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Train In Wudang
Through Wudang Way, we find balance, one step at a time. The first step is through training the body. We use martial arts to stimulate, stretch, and strengthen the body. Gongfu is physical skill cultivated over time. With a regular daily practice, not only do we rehabilitate ourselves and remove bad habits that have become chronic conditions, but we learn to listen to our bodies.
Each class is centered around a specific part of a comprehensive curriculum. From Qigong, Wushu, Tai Ji, Meditation, and more you can get direct guidance to learn these methods of health cultivation and preservation that have been transmitted through the San Feng Lineage.
Daily Training
Daily lessons start in the early morning with a group session on Qigong. There are two main class for martial arts training, one in the morning after breakfast and one in the evening (afternoon in the colder months). These classes are divided into two parts. The first part focuses on flexibility, coordination, warmups, and basic training routines. The second part of class is where students get instruction on the practice that they are learning. This could be predetermined based on the course program at the time, or it may be the decision made between each student and their teacher.
Each student may choose to learn a specific training system or style. The Internal styles of Qigong and Tai Ji Quan are considered "soft" styles and are suitable for introductory students who are looking for a balanced practice for health purposes. The External styles of martial arts refer to the Empty Hand and Weapon forms that train students from, beginner to advanced, coordination drills that will strengthen and condition the body. In the Wudang San Feng System, typically training focuses on the External before the Internal in such a way that we learn the shapes and the foundational skills of the external arts in order to go deeper into the internal system. However, there is much flexibility to this concept. It is best to consider each students interests as well as the prior experience before committing to a training program. It is highly recommended to work together with the teacher in order to design a program that will yield the greatest benefits.
The final class of the day is conducted in a classroom setting. This class will fluctuate between culture classes, guided meditation, and music instruction. The goal of these classes is to initiate the students to the theories, history, culture, art, and philosophy behind the practices that we learn through the Ways of Wudang. Some classes may be optional or may change upon consideration of each students needs and interests.
An example of a week of training at the school.
Evaluation and Weekends
Training is scheduled for 6 days a week with the 6th day being only a half day of training. On this day, regular early morning classes will continue with the martial arts class being substituted for an evaluation. This will be a chance for each student to showcase what they have been learning as well as get more feedback for the training program. This class serves as a review class to practice everything that students have learned during the week. In the afternoon, students will be assigned tasks to clean their room and take care of the school grounds. Following a traditional model, cleaning the training space is another type of practice to emulate the concepts that we learn through martial arts and Daoism. Afterwards, the evening and the following day will be the rest time for students to give themselves time to recuperate and visit Wudangshan outside of the school.
The schedule is very intensive and it is recommended to be thorough in your study both during and before your arrival. Please read through the FAQ to see common issues when people are joining for training and things to be aware of. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out directly to waysofwudang@gmail.com.
Guided Lessons
All classes are currently taught by Li Zi Gen (Jake Pinnick). He has been teaching since graduating from the traditional program at the end of 2014. With over 15 years of training Wudang martial arts and over a decade of experience teaching, he has dedicated his life towards being a bridge between cultures and bringing these traditions and practices to a worldwide audience.
Jake is a 16th generation Wudang San Feng Lineage transmitter, an ACE certified personal trainer, and he speaks fluent Chinese. As a teacher he strives to continue his own practice and create an environment where students are encouraged and motivated to pursue their own goals and refine their health. As a bridge between cultures, it is the founding principle of the Ways of Wudang to transmit these teaching to more people so that they too can realize the benefits and balance that the San Feng Lineage has too offer.
What does training include?
Cultivation
To refine ones body we practice martial arts which includes basic training, stretching, coordination drills, warm-ups, and kungfu forms. This practices, working both the external and internal, work together to temper one into a better version of themselves. The goal is to build sensitivity and awareness of the body while recovering and preventing oneself from sickness and weakness.
Study
To refine one's character we study the Daoist classics. Starting from the history, philosophies, and theories of Chinese culture we can better understand the context that these practices were born of. Studying such concepts are essential towards discovering the deeper layers of our training. This is the beginning to cultivating the mind.
Qi Gong
Qigong is the process by which one can cultivate the energy of qi throughout ones body. ​Qigong is normally a set of movements designed to be fluidly practiced along with the alignment of deep breathing to ones Dantian. By practicing qigong, one can develop better circulation, build bodily communication, become more internally aware, and generally become healthier and more emotionally balanced.
Tai Ji Quan
Taiji Quan is the internal martial art that was created by the legendary Daoist Immortal Zhang San Feng in Wudang Mountain. When people think of Tai Ji they generally only think of the slow movement style of Taiji Quan. Taiji Quan is so much more to this. One part is soft, coordinated movement, but another aspect is it's martial application.
Wu Shu
Wudang Martial Arts is a very comprehensive system, offering styles, both internal and external, used to promote a healthier and stronger body, a clearer and more focused mind, and overall a more relaxed state of being. Through the Wudang system we can learn how to 'listen' to our body while maintaining the discipline to achieve our goals.
Register for Full Time Training
We have a new location near Wudangshan where students can come and fully immerse into these practices. Tuition includes training, accommodation, and meals during your stay here. Space is limited and must be reserved upon registration. Students can choose to arrive at anytime and can work with their teacher to design a training program to suit their needs. Please take a look throughout this website to get more information and prepare yourself to join the Ways of Wudang. Fill out the registration forms here to join the Ways of Wudang!
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