The Wudang Style

Wudang or Practical T’ai Chi Chuan International as taught by Master Dan Docherty has 5 aspects:

  1. Dao Chuan – the slow flowing Hand Forms
  2. Tui Shou – 8 styles of Solo and Paired Pushing Hands
  3. San Shou – Self Defence Applications
  4. Traditional Weapons – Forms and Applications
  5. Nei-gong and other strength, stamina & conditioning training.

Dan learnt this style from Master Cheng Tin-hung in Hong Kong in the 1970-80’s. There is a detailed lineage available on Dan’s site. He was one of the founder members of the T’ai Chi Union for Great Britain.

Many people seek only to practise the hand forms for health but I introduce students to pushing hands exercises in their first class as they are fundamental to the art.

Other aspects are optional but when teaching a section of the hand form I will always explain the related application. Without some understanding of the martial techniques from which they come the movements are devoid of meaning and cannot be given the correct focus.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to do the practical applications yourself. You just need to know what they are to give your hand form some Yi or intent. However, if you want to study the martial art I will be happy to teach you.