Wudang
Wudang Kung Fu is a family of internal Chinese martial arts developed and preserved by Taoist monks in the Wudang Mountains. Unlike external styles that emphasize muscle force, Wudang arts cultivate softness, yielding, breath control, and fluid circular motion to generate internal power. The system includes arts like Tai Chi (Taiji Quan), Xing Yi Quan, and Bagua Zhang, all integrated with Taoist meditation, qigong, and traditional Chinese medicine. Known for its spiritual depth and graceful movements, Wudang Kung Fu offers both martial effectiveness and a lifelong path of internal development. It remains one of the most culturally and philosophically rich branches of Kung Fu.
Wudang Essentials
About Wudang
Explore the essence of Wudang Kung Fu—a martial system built on Taoist principles, internal energy, and harmony between motion, mind, and breath.
Wudang History
Trace the development of Wudang martial arts from their roots in Taoist monastic life to their emergence as internal counterparts to the Shaolin tradition.
Philosophy & Approach
Understand how Wudang blends martial training with Taoist philosophy—embracing softness, stillness, natural flow, and balance as tools for both combat and self-cultivation.
Techniques & Style
Study the flowing, coiling, and circular techniques of Wudang, including deflections, redirection, and counter-attacks based on energy sensing and internal force.
Traditions & Etiquette
Learn the spiritual customs of Wudang schools—Daoist rituals, respectful conduct, and master-disciple transmission rooted in both martial and meditative lineages.
Uniform & Symbols
Explore the traditional Taoist robes, sashes, and symbolic emblems worn in Wudang practice, often representing the Five Elements, Yin-Yang, or the Bagua trigrams.
Weapons
Discover Wudang’s elegant and strategic weapons systems—such as straight sword (jian), staff, fan, and saber—each practiced with internal mechanics and spiritual intent.
Ranking System
Review how Wudang schools often blend modern ranking with traditional master-student mentorship, valuing internal development as much as form proficiency.
Wudang Glossary
Familiarize yourself with key Wudang terms like “nei jin,” “taiji,” and “wu wei,” essential to understanding the system’s techniques, theory, and worldview.
Notable Figures
Meet important historical and modern Wudang masters—from Zhang Sanfeng (legendary founder) to contemporary teachers preserving and globalizing Wudang traditions.
Branches & Organizations
Explore various lineages and modern Wudang organizations, from temple-based systems to international groups promoting internal martial arts and Taoist culture.
Competitive Format
Learn how Wudang styles appear in internal martial arts tournaments, forms exhibitions, and cultural showcases, emphasizing grace, balance, and control over brute force.
