Wu Dang CHUN YANG "Pure Yang" Style

Demonstrator Wang Zhao Hui is a 23rd generation inheritor of the Pure Yang style.
This style was developed by a Taoist monk named Long Xin from Wu Dang, Yu Xu temple. It dates from the 1800's. It later left Taoist temples and spread to the city of Wuhan in Hubei Province where it is still taught. The style resembles a hybrid of Tai Chi and BaGua with very loose and relaxed motions. In some forms the practitioner is walking a general circle and moving hands in wave actions. It also has a number of health preserving forms. This fact is testified by Wang's own teacher, Liu Li Hang, who died at the age of 101.

Click on pictures to see larger versions. About the name "Chun Yang."

Di-Er Tao.The second Road of this style once again showing a loose, soft approach. Wu-Dang stylists commonly express this kind of motion with footwork that looks almost spontaneous and arm motions performing loose and flexible actions. When seen at its best this can be impressive. It gives a definite feeling for the style. However the idea that it is "Wu-Dang" should not be interpreted that any motion is fine as long as loose.This is a Double VCD.

Di-San Tao.
In Taoist forms we have a paradox. There should be a looseness and spontaneity evident but unrehearsed, otherwise how is it spontaneous. This is a long, complicated form that looks, frankly, as though it were made up on the spot. In one sense that's good. It would be hard to learn without proper instruction. The movements lack a certain "shi" or internal structure. We are familiar with the practice but, frankly, have see better examples. On the other hand, as a representation of shamanistic dance - another story.
This is a Double VCD.

Huan-Tao Ba-Fa Shi-Zhan Ji-Ji.
Here is presented eight methods of self-defense based on 16 formulas phrases of the Chun-Yang style. The basic elements of these movements: striking, tripping and throwing are pretty much the same as all WuShu. There is special attention given to timing. Chun Yang also anticipates the leaks in Ch'i of the opponent. There is special emphasis on the moves being tzu-ran or "natural" . Sparring in Push Hands manner is demonstrated.
List of Eight Actions.

Ji-Chu Gong. Here we have the basic methods of practice for this style. Many of the movements might as well be Chi Kung as Wu Shu. In judging styles like this we have to look for the form within the form. Deficiency of structure is no better than the more common problem of movements which are too rigid.
This is a Double VCD.

Zi-Wu -Jing Yang-Shen Gong.
Some of the best Chi Kung exercises are seated and/or lying down. Here is a regimen of just these types of "ch'i preserving" actions consistent with Taoist practices.

Yang-Qi Liao-Shang Gong. A series of exercises for nourishing the vital energy of the body. Also some light body conditioning. Martial practitioners should understand that light conditioning is considered to increase and refine the "Wei Chi" or protective chi of the body - roughly equivalent to the Western idea of the immune system.
This is a Double VCD.

Chun-Yang Jian.
Pure Yang Sword is popular in many style. Here of course because it is also the name of the system and the Taoist ideal of a purified life energy, it must become the representative weapon of the style. Straight sword often straddles the area where Wu Shu, Chi Kung and meditation meet. This is a Double VCD