Wudang Kungfu: Basic introduction to Wudang Taijiquan

Wudang kungfu Characteristics
Wudang Martial Arts features distinct Taoist cultural elements, serving as a natural integration of martial arts and health-preserving methods. It not only embodies profound traditional martial arts heritage but also contains exquisite scientific principles. Tai Chi emphasizes “first using the mind to control the body,” followed by “the body following the mind”; Xingyi Quan advocates “using intention rather than force, where intention leads to qi, and qi leads to strength”; Bagua Zhang requires “transforming intention fully” while walking in circles. These all reflect the Taoist concept of “embracing the ultimate principle” to achieve the fitness purpose of “What is the ultimate goal of using intention? It is to prolong life and stay young,” conforming to the sports concept of combining physical training with mental training for integrated internal and external cultivation.

The theoretical and technical systems of Wudang Martial Arts are complete. Guided by the principles of “cosmic holism” and “harmony between man and nature,” and based on the concepts of “thick virtue carrying all things” and “following the natural way,” it adopts the methods of “combining movement and stillness” and “cultivating both internal and external aspects,” forming various unique boxing techniques and swordsmanship. It includes both theoretical principles and practice methods, as well as routine operations and key essentials, all of which are systematically presented in Zhang Sanfeng’s three works: *General Theory of Tai Chi*, *Song of Tai Chi*, and *Thirteen Forms of Tai Chi.

Wudang Kungfu National Intangible Cultural Heritage
On June 5, 2007, Wudang Martial Arts was approved by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China to be included in the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, with the heritage number Ⅵ-8.