武 Wu - Martial arts

  

Besides other Daoist practices, so called internal martial arts are being exercised in the temples and academies at Wudang. Wudang Wushu (war or martial arts) comprises different styles, such as Taiji Quan, Liangyi Quan, Xuanggong Quan, Xingyi Quan, Bagua Zhang and Baji Quan. Together they are called Wudang Quan.

 

Wudang is a mountain region with 72 peaks in China's central province Hubei and is seen as a holy Daoist place of contemplation. It is famous for being the birthplace of well-known martial arts such as Taiji Quan.

 

 

Opposed to the external Chinese martial arts called Waijia Quan that are based on Buddhism, such as Shaolin Quan, the inner Chinese martial arts called Neijia Quan are based on Daoism. Their difference lies in the cultivation of different forms of Qi, the essential life energy. While Yang Qi and Zhong Qi are being increased and preserved in both disciplines, Yuan Qi is only cultivated in the internal arts - through special Qigong and Neidan exercises.

 

The training of Wudang Quan usually starts with more outer body oriented exercises for becoming able to accurately perform basic stances and moves (e.g. punches and kicks). With increasing time of training the focus then moves more and more to the practice of Qigong and the training of internal skills. A healthy and flexible body is a major advantage when practicing Neigong.