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Martial Arts Guide

Style: Wudang Quan

Description: This form as its name implies, originated from the Wudang Mountain region of the Hubei province. While also being the birthplace and home to a wide range of martial arts, this region was especially famous for Taoism.

Wudang is well known for its emphasis on the use of the straight sword. However, over the centuries most Taoists have modified its use to that of a training aid rather than an actual tool of combat. Thus external combat techniques are not a focal point. Instead they use the sword as an instrument of focus, channeling their energies and cultivating their inner power through it. The mind is focused on one's center and the energy is projected through the tip of the sword, while the mind fluidly directs the weapon.

Beyond the internal styles, there are also some external forms of kung fu practiced at Wudang, but it is their internal arts which have won them the highest regard.

Though Wudang employs many martial arts styles, fighting is not the primary focus. More emphasis is placed on achieving greater longevity, improving health, and strengthening the body.

Because Wudang Quan requires peace, quiet, and calmness, this style is not very popular in crowded cities. This is one of the major reasons why authentic Wudang Quan is rarely seen, especially today.

Source: From Shaolin Temple to Bruce Lee - 100 Kungfu Styles of the Past Millennium by Gene Ching and Martha Burr, Kungfu Qigong Jan 2000 (C) 2000 Kungfu Qigong Magazine & KungfuMagazine.com, used by permission. http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=107

ShaolinWolf.com 2001