Wudang Quan
Wudang Mountain in Hubei province is famous for Taoism. Like Shaolin's Song Mountain, it is home to a wide range of martial arts. According to one legend, it is the birthplace of Taijiquan and attributes it to founder Zhang San Feng. Accordingly, there is a unique style of Zhang San Feng taijiquan practiced here. The other internal arts of Bagua and Xingyi are popular as well, and Wudang is most famous for it straight sword. Even though it was originally a weapon, many Taoists have changed the way they use sword so it is more of a training aid than a tool for killing. They do not emphasize the external combat techniques. Instead they use it as an instrument to focus their energies and cultivate their internal power. The mind is focused on one's center and the energy is projected through the tip of the sword. The mind fluidly directs the sword. Beyond the internal styles, there are also external forms of kungfu practiced at Wudang, however it is their internal arts that have won them the highest regard. Because Wudang Quan requires peace, quiet and calmness, this style is not really popular in the big cities. This is one reason why authentic Wudang Quan is rarely seen. Although styles of Wu Dang are martial arts, they do not concentrate entirely on fighting, and more emphasis is placed upon longevity, improving health and strengthening the body.
Wudang Mountain in Hubei province is famous for Taoism. Like Shaolin's Song Mountain, it is home to a wide range of martial arts. According to one legend, it is the birthplace of Taijiquan and attributes it to founder Zhang San Feng. Accordingly, there is a unique style of Zhang San Feng taijiquan practiced here. The other internal arts of Bagua and Xingyi are popular as well, and Wudang is most famous for it straight sword. Even though it was originally a weapon, many Taoists have changed the way they use sword so it is more of a training aid than a tool for killing. They do not emphasize the external combat techniques. Instead they use it as an instrument to focus their energies and cultivate their internal power. The mind is focused on one's center and the energy is projected through the tip of the sword. The mind fluidly directs the sword. Beyond the internal styles, there are also external forms of kungfu practiced at Wudang, however it is their internal arts that have won them the highest regard. Because Wudang Quan requires peace, quiet and calmness, this style is not really popular in the big cities. This is one reason why authentic Wudang Quan is rarely seen. Although styles of Wu Dang are martial arts, they do not concentrate entirely on fighting, and more emphasis is placed upon longevity, improving health and strengthening the body.
