TRADITIONAL PATH
"Through training, we grind an iron bar into a fine needle"
The Traditional Path is the most rigorous and physically demanding Path. A system of 12 meticulously systematized levels which begin by focusing on the basics of cultivating the suppleness, power, and coordination synonymous with Wudang wushu.
Through tempering both the Wudang wushu body as well as the sword of the spirit, students eventually move deeper into the removal of all obstacles in expression, movement, and combat so that one's practice truly becomes a living embodiment of their cultivation.
Cultivating the optimum supple, yet explosively powerful body of the Daoist wushu practitioner, one also cultivates a harmonious heart, mind, and temperament. The wushu practice becomes a means of greater character cultivation.
Through the practice, students are expected to train with a sincerity and dedication. Through the Traditional Path students train and condition with a tenacity that "grinds an iron bar into a fine needle".
ONE
Gate
Three Gates - Twelve Chambers
BUILDING PRECISE FOUNDATION AND TEMPERING THE WUDANG WUDAO BODY
The 4 chambers of the First Gate focus on establishing strong foundations in basics with a major emphasis on dynamic flexibility, power, and coordination through forms practice, reaction training, kicks, root training, combat and defense, etc. Students are also introduced to major concepts of Wudang wushu theory.
TWO
Gate
ESTABLISHING PROFICIENCY AND CULTIVATING EXPLOSIVE POWER
The 4 chambers of the Second Gate build greater proficiency. Focus is placed on deeper and more complex practices through an emphasis on fluid, pristine control of body technique, speed, precise movement, resilience, explosive power and establishing greater proficiency and knowledge as martial artists.
Gate
THREE
DISTILLING AN ADEPT PRACTICE AND DEVELOPING UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT
Students begin establishing individual expertise and are expected to display expert proficiency and knowledge in all practices and teachings of the Traditional Route as well as display a cultivated and upright, yet peaceful character. One's true cultivation begins here.
Training Goals and Method
Combing traditional and progressive teaching technique to create proficient and knowledgeable Wudang Wudao wushu practitioners.
TRAINING GOALS
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A healthy and harmonious body and character
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Peak physicality brimming with vitality
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Personal growth through challenge
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A subtle, humble, and penetrating spirit
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Expert combat skills focusing on de-escalation
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A humble confidence in managing life’s circumstances
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A focused, hardworking attitude
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A path to discover and fulfill one’s unique potential
TRAINING METHOD
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Basic Training and Conditioning: building and maintaining strong foundations
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Major emphasis placed on flexibility, kicks, stances, solo and partner coordination drills, hard body qigong practices, etc.
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Forms Training: various empty hand and weapons forms which embody, train, and explore major Daoist and wushu theories to cultivate the mind, body, and overall practice
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Combat training: structured drills with various traditional and modern techniques as well as free-form regulated sparring and combat application training
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Meditation and Qigong: later levels of the Traditional Path include practices that prepare interested students for deepening the scope of their practice
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Concepts and Context: emphasis on in class anecdotes as well as separate classes focusing on specific concepts to provide an informed experience of training.
