DVDs: WuDang Boxing

WuDang is almost as famous throughout the world as Shaolin. A mountainous region which has boasted over 100 temples, WuDang is a pivot point in the Taoist universe. A long and eventful history has made WuDang a major contributor both to Taoist and martial practices. As a general rule its WuShu is soft where Shaolin is hard, yielding where it is firm. While Shaolin is based on the "foreign" religion of Buddhism (and therefore "external"), native Taoist (an "internal" belief) is the origin and inspiration for WuDang. Among their famous practitioners WuDang people are particularly proud of their association with the legendary creator of Taiji—Chang San Feng—and there are many styles claiming to be "San Feng" forms related to their homeboy. A word of caution, WuDang embodies the attributes of Taoism. Practitioners can be talented but also mischievous, claiming lineages that are mostly legendary, performing arts that are mostly diversionary. When you play cards with Coyote, expected some bluffing.

Click on pictures to see larger versions.
These are also available in less, expensive, Chinese only editions.

This one REALLY lives up to its name. One of the fanciest and most challenging of the BaGua straight sword sets we've seen. Much twisting, fast footwork, back bends, reverse hand work. They left out the kitchen sink because they didn't have enough room. The demonstrator is skilled and the moves clear but definitely not an easy one to "pick up" from a disk. Very true to the sinuous spirit of Bagua—something we definitely cannot say for all Bagua sword sets. If you have a good eye this one might be worth the effort.
Double DVD.

Around 62 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles         $27.50

No relation to the famous Yang style sword. This is a Wu Dang 13 method sword. A double handed weapon in this case the straight sword is extra-long though it could be performed with a normal sized weapon. Much movement, fluid, spinning. We think that, in general, Wu Dang excels at straight sword more than any other weapon. Wang Ping is very lively and spontaneous with his use of the sword so don't expect the restrained version normally associated with Tai Chi Jian, this is a workout!
This is a Double DVD.

Around 63 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles         $27.50

Here is a relatively straight forward rendition of Xing Yi Five Elements boxing in the general Hebei style. Wang Ping is the 26th generation of Lu Shan Wu Dang Chang San Feng Ziran Pai. Though there are some slightly different angles this version of the linking form should be understandable to anyone with Xing Yi experience. Though there are no applications shown the break down of the movement is straight forward and clear. The Wu Dan” aspect is evidenced more in the instructions about intent and movement of the qi. Wang's actions are lively and direct with a good deal of training in this form. Not a weak version of this famous form, in fact the nicest thing about this presentation is that all of Wang Ping's sets give a consistent feeling of how WuDang performs these arts.

Around 62 Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles         $19.50

#12069   Wudang Qigong

This DVD shows a series of seemingly very simple but actually quite specific and powerful Taoist Qigong (Chi Kung) exercises. There are about six standing meditations and over a dozen movements. The English section of the instruction (which can be advanced just by hitting the skip function, if you buy the DVD) tells the medical benefits and gives details on where the mind should reside during practice. Instruction is accompanied by two views of the entire sequence, interview questions asked of Teacher Liu, Supplemental Exercises and instruction in either Mandarin or English. ..

"WuDang has a very long history. Its history is several hundred years old. My teacher was Master Pei Xirong. He learned from a Taoist monk named Xu Benshan. He learned WuDang Qigong in addition to other Wudang Martial Arts styles. Wudang Qigong concentrates on exercising the main 14 acupuncture meridians. Chinese Qigong is divided into two main categories of practice. The first is sitting or still Qigong. The second is moving Qigong. Wudang Qigong has both of these in its practice.

The main focus of Wudang Qigong, in addition to many other styles of Qigong, is to relax and focus the mind. Qigong is an exercise for the relaxation of the mind. With all of the daily stresses of work and life, the mind needs rest. Qigong is greatly helpful in this regard. - Sifu Liu Xiao Ling.

#14006 Dao of Dragon Chi Kung
by Shihfu Jiang JianYe

A good series of Chi Kung exercises from other than WuDang Daoism (WuDang is not the only center of Daoism in China). This video contains many dragon based exercises including some Swimming Dragon moves. The movements require a certain limberness. They include some squatting and twisting. The theme of the entire series is dragon motions. No relation to the following tape.

121 minutes, $44.99

#14008 Dragon Door Chi Kung
by Shihfu Jiang JianYe

There is a great deal of emphasis here on gathering energy and spinal twisting (light and safely done). A very decent and reasonable regimen for those looking for Chi Kung. Some difficulties but anything in the routine can be modified to the beginner. Some very logical and well planned sections. No relation to the previous tape.

121 minutes, $49.99

NEW!DVD#18084  Taoist Starting Technique
Pan Shao Zu (Taoist name: Xuan Tongzi)
Chinese with English subtitled

This section is almost the equivalent of a Qigong workout. Take the word "Opening" literally as these simple but powerful exercises are meant to be Qigong that opens the tendons and ligaments of the body. Not every Qigong exercise is completely different from western callisthenics and of all this series these are probably the most like basic stretching and opening. It works with the following DVD.

$15.95 See the rest of this special series

#21030  Chinese Taoism

Taoism has many faces. One of these is "religious" Taoism: considered the true calling by some and an unnecessary adjunct by others. Religious Taoism, unlike other aspects of this important belief system, traces a very distinct line in Chinese history starting with Zhang Dao Ling and continuing to present day. This is a portrait of the founder of the Taoist religion and his subsequent heirs including their strong influence on Chinese history and thinking.

About 60 Minutes English Subtitles       $8.95

#DVD 14011 Wu Dang/Qing Dao Tour

A survey tape that is worth it. First is a brief tour, with students, of the WuDang moutains with the Xuan Wu sect (see our other VCDs). Some nice QiGong is taught and forms are shown of this branch of Taoist BaGua, Tai Chi, Staff and saber work and much more. There is a meeting with the oldest woman in China at 130 years. Then Jiang visits his LiuHeBaFa teacher, Zhuo YongFu who was also a student of Chen FaKe. The entire LiuHeBaFa is demonstrated along with Feng Mo Palms, Ape plucks Peach (Mantis), Tai Chi stick, BaGua Elk Horn knives, Push Hands, Tai Yi Palms, and more. Later, in a public park there is also a rendition of the Blue Dragon Double swords, Tai Chi sword and Yang Short Stick. Some parts, such as the Zhuo Yong Fu sections, are quite interesting and good quality.

120- Minutes, English   $59.99

#10204 Wu Dang T'ai Chi

This version of WuDang Tai Chi is more complex than the 18 posture form. Definite traces of Yang and Chen movements appear. The entire set is performed on a wonderful "BaGua' dais in the middle of woods, an inspired and inspiring setting. Recognizable movements of Tai Chi such as Press, Push and Single Whip are blended together in a fluid and soft routine.

60+ Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles    $19.50
See this entire special series

#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       $15.95
See this entire special series