Learn the Mysterious Art of Wudang Taiji

Beautiful Wudang Mountain is the world's largest Daoist center. Dating back 2,000 years, it spans 321 square kilometers with 72 peaks, dozens of architectural masterpieces, many lakes, rivers, and a forest which still sustains over 600 known medicinal herbs. Daoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy that teaches its practitioners to live a peaceful, refined life in harmony with nature. Centuries ago, Daoist philosophy, such as yin/yang theory, was adopted into the martial arts trained by the monks of the Wudang monasteries, and Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) was created.

Taijiquan, or 'Grand Ultimate Fist', combines the internal skills of yang sheng (life nourishing) with ancient fighting techniques. Practiced slowly, Taijiquan is a set of gentle, flowing movements which promotes exceptional health and well-being. Taijiquan emphasizes the development of a strong root, proper body alignment, efficient movement, and a calm and relaxed mind and body. The application of Taijiquan reveals it is an effective martial art specializing in using softness to overcome hardness, uprooting the opponent, redirecting incoming force, and striking vital points.

This program discusses the history of Wudang Taijiquan, offers a Warm Up section, and teaches the essential skill of Zhan-Zhuang, or standing meditation, which develops the Qi (energy) throughout your body. The complete 108-posture Wudang Taijiquan sequence is demonstrated, and each posture is instructed separately with martial applications. Each technique is taught and demonstrated in detail, making it easy for the viewer to learn. The ancient art of Wudang Taijiquan has much wisdom to offer beginners and experienced Tai Chi practitioners of all styles.

Features performances by senior YMAA Instructors Nicholas C. Yang and Adison Martin.