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First, be advised that all of these VCD's are IN CHINESE ONLY. In our opinion that doesn't matter much because the instruction is clear and the quality of photography very good. But we will not accept returns just because people didn't read... IN CHINESE ONLY. Given that, these are really tremendous deals for the money. Each of these special VCD's can be played on a computer for full enjoyment. Made for PC's they are also Mac compatible by downloading Quick time (for free) and any similar VCD player program. Also playable on most DVD players. For less than $10.00? Wow! |
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Wu Dang Quan Branch 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. Also represented is the TaiYi Daoist style of Lao Mountain... Click on pictures to see larger versions. |
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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. |
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. |
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! |
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. Noteable is a rather short supply of "body wraps" most common with the sword though there is no derth of spinning movements. |
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.
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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.. |
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. |
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 affilitate: 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. |
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. |
"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). |
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Pretty much as it says. A medium length linear form with many deep stances and consistent elbow work using different elbow strikes as the "refrian." 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. |
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. |
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. |
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