Wudang Internal Kung Fu
(Neijiaquan)

Wudang kung fu is one of the two main streams of kung fu in China. Shaolin is known for its strength and external power. Wudang is famous for its internal power (yin) softness to neutralize or overcome hardness. In Taoism stillness overcomes motion and four ounces can move 1,000 pounds.

Wudang kung fu does have hard parts. The Qi is hard and the body is soft. It is described as iron wrapped in cotton. Wudang spends a lot of training time on developing and cultivating the practitioners Qi or internal energy. When utilized in combat it is like lightening striking. This is called fajin (fah-jeen). After years of training, this explosive power can be summoned at any moment to defend or neutralize. However, there is a bigger and more important part of Wudang kung fu and this is self cultivation which is the primary goal of Taoist training.

Eight Gates of Wudang Kung Fu

Zhang Sanfeng created Wudang kung fu by absorbing a hundred styles and combined it with Taoist Yangsheng (life nourishing) culture. The core of this is breathing (tuna), daoyin (stretching), caibu (collecting) and hunyuan (primordial) qigong. The eight gates of Wudang Sanfeng kung fu are: Taiji (Tai Chi), Xingyi, Bagua, Baji, Baxian, Xuanggong, Liuhe and Jiugong. Taiji is considered the older brother in the system.

Taiji has three main concept which are Liangyi, Taiji and Wuji. Liangyi is like Yin and Yang or heaven and earth. Taiji is the "grand supreme" and Wuji is the limitless or void. From Wuji to Taiji, from Taiji to Liangyi. From Liangyi to Sixiang "four pillars" to Bagua. This is the foundation of internal kung fu.