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Study with Grandmaster Zhong Yun Long

3 Jul 2017 By in Blog Tags: , , 2 Comments
Study with Grandmaster Zhong Yun Long

Master Zhong Yunlong is a 14th generation legitimate inheritor of Wudang Sanfeng Pai (Pai equates to sect), an Orthodox Wudang Internal Kung Fu successor of two great Wudang Taoist masters and senior priests: Guo Gao Yi and Zhu Chengde.

When Wudang Taoism first opened to the outside world, Master Zhong Yunlong was sent by the Wudang Taoist Association, to unearth Wudang martial arts which were then only being practiced outside the temple.

The Wudang Taoist Association established the first Wudang Taoist Martial Arts Team, and Master Zhong was the leading member of the team.

In 1989, Master Zhong replaced the senior Taoist priest Guo Gao Yi as the “Wudang Taoist Association Martial Arts Chief Coach”. At the same time, he was appointed as the principal and chief coach of the Wudang Taoist Kung Fu School by the Wudang Taoist Association. This was the first time Wudang Kung Fu was formally shown in public.

OUR ACADEMY SPECIALIZES IN TEACHING:

Taoist culture and training future coaches of Wudang Kungfu and Nourishing Life Practices. 

It is not a place for sightseeing and entertainment, but for cultivating stillness of mind and developing a deeper understanding of Taoism. As such, the environment is simple and supportive of a reclusive lifestyle, secluded from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Our academy is not a hotel, but rather a place for study and personal enrichment.

San Feng Academy is situated at the foot of the Wudang Mountains, surrounded on three sides by mountains.  It is well located with good natural energy.  The environment is quiet and beautiful, with a temperate climate. On the one hand, It is well-located and easy to access; on the other hand, it’s separate from town, is surrounded by tangerine groves and has clean air and abundant quiet. All in all, it’s a blessed place for Martial Arts and Nourishing Life practitioners and ascetics to develop and practice their skills.  The location is both convenient for daily life and favorable for practice.

Background

Wudang is the birthplace of Taiji Quan, a practice created by Great Master Zhang Sanfeng more than 700 years ago. Based on the theories of Yin, Yang & five-element, Emptiness-Solidity combination, Tu, Na, Cai, Bu as theory, the essence of Taiji Quan is consistent with human life being in harmony with nature: natural and smooth, like floating clouds and flowing water. Taiji Quan’s continuous, flexible and natural characteristics attract the eyes of and promote the well-being of mankind. Wudang Neijia Quan, a mystical practice which combines martial arts and nourishing life cultivation, has the characteristics of softness overcoming hardness, stillness overcoming motion, four ounces overcoming 1000 pounds. It is the vital essence of Chinese Wushu and a treasure of Eastern culture.

Today, tens of millions of people all over the world practice Taiji Quan & Nejia Quan, benefitting from the legacy of the grand master Zhang Sanfeng, Our mission is to teach Taiji Quan in a standardized and systematic way so that Taiji Quan may bestow all people with vibrant health and long life. We are united around the 14th generation Wudang San Feng Pai Master to learn Taiji Quan together, to research and improve the practices of Taiji Quan & Neijia Quan, and to promote Taiji Quan all over the world through activities that include instructor training, competition, seminar and video study.

Your membership in the Wudang San Feng Pai Friendship Association will help us to develop many trainers and make history, as we work together to promote Wudang Sanfeng Pai and bring peace, happiness, and longevity to mankind. Through our work together, Taiji Quan will continue to serve as a bridge of friendship for people all over the world. Our hope is that the earth will become a pure land full of harmony, peace, and longevity and that Taiji Quan will be a major factor in achieving this goal.

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TRAINING EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

The Academy has a wide array of weapons and training equipment for the students to use.  Many students opt to purchase their own swords if they are focusing on any of the Wudang sword forms.

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS

The Sanfeng Academy provides a variety of accommodation options.  Most rooms are designed for double occupancy.  Some have private baths, and other rooms are arranged in suites with a shared bathroom for the suite.  The Taihe building also has several rooms with full-size beds for couples and rooms with three beds.

MEETING AND CLASSROOM SPACE

The Academy has classroom and meeting space in which to conduct English language classes for the Competition Team, theory and philosophy lectures and more.

DINING FACILITIES AND MEALS

Meals at the Academy are prepared in a modern Chinese kitchen and include at least two vegetable and one meat dish at every meal.  Meals are served community style.  Students are responsible for washing their bowls and chopsticks.

TUITION & FEES

※ At the foot of the mountain

2 Year Martial Arts Trainer Program

Enroll now until October 30, 2011, in either the two-year Wudang Kung Fu Teacher Training Certification Program or the 2 years Wudang Nourishing Life Teacher Training Program and receive the discounted rate of RMB75,600 or US$12,000 per year for a total of RMB140,000 or $22,000 for the entire 2 years.

Foreign Individual Standard Charges

1. 1-10 days: $100 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

2. 10 – 20 days: $80 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

  1. One month:

(1) $1,400 per month including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated) and two uniforms.

(2) $1,600 per month including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with bathroom, air conditioned and heated) and two suits.

4. More than six months:

(1) $1,200 per month including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated) and two uniforms.

(2) $1,400 per month including tuition, board and lodging(standard room with bathroom, air conditioned and heated) and two suits.

Remarks: Long term students pay another $500 per month for a single room; Short-term students pay another $18  per day for a single room.

For day students (no room and board), please subtract 15$ per person per day.

Foreign Group Standard Charges

1. 5 – 10 people, studying 10 days or less:

$100 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

2.10 – 20 people, studying 10 days or less:

$90 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

3.more than 20 people, studying 10 days or less:

$80 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

4.more than 20 people, studying more than10 days:

$70 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

For day students (no room and board), please subtract $20 per person per day.

※ In the mountain

Nourishing Life Trainer Program

Foreign Individual Standard Charges

1. 1 – 10 days: $350 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

2. 10 – 20 days: $300 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

  1. one month:

$4,620 per month including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with bathroom, air conditioned and heated) and two uniforms.

4. 3 months：

$12,310 including tuition, board and lodging(standard room with bathroom, air conditioned and heated) and four suits.

  1. 6 months：

$23,100 including tuition, board and lodging(standard room with bathroom, air conditioned and heated) and four uniforms.

  1. a year：

$43,100 including tuition, board and lodging(standard room with bathroom, air conditioned and heated) and four suits.

Remarks: Long term students pay another $500 per month for a single room; Short-term students pay another $18  per day for a single room.

Foreign Group Standard Charges

1. 5 – 10 people, studying 10 days or less:

$300 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

2.10 – 20 people, studying 10 days or less:

$260 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

3.more than 20 people, studying 10 days or less:

$280 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

4.more than 20 people, studying more than10 days:

$200 per day including tuition, board and lodging (standard room with air conditioned and heated).

Teenager summer vacation program

$2,000 per month including tuition, teaching material, weapons, ticket, board and lodging (standard room with bathroom, air conditioned and heated) and two uniforms.

【 note 】

1, Because of the reason that safeguards and room space, we just limit for 25-35 students. First, win, and submitted to the full.

2, Enroll by telephone need to pay $800 in advance deposit first, procuring items (clothing,materials, and equipment)

3, Students should be equipped with own toothpaste, shampoo and bath products.

4, The student’s activity fees are paid by the guild, no additional fees.

5, To ensure safety, all course activities would achieve to seamless docking. The coaching staff for full 24 hours supervision, unified action accommodation.

Travel Information

Wudang Mountain, located in Shiyan City prefecture, in western Hubei Province, is about 2 hours by car from the nearest airport but has its own railway station.

Travel to China: 

To go to Wudang from outside of China, it is best to fly into either Shanghai or Beijing. From these cities, the traveler has the option of flying or traveling by train.

Taking the train from Beijing or Shanghai is the most convenient method of the journey to Wudang.  The trip is around 20 hours, but the soft sleepers can be quite comfortable. The destination town by train is Wudangshan. Train travel from Wuhan in Hubei Province is around 5 hours.  Train travel within China can be booked via: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/

China Air Travel: 

Xiangfan has the airport closes to Wudang. If no flights are available to Xiangfan, you may want to consider flying into Shiyan. From either of these cities, you can then travel by bus or taxi to Wudang. Alternately Wuhan is approximately five hours by train from Wudang. Air travel within China can be booked through english.ctrip.com

Visa:  Visas are required for foreigners to travel to China.  The permit application form is available on the Chinese Embassy website at: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84240.htm

Make sure that all travel arrangements are clearly communicated to the Academy at the earliest possible date to ensure that there are no complications in your trip.  Taxis from Shiyan or Xiangfan to Wudang can be arranged by the Academy.

Contact Master Zhong Yun Long:

Study at Master Yuan Xiu Gang’s School

1 Jul 2017 By in Blog Tags: , , , , 2 Comments
Study at Master Yuan Xiu Gang’s School

wudang-kung-fu6.jpgMaster Yuan Xiu Gang was born in 1971, he is a Daoist priest (Daoist name Shi Mao) and a 15th generation disciple of Wudang SanFeng Sect. Master Yuan’s lineage dates back to the 14th century when Zhang San Feng became enlightened by the Dao and created Taijiquan.

Master Yuan has loved martial arts since his early childhood. At the age of 7, he started basic physical training in wushu, and at 16 he studied Shaolin wushu for 3 years. As a result of his increasing skill in gongfu, understanding of internal martial arts, and enthusiasm for Daoism, in 1991 he went to Wudang Mountain, the known center of Daoism and internal martial arts. Master Yuan was fortunate to be accepted as a disciple by the great Master Zhong Yun Long. Since then, Master Yuan has been practicing internal gongfu like TaiJi, Qigong, XingYi, Bagua, and meditation. Wudang kungfu Baguazhang In 1994, Master Yuan was selected by the Wudang Taoist Association for Taoist Wushu Performance Team, and initiated into the Purple Heaven Palace, the largest Daoist temple at Wudang. With the blessing of the Chairman, Master Yuan joined the circle of Daoist culture. Since then, Master Yuan has furthered his practice of Daoist philosophy and internal gongfu.

As a member of the Taoist Wushu Performance Team, Master Yuan has traveled to various places in South East Asia to demonstrate Wudang Gongfu. He has also represented Wudang when receiving high-level Government officials and celebrities from other countries during their visit to the Daoist mountain.

With the promotion by the Government of the Wudang special administrative region, more people from all over the world have embraced Daoism and Wudang mountain. Improving well-being and health through exercise is becoming popular worldwide. Foreigners are becoming more aware of the famous Wudang internal gongfu previously known only to Chinese. Visitors from aboard are coming to here to explore Wudang internal gongfu.

Master Yuan has been responsible for teaching foreigners for years. Throughout these years, he has been dedicated to learning and improving his English for better communication with foreign learners.

In line with the slogan of the Government of the Wudang special administrative region: “Let the world know about Wudang”, Master Yuan established his own Wudang Daoist Traditional Kungfu Academy with the agreement of Master Zhong Yun Long. The mission of the academy is “To broaden the reach of Taoism and to train outstanding wushu experts”. The Academy welcomes visitors from any part of the world.

Wudang Kung Fu Training:

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1978 -1988: Various training throughout China with masters of traditional martial arts.
1988 -1991: Training in Shaolin kungfu, traditional sanda, and qigong.
1991 -1993: Training in Wudang Traditional Kungfu and internal arts.
1993 -1995: Lived as a Daoist monk at ZiXiao Gong. Studied Daoism, Daoist music (mainly singing), and Daoist Acupuncture and herbal medicine.
1995 -Present: Teaching while continuing his practices and studies of internal work.

Achievements:

Member of the Wudang Mountain Kungfu Research Institution
Committee Member of the Wudang Wushu Association
Officer in Charge of the Wudang Mountain Daoist Taiji Center for Health and Longevity
Numerous shows for Daoist singing, kungfu, and Taiji
Many shows have aired throughout China most recently was the Wu Lin Feng Zhen Zhou Show which aired on National China Television (CCTV)

Wudang Mountain is the birthplace of internal martial arts where the great Daoist priest Zhang San Feng came to live as hermit and learn the Daoist methods of immortality

During his time in Wudang Zhang San Feng created Neijiaquan, or what is now more commonly referred to as Taijiquan.Showing great respect for the long history of deep knowledge and culture Wudang was named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994.

By incorporating his many years of training in wushu, Daoist internal alchemy, and qi gong Zhang San Feng created Neijiaquan, which was later called Taijiquan or the Taiji 13 Form.

Wudang Kungfu

The Taiji 13 Form has formed the basis for Wudang internal wushu.The Wudang San Feng Lineage continues the traditions and teachings of our patriarch and the lessons of his successive generations.As a result, several branches of practice have evolved over the years which now comprise an abundant system.

Master Yuan has been practicing Daoist wushu in Wudang for over 20 years.Being a 15th generation lineage holder of the Wudang San Feng Lineage, Master Yuan considers it his great task to continue with proliferating the wonderful practices that have been passed down to him.He is a Master of exceptional skill and knowledge and is dedicated to teaching the wushu of Wudang and sharing the knowledge and practice of Daoism to the rest of the world.

Daoist Health Cultivation

In keeping with improvements in modern living conditions, people all over the world are looking to improve their health.As a result, there are many different systems of health improvement that are springing up all over.China possesses thousands of years of development in self-defense practices, various artistic forms of self-expression and various methods and systems of health cultivation.The reason that Wudang Wushu has been able to continuously prosper up to today without being drowned out by modern trends is that it maintains a truly unique cultural character; its primary focus is on its oldest and most practically applicable value – health cultivation.

Ancient Daoist practices apply the theories of combining movement and stillness, internal and external, refining and cultivating, and the physical with the mental/emotional/spiritual as the major focus for cultivation.These practices are used to balance and fortify the body’s original qi, vitality, and spirit. The cultivation of jing, qi, and shen as well as the physical body are given significant importance.Specifically, in the methods of refining and cultivating one follows the method of the meridians or energy channels of the body.Daoist Health Cultivation uses dao yin (Daoist stretching and breathing exercises), qigong, wushu/gongfu methods to harmonize and improve the circulation of the meridians, improve the flow of qi and blood, and harmonize yin and yang within the body – thereby achieving a great improvement in overall health.

At the present time, several Daoist Health Cultivation practices are suitable for all to learn and practice, including Taiji, standing meditation, Ba Duan Jin (the Eight Pieces of Brocade Qi Gong), Taiyi/Liangyi Quan, Five Animals Qi Gong, Taihe Quan, push hands, etc.These practices are soft and slow-moving and are helpful in coordinating breathing and intention/thinking, regulating blood and circulation, and relaxing the spirit and mind.They can help in lowering the degree of blood viscosity, reducing cholesterol, and blood stasis; improving blood circulation, and can significantly improve the condition of blood clotting related problems of the internal organs that may be at risk or in a bad health and cause for concern.For example – those at risk of heart attack, cerebral thrombosis (blood clotting), early stage cirrhosis of the liver, etc. can significantly benefit by adopting these practices into their daily lives.By opening the meridians and removing sickness and toxic substances from the body, one can therein begin to improve the overall yin-yang balance of the internal organs.Daoist Health Cultivation methods can significantly enhance and strengthen practitioners’ immunity to sickness and disease as well as slow the aging and deterioration of the different organ system of the body.It can be seen that these practices are quite suitable and beneficial for everyone – especially young children, the elderly and infirm and those suffering from waist and neck problems.

Wudang Kungfu

The Mysterious Spirit of Wudang Wushu

Wudang Wushu is one of China’s most famous systems of wushu.It possesses a long established history and is well known both in China and abroad.By using traditional self-defense and fighting technique as its foundation, implementing theory derived from the Yi Jing (Book of Changes) and Daoist neidan technique gradually a clear system was created that gave shape to a truly unique style of training.The core of Wudang Martial Arts is comprised of the theory of the waxing and waning of yin and yang, the changes of the Bagua (the eight trigrams of the Yi Jing), and the phases and interactions of the Five Elements.Wudang Wushu encapsulates the deep and profound philosophical traditions of China including Taiji, Yin Yang, Five Element, and Bagua philosophical traditions and theories.It combines this theory with fighting theory and technique, training and cultivation principles, and fighting strategy as methods of searching to understand the natural laws of life.We use wushu as a method of self-cultivation to improve our health and our wisdom. This is the great treasure of Wudang Kungfu.

The entire body of Wudang Wushu is comprised of Wuji, Taiji, and Liangyi.Taijiquan, Liangyiquan, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Wudang Sword and other internal wushu systems are representative of Wudang Wushu.Wudang Wushu maintains the traditions and unique styles of the different systems. It uses Daoist philosophy and theory to guide and also combines the study of Daoist medicine, the Yi Jing, and neidan health cultivation methodology as its overall guiding principles and disciplines.Alongside these, it fuses wushu fighting skills and exercises to strengthen the body and places great emphasis on understanding the body’s energy channels and acupuncture points.Wudang Wushu greatly stresses the importance of establishing a strong foundation in internal practice.By practicing to synthesize and coordinate the internal qi and the external body, there is born a unification of internal and external.Using the qi for explosive power, borrowing power, becoming adept in using the soft to overcome the hard, using stillness to regulate movement, possessing a great unification of soft and hard, nimbly turning, circling, and evading and many other techniques are all characteristic traits of “internal kungfu”.

Relaxed, natural movement, a soft external and strong internal, moving like clouds and flowing water, continuous and unimpeded action and many other techniques are Wudang’s great attributes that distinguish it from other wushu.

Location & Timetable

Yuxu Palace was built in 1413, formerly one of the largest buildings in Wudang with its 2,000 rooms, until it was destroyed in 1745. The remains of the palace include two pavilions housing stone tablets positioned upon stone tortoises, each of which weighs over several hundred tons. In recent years the Yuxu Palace has scene significant renovations and refurbishments while at the same time still retaining much of its original structure.

Training is held in the Yuxu Palace every day. If the weather does not permit outside training, there are two large newly renovated training halls at the academy where classes are also held. The academy also has a meditation hall for students.

What does a day of training look like?

Schedule Times
Qi Gong/ Free Training 6:00-7:00 AM
Breakfast 7:30 AM
Morning Training 8:30-11:00 AM
Lunch 12:00 PM
Afternoon Training 3:00-5:00PM
Dinner 5:30 PM
Free Training 7:00-8:30 PM

* note that the exact times may vary throughout the year to make full use of daylight

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Below we answered some of the most common questions

Visa information:

All persons intending to enter The People’s Republic of China from outside countries must first have a valid passport and a Chinese visa. We can help you with obtaining your Chinese visa by providing you with an invitation letter to hand in with your visa application.Any other circumstances or special needs for visa application can be communicated to Master Yuan via e-mail.

Visas can be extended here in town for up to one year. After one year, foreigners are required to leave the country to apply for a new visa. Most students who stay for more than one year simply travel to Hong Kong or other neighboring countries to do so.

Travel information:

Wudang Mountain (武当山– Wu Dang Shan in Chinese Pin Yin pronunciation) is located in the province of Hubei, located in Southern Central China.

The most common route for students coming to study is from Beijing.From Beijing, one can travel by airplane or train to Wudang. The train, about a 20-hour ride, is much cheaper and more direct than flights. If you are planning on taking the train, purchase a ticket for the K261 or K507 train to a town called Wudangshan. Wudangshan train station is located about 20 minutes from the school. If you cannot purchase a ticket to Wudangshan train station, purchase one for Shi Yan. Shi Yan is a city located about 1 hour from the school.
The following are some directions and Chinese phrases to print out to help with your ticket purchase:

Take a taxi to the Beijing West train station.

“Please take me to the Beijing West train station” – 。 (beijingxizhan)

Purchase a ticket for the train, K261 or K507, to Wudangshan.

“I would like to buy a ticket for the K261 or K507 train to Wudangshan .” – (womaiyizhangquwudangshan de huochepiao)。

Choose either a soft sleeper or hard sleeper ticket.

“Soft sleeper” – (ruanwo)
“Hard sleeper” – (yingwo)

If you are going to be flying from Beijing, purchase a plane ticket to Shiyan(WDS) city.Shiyan has located about 1 hours away from Wudang. If you would like for a taxi to meet you at the airport, please communicate this to Master Yuan promptly so that it can be arranged.

Helpful hints:

When traveling, be sure to keep an eye on your belongings. Keep your passport, money, and other valuables on your person at all times. Make sure that you keep Master Yuan updated on your travel plans so that it can be arranged for someone to meet you at the airport or train station upon arrival.
Some people have trouble setting up a VPN in China, if you wish to use one it is best to arrange this before departure

Contact Master Yuan Xiu Gang personally:

Go to Master Yuan Xiu Gangs website!

Learning with Master Chen Shiyu

30 Jun 2017 By in Blog Tags: , , 3 Comments
Learning with Master Chen Shiyu

The Wudang Daoist Martial Arts Academy is located at the Temple of the Returning Dragon (Huilong Guan 回龙观), high up in Wudang Mountains. It was founded by Master Chen Shiyu in 2007. Master Chen Shiyu has been training in Wudang Shan for over 20 years and is a 15th Generation Master of Zhang San Feng Wudang Kung Fu. We are a small school and have a peaceful environment here. Here we live a Daoist way of life and strive to be close to nature. Our school is somewhat hidden, and no tourists come here.

We accept students that are coming short term, and those looking for rigorous traditional programs that last several years.  Our school typically has less than 30 students in total. We welcome people of all ages and ability, only we wish that they strive to work hard to discover the true Wudang Kung Fu.  Our method of training is traditional, which can be difficult but very effective for hardworking students. We hope that students who come here can strengthen their body, learn techniques for inner cultivation, and come to a deeper understanding of traditional Daoist culture.

Master Chen Shiyu

Master Chen Shiyu is the Headmaster of the Wudang Daoist Martial Arts Academy, and it’s the main instructor. He was born in Central China’s Hubei Province and now is a 15th generation Master of Wudang Daoist Kung Fu.

Master Chen Shiyu showed great interest in Wudang Kung Fu. In 1993, he left his hometown and came to Mt Wudang. He learned martial arts from different teachers for some time and then he was honored to have Grand Master Zhong Yunlong as his teacher. The Daoist Master Zhong is the 14th generation successor of Wudang Wushu of Sanfeng branch. He saw that Shiyu was very hard working and has an honest and simple mind, so he chose him as one of the closest disciples in 1996. Since then, with the strenuous cultivation from Master Zhong, Chen Shiyu has attained Internal Wudang Kung Fu which was in the past not easily spread out. All his Gongfu styles include Wudang Tai Chi, Eight Immortal, Taiyi, Bagua, Xuangong, and Xingyi and many methods of Daoist health-preservation.

  • Master Chen Shiyu became martial arts instructor in 1998, and that year he was also entered the famous Wudang Daoist Kungfu Troupe.
  • Master Chen Shiyu won the championship in the Wudangshan Wushu competition in March 2000. In the same year, he went to Wuhan and participated in the Yellow Crane Tower Wushu Performance. He has participated in performances in some foreign countries such as Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Together with his teacher Zhong Yunlong, he has offered Wudang kungfu show for many principal leaders from China’s central government. In 1999, the late Chinese general secretary Jiang Zemin paid a visit to Mt. Wudang. After watching Wudang Wushu show, he gladly wrote: “Wudang Quan is wonderful, and everyone can practice it!”
  • In May 2005, Master Chen Shiyu took the troupe to Xinghai Concert in South China’s Guangzhou city for Wushu show in the 5th session of Taoist concert. Shortly after, he again took the troupe, together with the mainland Taoism Association, to Taiwan for an Across-Taiwan-Strait Taoism concert.
  • In September 2006, Master Chen Shiyu attained the championship of the nationwide Wudangshan-Wushu-Tournament in Wudang Tai Chi (Taijiquan).
  • In January 2007, he was invited to Pengyingxianguan in Hong Kong for lecturing of Daoist knowledge and demonstration of Sanfeng Taijiquan.
  • In September 2008, he participated in the Wudang area tryouts for the 3rd World Traditional Martial Arts Championships and attained the first race in both Taijiquan and staff forms.
  • In August 2010, he was invited for the documentary of Wudang Martial arts introduction that is shot by Chinese Nationwide Central Television.
  • In December 2010, he was given a Chinese national honor allowance for Martial Arts heritage.
  • In June 2012, he was invited to Norway, to teach Taichi.
  • In October 2012, he won the champion in the Fourth World Taichi & Health Competition.
  • In November 2012, he won a Traditional Boxing Champion and a very important Sword Champion in the Fifth World Traditional Martial Arts Championship Competition.

Master Chen Shiyu vows to bring Wudang Kung Fu to high development, let more people understand it and wishes every lover of Wudang Kung Fu to be healthy in body and heart; succeed the Tradition and bring it to the world.

If you would like to explore Wudang Daoist Kung Fu, you are invited to come to Huilong Temple to study with Master Chen Shiyu!

Wudang Kung Fu

Wudang Kungfu is one of the two major families of Traditional Chinese Martial Arts, the other being Shaolin.  It is an internal style, meaning that not only does it require great physical strength and fighting ability, but it also has a strong focus on using the mind, and one’s “Qi”, to cultivate and control the body. Its purpose is threefold: it is an effective combat technique, it is a form of body and mind cultivation, and it is an art – containing thousands of years of traditional Chinese culture.

Wudang Kung Fu contains profound Chinese philosophical theories, combining the traditional concepts of Taiji (Tai Chi), Yin and Yang, Wu Xing (Five Elements), and the Ba Gua (Eight Trigrams) into boxing theories, boxing skills, exercises and attack strategies, all derived by studying the laws of life and nature. Wudang Kungfu (neijia quan internal boxing) is featured by overcoming motion with stillness. The opponent will be laid down the moment he attacks. In contrast, Shaolin is classified as external type boxing. Internal Gongfu was created by Zhang Sanfeng, a famous Daoist in the Song Dynasty. Wudang Kung Fu contains many skills and training methods designed for staying healthy and prolonging one’s life while at the same time comprising many effective fighting methods. It is not only one particular school of martial arts, but also a complete system for both self-defense and health preservation.

Wudang Taiji

Tai Ji is originated from Infinity. It is the basis for all movement and stillness. It is the originator of the Two Extremes (Yin and Yang). Tai Ji was formed from Infinity by separating Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are the equal and opposite pair. Sometimes Yin stands for female and Yang stands for the male. In Tai Ji, Yin represents stillness and Yang represent the movement. The workings of the universe are based upon Yin and Yang.

In Tai Ji, there is stillness in movement and movement in stillness. The two are interconnected and should not be separated. Internal power is through control of the mind. The concentration of mind moves the internal energy before any external movement.
Taijiquan is not simply the exercise for elderly, which is perhaps what is known to Westerners. It is, in fact, a combination of Yin and Yang, Tai Ji and Infinity. It is an art requiring perfect control of the mind. It integrates stillness and movement, from external to internal, from movement to stillness, from elementary to advanced, and merging stillness with movement. Taijiquan not only directs internal power to external movements, but it also combines the mind with breathing, resulting in good health and an art of combat applications.
There are 13 postures (8 hand/arm movements and 5 body movements) in Tai Ji. The 8 hand/arm movements: Beng, Lu, Ji, An, Zai, Lie, Zhou, and Gao. In simplified terms, they mean: ward off, pull back, push, press, oblique turning, twist, elbow strike, and shoulder strike. The 5 body movements are directional. They are: advance, retreat, shift to the left, shift to the right and stable equilibrium. The 13 postures are based on the 8 trigrams and 5 elements. Requirements include relaxing, body coordination, the concentration of mind, and stillness in movement.

Taijiquan is a stepping-stone to Daoism. In Daoism, one has to train one’s behavior and mind. It is important to keep a peaceful mind. Through meditation, combining Yin and Yang, and stillness in movement, the internal power will flow through the whole body achieving the ultimate aim.

Qigong

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice for cultivating the body energy, for the benefit of the physical body, mind, and spirituality. Qigong practices are varied. They include hard and soft qigong, healing qigong, and general conditioning qigong. Wudang Qigong is an “earlier heaven” method based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles and teachings. Qigong is a good practice for everyone, at any age to keep healthy in both body and mind.

People’s Life and Death, Connection to Life, Dao of Life, Dao of Cultivation, Beginning of Life, Stairs of Immortality.
The character sits in the heart. The initial spirit within the heart is sent out through the eyes. The character in the heart is moving like an ape.
The life lies in the kidneys. The initial energy within the kidneys is sent out by the root of excess and the character of heart. The thoughts are running like a horse.
This is called “xinyuan, yima”.
Take back xinyuan, yima will follow.

The ancient practitioners took back the heart and will, and stabilized the jing and nurtured the qi; made the qi of the breath like the wind and the qi of real yang like the fire. In practicing and heating, they transformed jing to qi, and qi to shen; let energy concentrate, and united with the nature of Dao.

The methods of practice are immeasurable, there are methods of movement, stillness, sitting and lying, but never stick rigidly to given patterns – you can hardly understand the everything.

Location

We are proud to be located in the heart of the Wudang Mountains, at Huilongguan (Returning Dragon) Temple. Huilongguan is the first temple after passing the entrance to the National Park of Wudangshan. Our school is easily accessible by a frequent bus service that starts from the entrance of Wudang Mountains. This makes sight seeing of the many famous temples easy and shopping in the town center convenient.

Getting Here

You can take a train to Wudangshan train station (武当山火车站), and take public bus no. 202 to the end of the line, Wudangshan scenic area entrance. The school offers free pick up only from the entrance of the Wudangshan scenic area, at the foot hill.

Alternatively, you can fly to Shiyan airport, or take a train to Shiyan. There are more transport options to Shiyan. Note that Shiyan is located around 55 kilometers from Wudangshan, and transport cost upwards of RMB 250 to the school. Please call or email to confirm your time of arrival and the cost of transport.

All visitors to Wudangshan scenic area will need to pay the entrance ticket costing RMB 240with validity of 3 days. When you study at our school, we will arrange for a special permit to extend the validity of the ticket to 3 months, for an additional RMB 50.

Visa

Should you be training here for a longer period of time, the school will provide the necessary supporting documents and help you to extend your visa. Visa for martial arts training is valid for 3 months and extensible for up to 12 months. For multi-year stay, you will need to exit and re-enter the country every 12 months.

Traditional Kung Fu and Daoist culture

Being a small school, the school is able to offer traditional Wudang Kung Fu instead of commercial Wushu. Foreign students get the opportunity to be guided by Master Chen Shiyu, as well as other instructors. Learning directly from a highly-knowledged master, you will gain an in-depth understanding of Wudang Kung Fu and Daoist culture.

Training Environment

The Feng Shui of the school and training ground has been carefully planned. The training ground is encircled by the mountains and a beautiful bamboo forest. Surrounded by nature, the atmosphere is peaceful and quiet, benefiting Daoist Gongfu (Taoist Kungfu)
The school also makes use of traditional training equipment such as wooden post training, traditional weight training, and conditioning equipment.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation is comfortable with hot water facilities, a small shop and three meals a day prepared by the school cook. In keeping with Daoist philosophies, the food is primarily vegetarian, with some meat to balance your diet for the training.

Wifi Internet is available, so you can carry on with your existing work or communicate with those back home in your spare time. Note that some international websites are not accessible in China (Facebook, Google/Gmail, your bank’s website), so you are advised to have VPN connection before arriving in China.

The following items are provided by the school

  • a clean room
  • electricity and hot water in the bathroom
  • mattress
  • blanket
  • pillows

You will need to bring your own toiletries and household items. The following are not provided by the school, but available for purchase at the school’s grocery store

  • martial arts uniform, socks, and shoes
  • shampoo
  • soap
  • towel toothbrush and toothpaste
  • pail and basin
  • mineral water, instant noodles, and snacks
  • calligraphy and musical equipment

The following are optional paid services

  • laundry services
  • room cleaning services
  • special cooking requests

School Environment

Support our traditional school and feel free to pin and share our pictures with your friends.

We are surrounded by mountains, and the school is located in a small village. The vegetables we eat come from the fields around the school. The school is an hour’s walk from town, with some steep sections. Alternatively, you can pay for the tourist bus.

Huilongguan is also called the “Returning Dragon Temple” and is an ancient temple with a long history. Here you can experience calligraphy, traditional Daoist music, Taiji (Tai Chi), Kung Fu, Liangyi Qigong.

There are green tea farms and ancient Daoist temples located near to the school.

Content

Basic Skills
1.36 kicking skills
2.Basic hand and foot skills
3.Basic fist		Qigong
1.Wudang Hard Qigong (also Tietong Gong)
2.Wudang Tongzi Gong
3.Wudang Daoyin Qigong
4.Wudang 5 animals Qigong
Quan ( Fist Forms )
1.Tai Ji 13 forms
2.Tai Ji 28 forms
4.Tai Ji 108 forms
5.Tai Yi Five element Fist
6.Tai He Fist
7.Ba Ji Fist
8.Xuan Gong Fist
9.Xuan Zhen Fist
10.Fu Hu Fist
11.Long Hua Fist
12.Xuan Wu Fist
13.Xing Yi Fist
14.Twelve Forms
15.Ba Gua Zhang		Weapons
1.Taiji sword
2.Taiyi Xuan Men sword
3.Ba Xian sword
4.Long Hua sword
5.Ba Xian cudgel
6.Ziwu spear
7.Xuan Gong Dao (broadsword)
8.Chun Qiu Dao
9.Fang Bian chan
10.Fuchen (Taoist horse tail whip)
11.Taiyi Fu Chen
12.Dingpa
Health-keeping Qigong
1.Crane-shaped Standing
2.Taiji Hun Yuan Standing
3.Standing Ba Duan Jin
4.Wudang Tongzi Gong
5.Taiji Stepping
6.Xiao Yao Stepping		Traditional Gong
1.Tie Sha Gong (practice with herbal medicine)
2.Tie Bi Gong (practice with herbal medicine)
3.Finger Gong

Visit Master Chen Shiyu!