| Daoshu: Wudang Daoist Arts in Oxford, UK |
Wudangshan & laoshan
Wudang mountain
Hubei Province's Wudang Shan is one of Daoism's holy mountains, with its 72 peaks, myriad temple complexes and forested slopes. It has been a geographical centre for Daoist martial arts since the 14th Century, with established internal practices that include styles of Tai Ji, Tai Yi, XingYi and Bagua Zhang systems, in additional to its historical fame for sword techniques. During the cultural revolution many Daoist martial arts masters were dispersed from Wudang and some lines of transmission were broken. In the 1980s the wider social context once again permitted open practice and teaching of martial arts across China and a concerted effort was made to return Daoist martial art masters and pratices back to Wudang. Many masters who had been based in other parts of China and learned other techniques returned to Wudang, and as a result the syllabus of Wudang martial arts from the 1980s to the present day has been broader and more varied than previous incarnations.
The Grandmasters from the two major Wudang martial arts lineages both travelled to learn from other Daoist masters who were based elsewhere in China and later incoporated their teachings into the syllabus practiced in Wudang. Grandmaster of San Feng Pai Zhong Yun Long travelled in the North while You Xuande, Grandmaster of Xuan Wu Pai is considered to have been influenced by Southern styles.
Beautiful images of Wudang Shan temples and martial arts students:
The Grandmasters from the two major Wudang martial arts lineages both travelled to learn from other Daoist masters who were based elsewhere in China and later incoporated their teachings into the syllabus practiced in Wudang. Grandmaster of San Feng Pai Zhong Yun Long travelled in the North while You Xuande, Grandmaster of Xuan Wu Pai is considered to have been influenced by Southern styles.
Beautiful images of Wudang Shan temples and martial arts students:
mount Lao
Grandmaster Zhong Yun Long's travels took him to Lao Shan in North Eastern China, another centre for Daoist religious and martial arts practices (famous for the Northern Praying Mantis style). There he learned the Long Fist Gong Fu systems of 'Flying Kicks' Kuang, including Long Hua Quan, Xuan Gong Quan and Xuan Zhen Quan. Master Zhong brought these teachings back to Wudang and these have formed a core element of the San Feng Pai's syllabus ever since, giving the style is unique kicking and acrobatic aspects.
Rare video footage of Laoshan and "Flying Kicks Kuang" demonstrating elements of the Xuan Gong System:
Rare video footage of Laoshan and "Flying Kicks Kuang" demonstrating elements of the Xuan Gong System:
