Wu
Dang is one of the sacred areas of the world, especially in reference
to Taoist beliefs (Dao Jiao). Not one, but many temples dot this
series of mountains. The martial arts associated with this regions
shows typical Taoist principles: changeable, flexible, natural and
mysteriours. Given this the "inheritance" of normal martial
arts is somewhat different - or at least more open - in that there
is an attitude of accepting the nartural changes in traditional
yet regenerative adaptation. This series is a good example. What
does it mean to be Wu Dang Boxing? Especially since most of this
series was created in the last three generations. And yet the "inheritance"
is 23 generations old. Probably the best explanation is that Taoism
is the study of the unchanging within a changing world. Taoist arts
SHOULD change constantly according to the Way. There is some evidence
that this style may date from the Hong Jia period of the Mind Dynasty
(1488-1505) as derived from the Wu Dang Dragon Gate Sect.
Instructor: Wu Yue is a 23rd generation inheritor of Wu Dang Pure
Yang Branch and holds official posts in the Wu Dang Association.
Click
on pictures to see larger versions.
#11120 Wu
Dang 18 Postures
This
set was created by Wu Yue. It is a very controlled and rather interesting
Wu Dang form showing the shape of Wu Dang movements and the slowness
and precision of Tai Chi like movements. Difficult moves with much
leg control. Each of the sections is shown as an application. It
is said to partake of elements of classic Taoist arts; Xiao Yao
Palm, Chun Yang Palm, Taiyi 5 Elements Fist, Zi Ran Men, Tai Chi,
Zhi Chui Quan, 8 Step Dragon Heart Palm, Great Harmony Palm, & Zhao
Bao Tai Chi Chuan.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11121 Wu
Dang 36 Postures
A
medium form that combines movements similar to Tai Chi and Ba Gua
with some fast, light actions resembling a softer version of Shaolin.
Many "wrapping" where the hand is passed under the same
armpit. Graceful, having the Wu Dang air of seeming effortlessness.
Some highly controlled kicks. Nothing acrobatic but the skill here
would lie in the performance. No applications this time Created
by Master Liu Li Hang & his student: Zong Yan Chen. Characteristic
of Taoism Kung Fu.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11122 Wu
Dang 27 Posture Sword
This
sword was created by Wu Yue himself. It is important to remind
ourselves that some names are so generic as to be almost meaningless.
There are dozens of "Wu Dang" sword sets just as there
are hundreds of "Shaolin Staff" sets. This is a nice
one of medium length, well constructed, not too difficult but
much more interesting and varied than so many of the "number"
fists like the 32, 27, or 41 this or that. Most interesting it
is one of the few examples, other than our own Tai Chi video,
we know with some sword applications!
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11123 Wu
Dang Swimming Dragon Saber
There
are so many circle walks and runs here that this might be called
a Ba Gua Saber. And, of course, the "Swimming Body" designation
leads one to think of it as just such a branch of Wu Dang. A wide
open set where the practitioner truly "plays" the sword.
You need room for this one. Notable is a rather short supply of
"body wraps" most common with the sword though there is
no dearth of spinning movements.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11124 Wu
Dang True Martial Staff
Also
known by the common Wu Dang staff name: Xuan Wu Gwun. Very little
emphasis on rolls here. Strikes from many angles punctuate this
surprisingly simple and direct though not beginning set. We do believe
a beginner could, with effort, learn this one though as the actions
are quite clear, the feet firm and relatively slow, the overall
feeling conservative and traditional. No applications.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11125 Wu
Dang Whisk and Sword
A
set performed with the straight sword and the fly whisk, a Buddhist
symbolic instrument. Many of the movements are similar to BaGua
Zhang. There are some leg holds that will require a little practice.
Light footwork, soft movements..
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11126 Wu
Dang Dragon Gate Spear
A
good set with a traditional structure. Many Ba Gua type stepping
sequences. Applications shown against a long pole. Some nice moves
and a conservative, honest style of presentation. This spear contains
the 13 fundamental movements of the weapon. At one time it was thought
to be almost lost.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11127 Wu
Dang 8 Step Dragon Heart Palm
A
very long set with a complex series of movements based on a huge
figure 8 pattern. In one sense it's hard to judge the complexity
of the form because there is so much walking in it. As some historians
say about Okinawan Karate that it was originally based on its affiliate:
Okinawan dance the old time Karate Ka would learn the dance step
then add the strikes - not as now where the beginner's steps are
linear and halting. This form is movement with strikes added. A
major set for this branch said to only be passed down to a top disciple
per generation.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11128 Wu
Dang Lost Track Sword
Per
traditional Wu Dang this sword set has very flexible stepping methods.
It also shows a strong emphasis on passing the sword from hand to
hand behind the back. Inverted grips and reverse figure 8's are
also common along with circular footwork. Legend has it that this
was created by Ru Dong Bin, one of 8 Immortals while he in retirement
and self cultivation at Nan Yan Temple.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11129 Wu
Dang ZiRan Spirit Strike
"Natural"
Spirit Strike. This is the San Shou of this series. Training methods
such as single leg squats, jumping exercises, footwork and many
action combining Ba Gua actions and the typical premise of Wu Dang
training namely almost casual actions that are applied in any of
a whole range of ways. Many of the actions are very simple, almost
sloppy, but essentially accurate.this Nei Jia routine is taught
at Wudang Mountain. It was first offered to the public around 1980.
It is comprised of three sections: One Word Fist, Xin Yi Elbow,
& Natural Hand (Zi Ran Shen Da).
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11130 Wu
Dang 6 Part Xin Yi Elbow
Pretty
much as it says. A medium length linear form with many deep stances
and consistent elbow work using different elbow strikes as the "refrain."
This one does not show applications. This one was also just released
to the public for the very first time around 1980. It can be practiced
in a small area.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11131 Wu
Dang Iron Shirt Training
There
are many ways to perform Iron Shirt training. This is one of the
better ones based on stretching, massaging and yogic actions. It
is evident that many of the single exercises are designed to throw
the body against poles and other apparatuses. But most of what is
demonstrated here is tightening and stretching of the body: generally
a better approach than striking equipment but requiring skill. It
has two sections: Pure Yang and Golden Pill Lying forms.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
#11132 Wu
Dang Sticky Hand Throws
Many
drop throws, as opposed to tumbling throws, are shown here. Almost
every throw is shown against an empty handed attack, a short and
a long weapon. Many are classic throws and trips. There are a number
of sections on training and one sticky hand exercise with a focus
on speed and sensitivity. Not brutal but clear and easy to understand.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
($13.95 for ordering two of more from this series)
