* prices for double rooms are per person and are only available to students travelling together
Wudang Daoist Traditional
Kungfu Academy
Wudang Kung Fu Training Programs
What is Wudang Kung Fu?
Wudang Kung Fu (武当武术, Wudang Wushu) is one of the two great schools of Chinese martial arts — the other being Shaolin. Where Shaolin is known for its explosive, athletic external style, Wudang martial arts are defined by their internal approach: soft body mechanics, circular power generation, breath coordination, and the cultivation of Qi.
The defining principle of Wudang martial arts is "softness overcomes hardness" (以柔克刚, Yi Rou Ke Gang). Rather than meeting force with force, Wudang practitioners redirect, yield, and issue explosive power at the precise moment of contact — using the opponent's momentum against them.
All Wudang martial arts are deeply rooted in Daoist philosophy — incorporating Yin/Yang theory, Five Element Theory, the Eight Trigrams of the Yi Jing, and the Daoist understanding of Qi circulation through the meridians.
Our Kung Fu Curriculum
The WDTKA curriculum covers the complete Wudang San Feng lineage system, taught progressively from foundation to mastery.
Empty-Hand Forms
Taiji (太极拳) — Tai Chi
The most well-known Wudang style, characterized by slow, flowing movements and deep internal cultivation. Our Taiji curriculum spans from Wuji standing meditation through the complete Taiji 108 form.
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Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
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Best for: All ages, health cultivation, stress relief
Xing Yi Quan (形意拳) — Form-Intention Fist
Direct, powerful strikes based on Five Element theory. Xing Yi emphasizes the unity of body and mind through the Six Harmonies — the foundation of internal martial power.
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Difficulty: Intermediate
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Best for: Students seeking powerful, efficient movement
Bagua Zhang (八卦掌) — Eight Trigrams Palm
Circle-walking palm techniques based on the Eight Trigrams. Develops extraordinary agility, continuous turning, and internal power through constant directional change.
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Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Best for: Students seeking complex footwork and internal development
Learn more about Bagua Zhang →
Xuanwu Quan (玄武拳) — Black Warrior Fist
An advanced form combining the soft body of Taiji with the explosive power of Xing Yi and the circular patterns of Bagua. Each student's expression becomes unique.
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Difficulty: Advanced
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Best for: Long-term students ready for advanced practice
Taiyi Wuxing Quan (太乙五行拳) — Five Element Fist
The bridge between basic training and advanced internal practice. Based on Five Element theory, this form cultivates soft body, coordination, and the ability to issue power through the meridians.
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Difficulty: Intermediate
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Best for: Students with 1+ month experience
Fu Hu Quan (伏虎拳) — Taming the Tiger Fist
An intermediate animal style introducing Fa Jin (explosive power) through low stances, powerful advances, and complex grabs and strikes.
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Difficulty: Intermediate
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Best for: Students progressing beyond basics
Ji Ben Quan (基本拳) — Basic Fist
The first form every student learns. Ji Ben Quan teaches fundamental stances, kicks, strikes, and transitions that form the foundation of all Wudang martial arts.
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Difficulty: Beginner
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Best for: All new students
Weapon Forms
Wudang Sword (武当剑) — Jian
The iconic Wudang weapon. Four sword styles are taught: Xuan Men Sword, Long Hua Sword, Eight Immortals Sword, and Taiji Sword. The sword is considered the highest expression of Wudang martial artistry.
Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
Learn more about Wudang Sword →
Taiji Sword (太极剑)
The only slow, soft weapon form in the Wudang system. A 64-posture moving meditation that is the natural progression for students who have established Taiji foundations.
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Difficulty: Intermediate
Broadsword (刀) — Dao
Powerful sweeping cuts and close blocks. An excellent introductory weapon that teaches full-body power transfer and shoulder conditioning.
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Difficulty: Beginner
Spear (枪) — Zi Wu Spear
The "king of weapons." Trains speed, stamina, accuracy, and whole-body coordination through thrusting, spinning, and rapid directional changes.
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Difficulty: Intermediate
Staff (棍) — Eight Immortals Staff
Ba Xian Gun personifies the Eight Immortals through a rich variety of sweeping, striking, and spinning techniques. The most universal long weapon in Chinese martial arts.
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Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Every class at WDTKA begins with basics. No matter which style you choose to learn, Master Yuan insists on building the correct foundation first — proper stances, flexibility, coordination, and body mechanics.
The Wudang approach to basics follows a progressive method: first soften the body, then strengthen it to correct hardness, then fuse soft and hard into one. Skipping basics is like building a house without a foundation.
Training Levels
Beginners (1 Week – 1 Month)
Focus on basic training, Ji Ben Quan, Ba Duan Jin Qigong, and an introductory short form such as Taiji 9 or Taiji 28. Build the foundation before progressing.
Intermediate (1 – 6 Months)
Learn Taiji 13 or a weapon form, progress to longer forms, and begin developing internal feeling through Qigong and standing meditation.
Advanced (6+ Months)
Practice Taiji 108, Bagua Zhang, Xing Yi, advanced weapons, and Neidan (internal alchemy) meditation under Master Yuan's direct guidance.
Ready to Begin?
Visit our Study page for programs, pricing, and registration information. We recommend registering at least one month in advance, or six months ahead for summer training.
Contact us to discuss which program is right for you.