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Wudang Daoist Traditional
Kungfu Academy
Wudang Monk Spade (方便铲) — Fangbian Chan
The 81 Movements of Laozi
The 81 Techniques
The Monk's Traveling Tool
The Wudang Monk Spade form preserves these 81 movements, each with its own name and application. The techniques include:
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Thrusting — using the spade end for piercing attacks
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Chopping — the crescent blade for cutting
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Sweeping — the long shaft for low attacks
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Blocking — both ends can deflect incoming weapons
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Hooking — the crescent shape can catch and control weapons
The form is both a physical practice and a moving meditation on the principles of Daoist philosophy.
The Monk Spade, or Fangbian Chan (方便铲), is one of the most distinctive weapons in Daoist martial arts. Historically, traveling monks carried a spade for practical purposes — to bury the dead they encountered on the road, to clear paths, and to dig for water. Over time, this humble tool was transformed into a sophisticated martial weapon.
The Origin Story
Legend tells of the sage Laozi, who after writing the Dao De Jing, traveled westward. Along his journey, he encountered countless obstacles and challenges. To aid his travels, he developed a set of 81 movements using his walking staff combined with a small spade head. Each movement represented a principle from his teachings — ways to overcome obstacles, to flow around resistance, and to maintain balance on the path of cultivation.