Wudang Martial Arts

Wudang Martial Arts is a precious gem in the world of Chinese martial arts, often regarded as “North reveres Shaolin, South honors Wudang.” Deeply rooted in the traditions of Wudang Daoism, the martial art has evolved from the practices of Daoist monks who, while cultivating spiritual knowledge, also trained in combat techniques. Wudang Martial Arts is not only a form of physical defense but a way to cultivate health and longevity, embodying the Daoist philosophy of harmony between the body and mind.

The martial arts of Wudang were largely developed and perfected during the late Yuan and early Ming Dynasties by the famous Daoist Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰). Zhang is revered as the founding patriarch of Wudang Martial Arts, having created the internal martial art known as Wudang Neijiaquan (武当内家拳). His teachings laid the foundation for Wudang’s martial arts, which were influenced by Daoist internal alchemy (内丹功法) and principles from the I Ching (易经). The art emphasizes a balance between yin and yang, the five elements, and the Bagua (八卦), forming a comprehensive theoretical system that governs both the practice of martial arts and the principles of life.

Styles and Techniques of Wudang Martial Arts

Wudang Martial Arts include several different styles, such as Tai Chi (太极拳), Xing Yi (形意拳), Bagua Palm (八卦掌), Wudang Sword (武当剑), and Qi Gong (武当气功), among others. These forms combine both martial combat techniques and health-promoting exercises, each with its own unique approach to body movement, energy flow, and self-defense.

Tai Chi (太极拳)

Tai Chi is the most famous of the Wudang styles, renowned for its slow, flowing movements that aim to enhance physical balance and mental clarity. The practice emphasizes “using the mind to guide the body,” which contrasts with other martial arts that focus on physical strength. Tai Chi’s graceful forms and emphasis on relaxation make it beneficial for both combat and health, aligning with Daoist principles of energy balance and harmony.

Xing Yi (形意拳)

Xing Yi focuses on “using intent instead of force.” Practitioners believe that cultivating the mind’s intent (意) directs the body’s energy (气) to generate power. It is based on the concept of the five elements and focuses on direct and efficient movements, making it a formidable style of martial art.

Bagua (八卦掌)

Bagua is characterized by circular movements and walking in a continuous spiral, symbolizing the Daoist principle of constant change. The movements help build internal strength and improve flexibility, with the aim to use minimal force to deflect and neutralize opponents’ attacks.

Wudang Sword (武当剑)

Wudang Sword emphasizes precision and fluidity, where each stroke follows the principles of Daoist philosophy and internal energy circulation. The practice of swordsmanship in Wudang is seen as a method of refining both body and spirit.

Wudang Qi Gong (武当气功)

Qi Gong exercises focus on cultivating and harmonizing the body’s energy (气) through controlled breathing, meditation, and gentle physical movements. The practice is vital for enhancing one’s health and is often integrated into the Wudang martial arts training regimen.

History and Development of Wudang Martial Arts

The origins of Wudang Martial Arts are often traced back to Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰), who is believed to have combined the traditional martial arts techniques of the Shaolin monks with Daoist internal practices. According to one famous legend, Zhang Sanfeng created Wudang Martial Arts after receiving divine teachings from the Three Pure Ones (三清) during a dream. This led him to develop a unique martial art that blended defense techniques with inner energy cultivation.

During the Ming Dynasty, Wudang Martial Arts reached its peak, with practitioners such as Zhang Songxi (张松溪) helping to spread and elevate its reputation. Zhang Songxi is credited with significantly enhancing the internal martial arts systems of Wudang and spreading it far and wide.

Preservation and Global Influence

To preserve and promote the teachings of Wudang Martial Arts, the Wudang Martial Arts Research Association was founded in 1982 in Danjiangkou City (丹江口市), and the “Wudang” magazine was established. In 2003, the Wudang Martial Arts Association of Shiyan City (十堰市) was formed, which helped organize a variety of martial arts seminars and festivals, such as the “Wudang Martial Arts Festival” and “Wudang Martial Arts International Exchange Conference.” These events have brought global attention to Wudang Martial Arts and have attracted martial arts enthusiasts from around the world.

In 1996, Wudang Mountain (武当山) was officially recognized as a “National Martial Arts Heritage Site,” and today, millions of people practice Wudang Martial Arts across the world. The art is especially popular in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Singapore, and Japan.

In 2007, Wudang Martial Arts was inscribed on the first list of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, further solidifying its place in Chinese cultural history.

Cultural Significance and Influence

Wudang Martial Arts is deeply intertwined with Daoist philosophy and culture, blending the concepts of spirituality, health, and combat. The philosophy of “stillness within movement” and the importance of “harmony between heaven and man” (天人合一) are central to the practice. Tai Chi, Xing Yi, and Bagua all emphasize inner energy (气) over brute force, with movements designed to cultivate health, longevity, and spiritual enlightenment.

As one of China’s most influential martial arts traditions, Wudang Martial Arts continues to grow in both its practice and cultural significance. The art has not only influenced martial arts but also inspired countless people to embrace Daoist practices of health, wellness, and personal development.

Features of Wudang Martial Arts

Wudang Martial Arts (武当武术) is a unique and prestigious school of martial arts, deeply rooted in Daoist philosophy and tradition. It has evolved over centuries, with a wide array of styles and techniques developed through the accumulation of knowledge and practice. Wudang martial arts include hand techniques (拳法), weaponry (器械), internal arts (功法), and hidden weapons (暗器). Together, these form a comprehensive martial system centered on the principles of Daoism, combining combat skills with health practices to achieve balance and strength.

Hand Techniques (拳法)

Wudang’s hand techniques include a variety of styles, each with its own philosophy and method. These techniques are based on internal energy (Qi) and emphasize fluidity and the ability to defeat stronger opponents using gentleness and precision. Some of the major hand techniques include:

• Wudang Pure Yang Fist (武当纯阳拳)

• Tai Yi Five Elements Fist (太乙五行拳)

• Simplified Wudang Fist (简化武当拳)

• Wudang Tai Yi Free Palm (武当太乙逍遥掌)

• Pine Creek Short Punch (松溪短打)

• Tai Chi Long Fist (太极长拳)

• Wudang Lightning Palm (武当霹雳掌)

• Bagua Soul Sucking Palm (八卦吸魂掌)

• Wudang Iron Palm (武当乾坤铁掌功)

• Yin-Yang Five Elements Soul-Chasing Hand (阴阳五行追魂手)

• Wudang Bone-Twist and Dragon Palm (武当分筋错骨缠龙手)

Among these, Wudang Bagua Palm (武当八卦掌) is a prominent style that combines defensive and offensive techniques with circular movements. It focuses on walking in a circle (绕圆走转) and includes patterns such as Yin-Yang Fish (阴阳鱼), the Bagua Diagram (八卦图), and the Nine Palaces (九宫). The style uses palms instead of fists for strikes, making it a health technique as well as a combat one.

Weapon Techniques (器械)

Wudang martial arts also feature a wide range of weaponry techniques. These weapons are designed to enhance both the practitioner’s physical and mental agility. Some of the key weapon techniques include:

• Wudang Sword (武当剑)

• Night Walking Knife (夜行刀)

• Tai Yi Whisk (太乙拂尘)

• Pine Creek Small Flower Sword (松溪小花剑)

• Wudang Pure Yang Sword (武当纯阳剑)

• Wudang Xuan Wu Staff (武当玄武棍)

• Drunken Eight Immortals Sword (武当醉八仙剑)

• Tiger Tail Whip (虎尾鞭)

• Bagua Knife (八卦刀)

• Wudang Dan Pai Sword Technique (武当丹派剑术)

• Wudang Tai Chi Sword (武当太极剑)

• Nine Sons Seeking Mother Sword (九子寻母剑)

The Wudang Sword (武当剑) is particularly notable, with its elegant and fluid movements that emphasize technique and balance. It involves 13 key stances such as drawing, carrying, lifting, and striking, creating a versatile and dynamic combat style.

Internal Arts (功法)

The internal practices of Wudang martial arts focus on cultivating internal energy (Qi) and promoting health. These practices are designed to enhance physical strength and mental clarity. Some of the key internal arts include:

• Wudang Eye Brightening Art (武当明目功)

• Wudang Blood Circulation Art (武当活血功)

• Iron Shirt Art (铁布衫功法)

• Tai Yi Five Elements Divine Skill (武当太乙五行神功)

• Wudang Qi Cultivation Art (五行养生秘功)

• I Ching Body Movement (易经运身功)

• Wudang Natural External Qigong (武当自然外气功)

These internal techniques emphasize deep breathing, slow movements, and mind-body coordination, helping to strengthen the body, regulate the internal organs, and prolong life.

Hidden Weapons (暗器)

Wudang martial arts also include the use of hidden weapons, which are small, easily concealable weapons designed to surprise opponents. Some of the notable hidden weapons in Wudang include:

• Rope Dart (绳镖)

• Throwing Darts (脱手镖)

• Single Tube Sleeve Arrow (单筒袖箭)

• Plum Blossom Sleeve Arrow (梅花袖箭)

• Meteor Hammer (流星锤)

• Willow Leaf Flying Knife (柳叶飞刀)

• Flying Claws (飞爪)

• Iron Toad Spider (铁蟾蛛)

These weapons require precision and stealth, making them a unique aspect of Wudang martial arts.

Wudang Martial Arts System

Wudang martial arts is guided by Daoist philosophy, combining principles from Daoist medicine, the I Ching (易学), internal alchemy, and other human sciences. The system blends martial combat with health practices, emphasizing the cultivation of internal energy (Qi) to achieve strength and harmony.

The central principles of Wudang martial arts are:

• Qi-based Power: Using energy rather than brute force.

• Flexibility: Emphasizing softness and yielding to overcome hardness.

• Balance: Integrating internal and external movements in harmony.

• Tranquility and Activity: The art balances stillness and motion, mirroring the Daoist principle of the unity of opposites.

Wudang martial arts has a complete theoretical and technical system, which focuses on:

• Cosmic View (宇宙整体观): The interconnectedness of the universe.

• Unity of Heaven and Man (天人合一观): The relationship between humans and the natural world.

• Principles of Dao (道法自然): Following the natural way of the Dao.

• Internal and External Training (内外兼修): A balanced approach to physical and mental development.

These teachings are encapsulated in the three classic texts by Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰), the founder of Wudang martial arts:

• Tai Chi Boxing General Theory (太极拳总论)

• Tai Chi Boxing Song (太极拳歌)

• Thirteen Postures of Tai Chi (太极拳十三式)

Through these works, Wudang martial arts has established itself as a comprehensive system that integrates martial skill with philosophical depth.

Health-Centric Philosophy of Wudang Martial Arts

Wudang Martial Arts is deeply rooted in the principles of health and wellness. The core concept of Wudang Neijiaquan (武当内家拳), whether in its swordplay or martial forms, is to regulate both the physical and psychological well-being. Every movement in Wudang martial arts is designed to enhance circulation, invigorate internal organs, and promote mental harmony. Even during combat, the fundamental health principles are maintained. Techniques such as “using four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds” and “borrowing strength to counter an opponent” reflect a philosophy of defense, emphasizing gentle movement and energy management.

Wudang Tai Chi (太极拳), in particular, is renowned for being one of the most health-promoting martial arts. Practitioners focus on refining their internal energy (气), cultivating mental clarity, and strengthening the body’s natural defenses. These principles make Wudang martial arts not only an effective self-defense system but also a holistic method of maintaining health and longevity.

Wudang Martial Arts as a Holistic Practice

In Wudang martial arts, the cultivation of Jing (精), Qi (气), and Shen (神) is paramount. The practice follows Daoist principles of refining essence into energy, energy into spirit, and spirit into emptiness. The martial forms emphasize harmony between mind, body, and energy, utilizing methods such as “three adjustments” — adjusting the mind (调心), breath (调息), and body (调身) — to align with medical and health theories. These techniques are designed to balance the body’s internal systems, regulate energy flow, and enhance vitality.

At advanced levels, the practice not only boosts life energy, preventing illness and promoting longevity, but also allows for powerful self-defense techniques. The martial system, as envisioned by Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰), transcends basic combat skills, aiming instead to foster longevity and wisdom in practitioners.

Cultural Features of Wudang Martial Arts

Wudang martial arts derive their unique style from Daoist philosophy, incorporating both soft and hard movements, stillness and motion, and a fluid, graceful approach to combat. It emphasizes the principle of “using softness to overcome hardness” and “using stillness to control motion,” with techniques designed to strike only when necessary. This philosophy of action and reaction embodies Daoist beliefs about life and conflict resolution.

Wudang martial arts also have a deep connection to Daoist culture, blending martial skills with health practices to form a comprehensive system. Tai Chi, for example, is not just a series of movements, but an intricate system that combines three different levels of martial skills: from external movement to internal stillness, progressing from beginner to advanced techniques. This progression aligns with Daoist beliefs about the universe, helping practitioners integrate physical training with mental discipline.

Key Martial Arts Styles in Wudang

• Tai Chi (太极拳): Emphasizes “using the mind to direct the body,” with movements that promote health, energy flow, and balance.

• Xing Yi (形意拳): Focuses on the use of intent rather than force, teaching practitioners to channel energy effectively.

• Bagua (八卦掌): Known for its circular, flowing movements, it helps build internal strength and flexibility.

These martial forms represent Daoist principles such as “harmony between heaven and man” (天人合一) and the balance of Yin and Yang.

Daoist Morality and Discipline in Wudang Martial Arts

The moral code of Wudang Martial Arts is deeply influenced by the teachings of Daoism. While the exact rules established by Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰) are unknown, various sources suggest that the core principles emphasize self-discipline and respect for others. Wudang martial artists are taught to adhere to a code of ethics that includes respect for the teachings of their masters and for the Daoist way of life.

One key aspect of this discipline is the Three Vows:

1. The Vow of Devotion (皈依戒): Full commitment to the Daoist path.

2. The Vow of Faith (皈神戒): Faith in the sacred texts.

3. The Vow of Obedience (皈命戒): Adherence to the guidance of spiritual leaders.

Further, Wudang martial arts practitioners are expected to follow a strict set of guidelines, such as the Five Precepts (五戒):

1. Do not kill or harm others.

2. Abstain from consuming meat and alcohol.

3. Speak only truth.

4. Do not steal.

5. Avoid immoral behavior.

The Eight Precepts (八戒) and even the Ten Precepts (十戒) provide more detailed codes of conduct, promoting purity of mind, body, and spirit. Violations of these codes result in disciplinary actions, ranging from verbal reprimands to expulsion from the community.

Preservation and Heritage

Current State of Transmission

As modern society progresses, the inheritance of Wudang Martial Arts has faced some challenges. Firstly, the tradition was historically confined by Daoism’s “secret transmission” (隐秘单传) philosophy, limiting its exposure. Additionally, many of the current masters of Wudang Martial Arts are elderly and scattered across various regions, making it difficult to access and utilize these valuable resources. Furthermore, research into the theoretical aspects of Wudang Martial Arts is insufficient, and its cultural significance remains under-explored.

Notable Figures in Wudang Martial Arts

• Zhao Jianying (赵剑英), a prominent female figure in Wudang Martial Arts, was born in 1926 in Danjiangkou, Hubei Province. She was one of the first national-level representatives of intangible cultural heritage for Wudang Martial Arts and served as the head coach of Daoist Martial Arts at Wudang Mountain (武当山). Zhao began her martial arts journey at the age of 6, learning various folk martial arts such as the Great Flood Fist (大洪拳) and Little Flood Fist (小洪拳) under the guidance of local practitioners. In 1980, at the age of 54, she met Jin Zi Zhang, a representative of the Zhejiang martial arts team, and became a disciple of the Wudang Martial Arts’ True Dragon Sect (全真龙门派), making her the 17th generation disciple. Zhao passed away in 2011.

Protection Efforts

Since 1978, Wudang Martial Arts has been included in China’s martial arts research agenda, focusing on the origins and development of the style. In 1982, following the National Martial Arts Symposium, various Wudang martial arts styles were systematically explored, with Hubei Province being the first to document eight different styles. By 2003, more than 30 styles and techniques had been collected, leading to the establishment of the Wudang Martial Arts Research Society (武当拳法研究会) and the publication of the Wudang magazine.

Through collaboration between local organizations and martial arts enthusiasts, a wealth of historical documentation was compiled, including over 10,000 books and hundreds of stone inscriptions. By this time, over 100 Wudang martial arts schools and more than 500 martial arts manuscripts were cataloged. This extensive research has preserved the nearly lost ancient forms, techniques, and health practices of Wudang martial arts.

Wudang Martial Arts Institutions

Wudang Mountain Swordsmanship and Martial Arts Museum

Established in 1996, the Wudang Mountain Swordsmanship and Martial Arts Museum (武当山剑英国术馆) aims to promote Wudang Martial Arts as a means of enhancing physical fitness and well-being. The museum also serves as the central hub for the city’s Martial Arts Association and was officially recognized in 2009 as a national intangible cultural heritage transmission base. It acts as an educational and training center, providing teaching, performances, exchanges, and accommodation services.

Martial Arts Schools and Training

By 2003, Shiyan City had established over 20 martial arts schools, training more than 10,000 students from both domestic and international backgrounds. These efforts have significantly contributed to the promotion of Wudang martial arts and the advancement of public fitness. Furthermore, Wudang Martial Arts performance and exchange groups have toured Southeast Asia, Europe, and the U.S., as well as more than 20 cities across China.

Wudang Martial Arts Association

In March 2003, the Wudang Martial Arts Association (武当武术协会) was established in Shiyan City, followed by the formation of a branch in Tianjin in December 2014. The association aims to further preserve and promote the rich tradition of Wudang Martial Arts. In 2023, the Wudang Martial Arts project was officially recognized by the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Unit.

Social Impact and Major Events

Wudang Martial Arts has made a significant impact both in China and abroad through a variety of events and performances:

• 1987: A martial arts competition was held at Wudang Mountain, attracting 160 participants from 9 provinces and over 150,000 spectators.

• 1991: The Wudang Cultural Festival (中国湖北武当文化节) was held at Wudang Mountain, further solidifying its cultural significance.

• 2017: Wudang Martial Arts was showcased at the International Military Music Festival in Red Square, Moscow, as part of China’s delegation.

• 2017: Wudang Martial Arts performances were also featured at Shanghai Grand World.

• 2018: Wudang Martial Arts made its first appearance on CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala, marking a significant milestone in its exposure to a wider audience.

• 2025: Wudang Martial Arts will be featured in the 2025 Intangible Cultural Heritage Evening broadcast on CCTV.

These events have played a crucial role in spreading the influence of Wudang Martial Arts worldwide, engaging audiences from all corners of the globe.