Kung Fu that has been practiced for centuries. Its origins are deeply entwined with the Daoist teachings of Wudang Mountain, a place historically recognized as a center for both spiritual practice and martial cultivation. Unlike many other martial arts that focus predominantly on physical prowess, Wudang Sanfengquan blends the physical with the metaphysical, emphasizing the development of internal energy (Qi), balance, and harmony with nature.

Origins and Historical Development

Wudang Sanfengquan's roots can be traced to Zhang Sanfeng, a legendary Daoist immortal and the founder of the martial tradition associated with Wudang Mountain. According to various accounts, Zhang Sanfeng, a monk of the Taoist faith, is said to have created the system after being inspired by the sight of a snake and a crane fighting. This observation led him to formulate the idea of combining the graceful, flowing movements of the crane with the tenacity and strength of the snake, creating a martial art that emphasizes fluidity, softness, and power drawn from internal sources.

While Zhang Sanfeng's life is shrouded in mystery and myth, his contributions to martial arts are widely acknowledged. The martial art attributed to him is believed to have been influenced by older traditions like Taijiquan (Tai Chi), which also shares many of the same principles of internal energy cultivation and harmony with nature. The exact timeline of the development of Wudang Sanfengquan is debated, but it is believed to have evolved around the 13th century, during the Yuan Dynasty.

Core Philosophies: Daoism and Internal Martial Arts

At the heart of Wudang Sanfengquan is Daoist philosophy, which promotes living in harmony with the Dao, or the natural way of the universe. This philosophy profoundly influences the style's movements, techniques, and overall approach to martial arts training. Internal power (Neigong), or cultivating strength from within, is a central focus. Practitioners of Wudang Sanfengquan aim to align themselves with the forces of nature and to achieve mastery over their internal energy through rigorous training, meditation, and breath control.

Unlike external martial arts that focus on muscular strength and quick, hard strikes, internal martial arts like Wudang Sanfengquan emphasize softness, yielding, and sensitivity. The idea is that true strength comes not from brute force but from the ability to channel and control one’s Qi, using it to redirect an opponent’s force and gain advantage without unnecessary effort.

Key Techniques and Movement

Wudang Sanfengquan is characterized by fluid, circular movements that integrate softness and hard strikes. The practitioner must learn to flow with the opponent’s energy, redirecting their force instead of meeting it head-on. This concept is often referred to as the principle of "use softness to overcome hardness". Movements in this style appear smooth and effortless, reflecting the Daoist belief in wu wei, or "action without force."

One of the hallmarks of Wudang Sanfengquan is the cultivation of internal power through slow and deliberate movements. Practitioners perform the form with a focus on proper alignment, balance, and control over their Qi. The basic forms and movements incorporate principles of Taiji (Tai Chi), but Wudang Sanfengquan stands apart in its emphasis on Daoist spirituality and its application of internal energy.

Distinctive Features of Wudang Sanfengquan

One of the most distinctive aspects of Wudang Sanfengquan is its integration of Daoist breathwork (Qigong) into martial practice. Through breath control, practitioners learn to circulate Qi throughout their body, leading to a stronger internal foundation and improved mental clarity. This makes Wudang Sanfengquan not just a martial discipline, but also a tool for spiritual cultivation.

Additionally, combat techniques in Sanfengquan often focus on joint locks, pressure point strikes, and grappling techniques, using an opponent's momentum against them. The use of deflection and counterattack plays a significant role, in line with the principle of turning an enemy’s aggression into an opportunity for controlled response.

The art also emphasizes evasion, with practitioners learning to avoid direct confrontation and instead, positioning themselves to use the opponent's energy to their advantage. Like other internal martial arts, Wudang Sanfengquan teaches that the best form of defense is often to avoid the conflict rather than engage in unnecessary struggle.

Wudang Sanfengquan and Taiji: Similarities and Differences

Wudang Sanfengquan shares several similarities with Taijiquan (Tai Chi), especially in terms of its principles of softness, internal energy, and flow. Both arts are deeply rooted in Daoist philosophy, and both seek to cultivate balance and internal harmony. However, there are key differences between the two styles. While Taiji focuses more on slow, meditative movements and often includes more stances and emphasis on forms, Wudang Sanfengquan places a greater emphasis on combat effectiveness and practical self-defense techniques.

Whereas Taiji might focus on cultivating health and internal power in a more gradual manner, Sanfengquan incorporates more dynamic applications of energy, blending spirituality and martial technique into a seamless practice that is useful for both the practitioner’s self-cultivation and their ability to defend themselves.

The Influence of Wudang Mountain

Wudang Mountain is not just the birthplace of Sanfengquan but also a central point of Daoist teachings. The mountain itself is renowned for its monasteries and temples, where Daoist monks have practiced meditation, alchemy, and martial arts for centuries. The location is said to be a place where heavenly forces meet earthly elements, and this sacred energy is believed to be transmitted through the practice of martial arts.

The connection between martial art and spiritual cultivation is clear in Wudang Sanfengquan. The art is not just a means of physical combat but a path for personal and spiritual transformation. Practitioners often visit Wudang Mountain to experience this sacred environment firsthand, immersing themselves in the energy of the place and deepening their connection to both the art and Daoist wisdom.

Modern Practice and Influence

While rooted in ancient tradition, Wudang Sanfengquan continues to be practiced and respected around the world today. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Daoist martial arts, with many people drawn to the combination of martial training and spiritual development. Today, Wudang martial arts schools exist in many parts of China and globally, and many are now dedicated to preserving and transmitting the teachings of Wudang Sanfengquan.

These schools offer a holistic approach to training, combining traditional martial techniques with teachings on Qi cultivation, Daoist philosophy, and health preservation. Practitioners range from those seeking self-defense skills to those interested in pursuing a path of spiritual enlightenment through martial arts.

Conclusion

Wudang Sanfengquan is a profound martial art that goes beyond fighting—it’s an expression of Daoist philosophy and a path of self-cultivation. Combining physical movement with deep spiritual teachings, it offers a unique approach to martial arts that integrates internal and external power. From its historical origins with Zhang Sanfeng to its modern-day practice, Wudang Sanfengquan stands as a testament to the enduring power of Daoist wisdom and martial tradition. Whether one is drawn to it for its self-defense applications, its health benefits, or its spiritual depth, Wudang Sanfengquan provides a comprehensive and transformative practice for those committed to its study.