The Breathtaking Art of Wudang Tai Chi

[@George-Thompson]

What was your favourite form? In this video I just love the sword form, Master Gu's flow is stunning. For my practice, I like the 33 and 28. They are the first forms I learnt, they are friends that I can hang out in anywhere, anytime. Hope you enjoy your tai chi explorations!

[@rocioiriarte123]

Awesome images !! I agree I loved the sword forms, so elegant and natural at the same time.

[@zionrion5651]

HI George is it possible to travel to Wudang or is it still covid lockdowns ?

[@dracomet2097]

Would really like to see if Master Gu can finally make it to the UK. Would love to see videos of you two together and seeing his reaction to Western culture like yours in the East.

[@shovelspade480]

Great work George. Great to see a course like this available. The teaching and practices of Daoisum are truely of great value. 😉🙏😊☯️🌍💚

[@zenartist126]

White Crane spreading its wings on top of the mountain (goosebumps!)

[@sicksour7791]

Great video as always! I'm a Taoist and a Kung Fu practitioner from Ohio. We are a Praying Mantis and Bagua school. My late Sifu was an 8 duan master who studied in Wudang under Lu Zijian. Master Gu is such a good practitioner and I love this sort of content. My senior students and I from our school, and those who became Sifu's ourselves. We still practice and share forms between each other now, however since Sifu has passed away we look to other Taoist teachers as well. George your channel, and the Taoist Wellness Academy channel, are such fantastic tools for this supplemental training. I love the way that Gu and You explore Taoist concepts and are able articulate it concisely in English. All three schools on the mountain have good Kung Fu. But Master Gu's school seems the most personalized and hands on! At least as it appears to me! My step dad, who also is a practitioner in our lineage, contacted Master Gu about traditional Chinese medicine several months ago. Master Gu responded very respectfully and was a great help! Thank you guys for running this channel, please keep it up!

[@beanmemer3944]

Taoism in Ohio 💀💀💀

[@_Jitterbug]

@@beanmemer3944 Tao flows wherever there is space for it to do so :)

[@George-Thompson]

Sorry to hear of the passing of your sifu. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. It's great that you have such an enduring community of explorers and practitioners with you. Thanks for watching! ☯️❤️

[@a1lyhall]

Tai chi is just part of moving effortlessly. U should try that in ur videos. Since they look too try hard.

[@sicksour7791]

@@a1lyhall I do try hard, you can't hope to achieve anything worthwhile without hard work and dedication. I practice soft and hard styles. Tai Ji and Qi Gong are internal disciplines and I do practice them regularly. But I don't upload any content of it to my youtube. It's not what I'm most passionate about sharing. I really like weapon work with the Dao, Jian, and Nine Section Whip. I also really like Iron Body conditioning/hard Qi Gong. That's why that sort of stuff makes up the majority of my channel.

[@slowmotion168]

I really enjoy your work mr. Thompson I'm so glad the spirit has blessed me with your teachings and with your knowledge I'm disabled from from drinking my whole life I've recently become sober and found chi gong and am just starting my journey thank you so much

[@luxinfinity73]

Great video. My favorite part is when master is practising taichi with the young woman dressed in white. They seem like the perfect representation of ying and yang dancing in harmony: that's how energy is created. A big hug to you all! 🤗💖😁

[@George-Thompson]

Great interpretation, I thought the same thing! Thanks so much for your kind words. A hug back! ❤️

[@oomenacka]

It's simple. I see Master Gu, I click on the video instantly.

[@George-Thompson]

👊❤️

[@louandbarb]

You are an amazing filmmaker, George. You have captured the elegance of Master Gu and his beautiful environment. I don't know much about Tai Chi but am drawn to it through your videos.

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you for you very kind comment! ❤️

[@yarik6591]

Brilliant. Many Thanks George and Master Gu.

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you for watching, Yarik! 🙏

[@marvinflyer3043]

That shot on the cliff at 1:40 would really build balance and confidence. One wrong move and it looks like a way's downwards....

[@George-Thompson]

indeed!

[@mariaramalho6461]

Beautiful and inspiring panorama of this millenary art! thanks for that 🥰

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you, Maria! 🙏

[@mitchgrant3576]

Great video George. Im still on 33 and learning 28 but life has gotten hectic again I'm afraid. These reminders are wonderful

[@RobinTurner]

My own teacher, İsmet Himmet, says that if a form is done well, just watching it should have a beneficial effect, and this is a great example! Congratulations on your journey and resepct to your teacher.

[@claytonfoster8287]

What a beautiful and wonderful video you two put together. I enjoy all tai chi style including Yang which is what. I practice on a daily basis but just love how Master Gu move with such subtlety.

[@jampuppy]

Honestly, I love when he’s just standing, in what I would call Mountain Pose not sure what name it’s given in Qigong. For me it speaks of stillness, especially with the trees standing straight and tall all around him. I’m sure masters like him are still even in movement. Thanks for this beautiful video!

[@ninaarefjeva4599]

Horse pose?

[@SirFrederick]

wuji?

[@mattnieri1202]

It's wuji/wu chi, or tree stance. "Make your stillness like movement, and your movement like stillness."

[@phyoehtetaungmyint9977]

I love wudang Tai chi Chuan. ☯️♥️

[@George-Thompson]

Me too!

[@beehappy8941]

the sheer beauty of the surroundings, the nature, basically everything ...

[@George-Thompson]

❤️

[@MariaMoreno-dq8dj]

I can not say I have a favorite part because the entire video is my favorite 🙏

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you so much for your comment, Maria! 🙏

[@sbanovich]

Any movement Master Gu makes is like poetry in motion. The stunning scenery is a bonus 😍

[@shireenkruger7670]

God bless you always🙏My life begins now❤

[@lisandroprada4552]

Thank You.

[@GabrielFesseha]

The music is great including the building structures. The masters focus and movement are flawless.

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you so much for your comment, Gabriel! 🙏

[@domm1341]

Wonderful stuff! I loved it all, especially the bit with the sword. So graceful.

[@zannawalsh5468]

This video is breathtaking. I recently signed up. I love all, but the sword form is especially beautiful to me.

[@domingosneto864]

One of my main concerns as a human being is death. But watching this somehow i learn to accept life, the aspects that we consider good and those we consider bad. I learn to see beauty in the world and accept the parts we find ugly. Because the walk together ☯️ I really wish I could always think and feel like that, and not only when I'm watching a video

[@candidagomes2774]

Great video, thanks a lot Master Gu and George!!🙏🌅🎉 A beautiful and inspiring Academy!💐🎉! Best wishes!! 🙏💐🏵️

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you Candida. Much warmth ❤️

[@Zonthoria]

I really love how you captured the whole environment which demonstrates how through Tai Chi, Master Gu was connecting with everything around him. The part that affected me the most was him standing still, looking down in the forest supporting the value of "nothingness" and being at one with nature.

[@ninaarefjeva4599]

Agree with the wonderful sites and good quality of the video. But contrary, i think music of the video doesn’t not depict the matter.

[@George-Thompson]

Thanks so much. Glad you like that scene - it's one we really wanted to put in 🌳

[@shovelspade480]

The Dao te Cheng, the simplicity of yin yang symbol and the philosophy behind Daoisum helps me no end. Great to see such a course available. 💚🌍☯️😊🙏😉

[@George-Thompson]

We'd love to have you in the community, Wade! Thanks for your comment ❤️☯️

[@markcaselius5993]

Magical. Like something from a fairy tale. I like the serenity of the simple standing meditation pose. Thank you George and Master Gu.

[@George-Thompson]

Glad you liked it! Thanks so much for your comment. Hopefully we captured the power of nature 🌳

[@gabryg1849]

Grazie ancora to Master Gu and to your whole Comunity for these beautiful and precious Views.. 🙏

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you for watching, Gabry! Glad you liked it. 🙏

[@gabryg1849]

@@George-Thompson A Pleasure, i'll try to contact you in time for some information and to even know, if there is a way to make a free donation for your School and Sites.. Grazie di nuovo, 🙏

[@Entertainment_by_yousuf-111]

I am big fans ilks thi chi so much i living Bangladesh

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you for watching our video!

[@jackielynch5143]

Loved all thanks George 😊

[@ZsuzsannaSpiry]

Good to see and hear from you George, wonderful to see and enjoy Master Gu's Tai Chi - all forms have their own value - and being back to the Woudang Mountains showed me how much it meant to me. And how much I missed this experience. Incredible. The music, the superb video quality, the landscape, nature ... heaven on Earth! Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you Zsuzsanna. So lovely to hear from you too! Working on the film has done much the same thing for me - being immersed in the beauty and tranquility of the mountains again has been a wonderful experience. ☯️

[@KlasBertilsson]

So great to once again see all the places we trained in (in 2019).

[@George-Thompson]

Awesome place indeed! Thank you for watching, Klas! 🙏

[@VentoCaldo]

Dear George, with you trip to China you have started a very beautiful story! I send many greetings from Italy. I wish I could visit Wudang one day and meet all of you!

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you! Looking forward to meet you too, Vento! 🙏

[@CharlesAJazz]

Beautiful!

[@salajangheorghe1284]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Master

[@George-Thompson]

🙏

[@ReformedCriminalD]

San Feng Tai Chi Sword is the form I enjoy demonstrating the most of all Wudang I did Shaolin for 30 years and Wudang Quan for 15

[@barbaratubiolo9404]

Absolutely so pure and so beautiful. Thank you.

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you Barbara ☯️🙂

[@uckristi9418]

This is beautiful. Stunning colors and clarity. I'm unsure of the names, but I enjoy towards the end when he is parting the horses main and pushing the clouds. I find his last sequence calming. I don't move like him, but it still feels wonderful when I try. Thank you, George ☮

[@George-Thompson]

Thankyou! The feeling is often what matters most! I love that scene with Master Gu at Purple Cloud. It's 28 Form!🥋

[@mirthapose805]

Great video! Thanks Master Gu and George!

[@George-Thompson]

Glad you enjoyed it, Mirtha! Thank you! 🙏

[@albertfatti]

God bless you. Ciao dall’Italia 🇮🇹

[@George-Thompson]

Mille grazie!

[@RubyRay8888]

What a great video, thank you so much. I want to start with Master Gu soon. 🙂

[@emilemontiere6128]

Loved the horse stance with the trees.

[@George-Thompson]

Mee too! So powerful!

[@bryonpowers]

Amazing video George. Well shot and produced.

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you!

[@YinBeardYang]

This was such a beautiful video, the gentle flow was so nice to watch. All forms were stunning, I feel drawn to form 33 🙏

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you, Ste! 🙏

[@chrisrose2898]

Very well done Done George. All of the forms demonstrated by Master Gu look amazing! It brings my peace and centralization just observing the practices.

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you, Chris! Appreciate your thoughts! 🙏

[@Chickarina1]

I was in such a zone watching this that I can’t tell you which form I enjoyed the most. Watching Master Gu move with such fluidity brings me peace. The music and the background were so lovely lovely as well. Thanks for creating this piece George. See you on Wayfinders!

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you so much, Chickarina! See you! 🙏

[@cheymaeboulehna]

Absolutely amazing

[@George-Thompson]

Appreciate your message, Cheymae! 🙏

[@eugeniajuarez9387]

I was just thinking, it will be wonderful to be able to study it in China. I will start here at home. Thank you!

[@George-Thompson]

You can also find Master Gu's online academy here: www.taoistwellness.online/

[@josianeruffierlanche1833]

Wow, amazing filming techniques and expertly graceful taichi in stunning setting make for inspiring video!

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you for your wonderful comment, Josiane! 🙏

[@jessicapinto3817]

Beautiful video!

[@laureencampana-schermeiste5158]

Beautiful video George! Seeing the sword form brought back memories of doing those same movements many years ago. Today, I still practice Taiji and QiGong - I am a part of the Wudang Toaist Wellness Academy. While I have not participated in the group events as much as I would like or plan to, I recommend highly the online content. The organization is exemplary and Master Gu is beyond superb. I have practiced for over 30 years and have had five teachers. I am extremely grateful to have found the academy, George, and Master Gu to continue learning remotely! You never really stop! The graceful form and movements are the substantial outer layers of the practice. And then there are the insubstantial layers of spiritual energetics happening at the same time leading to all the desirable consequences that George mentions in the video. And the Tao Te Ching........

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you so much Lauren - so great to have you as part of the comunity ❤️

[@westarrr]

I like form 33 because it's got a lot of the essentials. The basis is key!

[@George-Thompson]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing, Wesu! 🙏

[@felixfelix5115]

I Wacht your Video to remind myself of home

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you for sharing, Felix! 🙏

[@frankm.2850]

I think I need to take another shot at the Wudang Academy. Actually, might just need to save up and come visit Master Gu in person. I've struggled with online learning my entire life. I can't imagine being in highschool in the last couple years and having to do online classes.

[@George-Thompson]

Wudang welcomes you Frank! It's a magical place. You learn so much just from being there ☯️

[@sicksour7791]

Also my favorite form was the Jian! I absolutely love practicing Wudang Jian. Both slow Wudang TaiJi Jian and faster styles like Drunken 8-Immortals Jian. But my favorite variety of Jian fighting is the two handed TaiJi Jian, or Mantis Jian. I have a beautiful Bagua two handed Mantis Jian form that absolutely moves! Practicing Wudang Jian forms with that long long Mantis Jian is just such a pleasant place in my heart!

[@George-Thompson]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing! 🙏

[@markearnhardt583]

Beautiful creation George, stunning. Your videos just keep getting better and better. Well done! As far as my favorite form shown here, I’m a long time student of Asian arts and philosophies and so am really intrigued with all of it, but particularly by Master Gu’s sword form. I’ve been lurking on this channel enjoying and learning what I can from Master Gu for a few years now and I think it’s about time for me to take the next step…

[@George-Thompson]

Hi Mark! Thanks so much for following the channel and commenting. So great to hear you're progressing on your journey ❤️

[@tvmoksha]

Thanku, amazing video

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you so much, Moksha! 🙏

[@michellet6784]

That is a beautiful video. I loved it. I have no idea what any of the forms were as I don't do Tai Chi. They all looked amazing. I do Qigong every morning before work as I work in an office, so it is nice to start the day with movement and feeling centred. I have been doing karate for years and appreciate other martial arts. Thank you for this stunning video!

[@George-Thompson]

Thanks for your kind comment Michelle. Glad to hear you enjoy your Qi Gong! Thank you for watching 🙏

[@xiaomaozen]

This video is a work of arts, meow! 🐱🙏

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you, Xiao! 🙏

[@debbiebeck5826]

So beautiful

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you so much, Debbie! 🙏

[@TansieStephens]

Beautiful video 🙏🏼🌎 I totally resonate with the Taiyi Wuxing Quan form. ☯️

[@George-Thompson]

Yes that's a powerful form!

[@ZengHuaXiansheng]

Your video is awesome! I’m not sure which form I like the most because in the Wǔdāng style I’m still working on my basics and haven’t practiced any of these forms yet (I hope that I can learn the 13 and the 64 forms and maybe the flying sword form) and I think that’s key to know which forms one prefers. For example I learned both the Yáng and Chén style long form. At first I thought that the Chén style form was really impressive but the longer I practiced both of them the more I preferred the Yáng style form.

[@George-Thompson]

Thanks for the lovely comment! I agree, different Forms suit different moods, times, priorities. They all have their benefits!

[@Antonio_Egea]

Really inspiring!

[@George-Thompson]

I appreciate your comment, Antonio. Thank you! 🙏

[@peterfarnsworth9495]

By George, you have done it again! A wonderful blend of music and visuals truly inspires one being !! I liked the last form with the fist with the lady from Shanghai. Can you let me know what this was ?? You should be doing more of this as you are very good at it. Can hardly wait for longer clips!

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you Peter! It's 9 Form with Wumin. Very powerful! ☯️ It was great making this, I found plenty of things I filmed back in Wudang on the last visit. There'll be some more tai chi on the way 🙏

[@40JoCharles]

Beautiful as always. Next time you go take me with you. 🙏🏼🙂☯️👊🏼

[@George-Thompson]

You're always welcome!

[@ozsvathlaszlo6805]

Very good Beautiful video....

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you for your support! 🙏

[@Gm-nx9je]

that was beautiful and so graceful. how lucky you are to have found such a great teacher but I think you were meant to find eachother. blessings to you both. we love your channel by the way. even my 6 year old son likes watching your videos with me. we both try to follow some of your Tai chi (Or was it Qi Gong, please forgive me if I got that wrong) movements. he gave up pretty easily though but I am no quitter, so I kept going ;) All the best to you, George. keep up the great work you do.

[@George-Thompson]

Indeed, when the student is ready, the master appears! Thanks so much for your lovely comment and your support. Keep up the practice! 🙏

[@McLKeith]

I don't know the names of the forms I saw. But I liked the slow raising of the legs. I can see how this would really help develop balance.

[@Gunnar-Peterson]

This is a beautiful video

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you 🙏

[@gloriabonia5173]

Beautiful! The music is also captivating. Anyone know the name?

[@musictime4330]

hermoso lugar, aun mas con el tai ji quan

[@George-Thompson]

Gracias amigo 🙏❤️

[@chenstylemonkey]

Gorgeous video ✌

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you! 🙏

[@mattmaley8902]

Another amazing video, great work George!! Both me and my fiance (new update here :) ) send love. So hard to choose a favorite form, loved when he was doing both the sword form as well as the first portion we saw! The temples are so beautiful, hoping to visit in the near future. From Rochester with love, Matt

[@George-Thompson]

Thanks so much Matt. Congratulations to you and your fiancé! Wudang would be a wonderful honeymoon! 😉❤️

[@mattmaley8902]

@@George-Thompson Couldn't agree more!!

[@wiser.kinder.calmer.6530]

some great clips

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you!

[@Heavenandearth33]

Amazing ❤

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you!

[@thesobrietyplaybook]

This is stunning 🙏🏼

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you! 🙏

[@elmaralijev1614]

Thanks George, lovely video ... In fact, I've been practising ChiGong & Martial Arts for years now, as well as studing Chinese & Japanise philosopies, but by some reason never tried any TaiChi. I will certainly take a look at the links you provided. Also, I've noticed a couple of Master Gu's cources on Udemy platform, though my question is, why are they so expensive? I guess they are the most expensive cources of all & why do they never get discounted at all? I guess the cost is $150 for 1 hour course ... Whereas there are enough very good TaiChi & ChiGong courses on that platform which last much longer & cost a lot less, as well as get well-discounted from time to time.

[@George-Thompson]

Thanks for your kind comment! Definitely give tai chi a go. Different courses and teachers have different styles and approaches, there's something for everyone ☯️ Master Gu's courses on Udemy are significantly cheaper than $150. Since 2020 we've been focussing our efforts on the Online WTWA - a full online academy, complete with a wonderful community of peer students and a broad curriculum exploring Taoist philosophy as well as tai chi and qi gong. You can try it for free for a week. You're always welcome! ❤️

[@ChrisAnderl]

George, does Master Gu still host students at Wudang, and if so, how does one inquire about that? While your videos are excellent, nothing compares with live, in person training and study, particularly in an area with natural and historic Taiji energies like Wudang. Thanks

[@ErraticFaith]

You'll want to avoid this money making fraud. Which is a joint venture between George, with his limited knowledge of our culture, and a fairly low skilled teacher ''Gu'' who started the art late in life (evidenced by his extremely poor form). Both of them are regular features on other channels as 'Fake McDojo Tai chi'. The home of real Taijiquan is Chen Jia Gou as most are aware. The current head of family there will tell you quite a few interesting things about the lies told at Wudang; if he's so inclined. I was fortunate enough to hear them as well as what really transpired during the cultural revolution when original Wudang was completely destroyed. I'll just leave this as an excerpt. As you can easily consider it whilst doing your own detailed research. I appreciate the criticism will seem harsh - but there are a lot of these McDojo's out there. Which maybe aren't always badly intentioned but fall very shy of teaching correctly. In other words you'd learn a lot more - with a real teacher - and not spread the shallow imitation that is in effect, destroying a valued part of our heritage with misinformation. ''At the end of the 20’s, Tang Hao (1897-1959), who was the director of the Central National Art Institute (Zhongyang Guoshuguan) Publishing Office (Bianshenchu), undertook research and investigation on Chinese Martial Arts history. He collected and examined classical boxing manuals and went several times to famous sites of martial arts, such as the Shaolin Temple, Wudang Mountain and Chenjiagou village. In 1930 he published the results of his studies in the book, “Shaolin Wudang Kao”, (Investigation on Shaolin and Wudang). He stated that on Wudang Mountain there were no boxing manuals (Wudang Qu Quanlu) and Taijiquan was not created by Zhang Sanfeng, but probably by Chen Wangting of Chenjiagou village in the 17th Century. His thesis has been widely accepted by Wushu historians in modern China to this day,'

[@chaththa85]

This is so incredibly profound 🥲🥹🙏💐…I am a beginner mystic guided ‘online’ by Sadhguru lives in Sri Lanka..my husband follows ur Master Gu’s course..it’s been so wonderful to see the harmony between all these ancient ‘Arts’ of Spirituality..dancing on life like soft breeze of spring..What a blissful path it is ❤❤ Thanku so much for this beautiful video 🌹🙏 I watch ur videos regularly..they r really insightful n comes with the wisdom just when I needed it..sometimes I am so surprised 🙏🌸

[@George-Thompson]

Thanks so much for watching an commenting. Glad you liked it ☯️❤️

[@CraneHandTigerSpirit]

Beautiful. Where did you find the music. I would love to listen to it on its own.

[@George-Thompson]

The editor mixed tracks together but there's two songs by August Wilhelmsson in there. Thanks for your comment!

[@alfredojragawa9226]

I really appreciate Tai chi. Wow I can learn, will you help me?

[@George-Thompson]

Master Gu's online academy is here: www.taoistwellness.online/

[@chandanachakrabarti6967]

Wish to be in this temple to learn the art🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 kolkata.

[@George-Thompson]

Master Gu teaches in China! Or you can learn from him online too at www.taoistwellness.online 🙏

[@chandanachakrabarti6967]

@@George-Thompson I am learning from you tube. My health is improving. Thank U Master🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@banzaileah]

Used to be able to do tai chi but long Covid has essentially taken that away from me. I am too dizzy with vertigo, in pain from my nerves misfiring, and fatigued now, I have to save my energy just to take care of the bare minimum for survival. Hoping they find a cure or a breakthrough treatment so I can do even a little bit of tai chi again 😞

[@George-Thompson]

Hi Aleah! I can only imagine how tough it is for you right now. Hoping you will recover well and can go back to your usual practice soon when it is safe for you. 🙏

[@bojanbojic9230]

Rooster on one leg is my favourite position in tai ji

[@George-Thompson]

🥋☯️

[@40JoCharles]

Please could you tell us what the music is. 🙏🏼🙂☯️

[@George-Thompson]

The editor mixed a number of songs together! We used a couple of songs by August Wilhelmsson, his stuff is great 🙂

[@40JoCharles]

@@George-Thompson thank you 🙏🏼

[@john.studdard86]

Bad. Ass. The sword form and the drone footage/music combination were my favorites.

[@pillarheights1130]

you're right. you're all alive right now. this is something joinable.. why am I not.. Why do I sit on the side line?

[@George-Thompson]

You're alive too, friend, we all feel on the side line sometimes but we're all on the way ❤️☯️

[@BryceVanAker]

His movements with the Jian.

[@George-Thompson]

So fluid 🥋☯️

[@ErraticFaith]

As a Beijing national medalist I can say that his movements are beyond terrible. He'd not even grade in the lowest tier (7-12 years old). It infuriates me that westerners have bought into the Government rejuvenation of Wudang. Almost every last manual was lost during the cultural revolution. The masters themselves were executed. Whatever Zhong reintroduced at the mountain bares almost no resemblance to what Cmdr Wangting taught. Of which the 1920's review says clearly: ''At the end of the 20’s, Tang Hao (1897-1959), who was the director of the Central National Art Institute (Zhongyang Guoshuguan) Publishing Office (Bianshenchu), undertook research and investigation on Chinese Martial Arts history. He collected and examined classical boxing manuals and went several times to famous sites of martial arts, such as the Shaolin Temple, Wudang Mountain and Chenjiagou village. In 1930 he published the results of his studies in the book, “Shaolin Wudang Kao”, (Investigation on Shaolin and Wudang). He stated that on Wudang Mountain there were no boxing manuals (Wudang Qu Quanlu) and Taijiquan was not created by Zhang Sanfeng, but by Chen Wangting of Chenjiagou village in the 17th Century. His thesis has been widely accepted by Wushu historians in modern China to this day.''

[@BryceVanAker]

Interesting. Thank you for the info. Then, who would recommend to demonstrate better forms?@@ErraticFaith

[@ErraticFaith]

@@BryceVanAker Really it depends on your approach to learning. What you see from Wudang - isn't now all that different from what is at Shaolin, ironically. Basically tourist wushu. I expect you have heard of the kind. It works well as a marketing gimmick. If you want a quick comparative reference compare WTWA Gu/ with Wudang Academy (International). You will notice on KZbin they lean into forms that you'll find connect nicely with the monks in Henan. A fair amount of these people are congregating in Europe at present. So you'll know if you have the right people by the interesting accents! If demonstration forms are something you're interested in - but in a more professional almost 'dance like' art (which aren't the traditional forms but do look nice and expose many of Gu's errors) then you'd be better of chasing the numerous schools in Beijing and Shanghai. They offer full academic study - but it is without any philosophy or formal grounding. So you could say it's like learning Chinese Medicine at a University. They aren't hard to find (Olympic accredited) and you can email them for recommendations very easily (my friends did this to certify quality - and they are international/not in China. You just need to be very polite). If you want Taijiquan as it was originally practiced as a combat art and evolving style which is important (and is it's correct origin) then the Chen family are very well known globally and amongst the closest. When you dig into them historically - you will see that Taiji itself was a blending of the experiences and skills of numerous famous figures at the time (fluid). Chen's claim, which most in China support at this time; is that Wangting travelled (As many did then) combing arts like Mianquan with what his own military unit taught (harder external styles). There is a complex history here that you can easily look up - but the point is, the history is detailed and extensive. I enjoy it. He sat down and devised a sequence that expanded upon the techniques of each. An important element to understanding being 'silk reeling'. If you look this up -- you will grasp the sorts of things Taijiquan must contain to be effective (as it is a 'quan' fighting art!). Now going into Jian/Sword. People will tell you this is a late addition to Taiji. And thats somewhat true because my ancestors in the classic period didn't have Taijiquan as it is now. They had a number of Qigong and blended military techniques passed to them from generals and recorded orally/in smaller communities (Wangting for example). Much like Shaolin did. When Wudang was destroyed (sadly many died) many others fled to Hong Kong, Taiwan and otherwise. During this time much of the weapons practice ceased (no longer a worthwhile weapon) and it was a period of civil war/still unresolved. But this isn't completely the story. Those that fled China took elements with them. One such example is a teacher with a proper lineage in the United States who specifically wants to revive Chinese Swordsmanship today. He's older himself now so don't expect miracles -- but the important part, is that he is an actual lineage descendant of Yangjia Michuan. Laoshi Scott Rodell of Taoist river centre. The importance of this - is that his schools are engaged in the revival of actual swordplay (sparring) and it has inspired a global get together of ideas. His students are taking the Jian (and otherwise as you will see) into HEMA (historical European arts) and more. This is very important because it's bringing back a seriousness to the study. So you see what I mean. It's a path - to rediscovering what was lost by actual training and interaction. Unlike what I suspect Gu and George will tell you - the Wudang school was once not just a centre for learning inner development; they were also (old era) a part of a state that would defend others on the road. An equivalent for you might be the Knights Templar? How they were originally protecting pilgrims on the roads. As such, not only did the masters and monks fight and defend themselves - they went to war defending others. Long long ago. I know you will be told 'times change' - but they are still leveraging my people's history and I find it annoying. I don't begrudge foreigners at all. But ask yourself why Zhenwu (and you can look him up as a deity) sits atop the mountain. Wudang sword was once the pride of China. I would like (as would many students) to see it reborn and taught correctly. Yes - like the Samurai my ancestors once taught that (philosophically) their own weapon and art had great esoteric significance. But this was a tiny fraction of their lives in the warring states. Without the principles of conflict and aggression (being understood) the diagram is not complete. Chen Wangting said those who cannot fight, do not understand our art. And in light of Taoist 'masters' being defeated a dime a dozen by untrained members of the public; perhaps you can understand the frustration. Although there are numerous claims and disagreements you will note from Wikipedia and other sources the following: ''Two widely documented theories of Chen's martial arts work exist: the first is that he learnt his arts from Wang Zongyue and the Wudang tradition developed by Zhang Sanfeng.[2] The second theory - the one accepted by the Chen family, and supported by historical evidence[3] - is that he combined his previous military experience and the theories of meridians and Daoyin with the popular teachings of Qi Jiguang.[4] His complete work contained five smaller sets of forms, a 108-move Long Fist[note 1] routine, and a Cannon Fist routine. Chen is also credited with the invention of the first push hands exercises.[1] Chen also practiced a few Shaolin forms, and some historians postulate that Shaolin arts also had a significant influence on his tai chi, though none of the Taoist influences on Chen family tai chi exist in the Shaolin tradition.'' Paying attention to the HISTORICAL EVIDENCE aspect! There is wisdom in inner peace and alchemy. Don't misread. But it's an incomplete and watered down understanding of a much larger concept. Stripping it of religion and culture, makes it little more than an exercise routine for the elderly. Which I know is popular but it's not historical.

[@ErraticFaith]

@anAker I did write a fairly lengthy reply but it seems it was removed. In short then. If you compare Wudang Academy and WTWA/Gu on youtube - you will see the overall difference between what is basically now little different from Shaolin Wushu there and what they are practicing elsewhere (As below). You'll find proper Taiji which was devised in Chenjiagou by Chen Wangting as associated to the Chen village globally. You can look up Wangting even on Wikipedia. Noticing the part that says 'historically supported'. A technique to absorb is 'silk reeling' - it's derived from much earlier arts like Cottonfist. I suspect you can research yourself. If you want beautiful forms that are what Wudang is trying to emulate - thats a more academic study. Mainly out of the centres in Beijing and Shanghai. Easily found - as they are olympic accredited. I know many message them as as them for recommendations/schools for study. If you're interested in the approach my ancestors actually took to Jian, there is a teacher in the US who studied under an actual lineage descendent of Yangjia Michuan. Rooted in Yang style that shared an upbringing with Chen. You will find Scott Rodell on KZbin here and he is working hard to try and revitalize our lost martial system. Don't misread, there is nothing wrong with inner focus and health - but it is not an accurate representation of what the arts/monks believed before they were washed away. The current iteration at the mountain are a byproduct of cultural marketing by Beijing - at their approval. There is a lot more to our country and art than 'peace' - as the art itself, was born in a period of total conflict. Zhenwu (deity) isn't sat atop the mountain for nothing. But then I suspect you knew it was a complex history anyway.

[@magdalenazak8505]

Ja chyba pojadę tam do Pana!!!!!!

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you for your support! 🙏

[@anshanshtiwari8898]

The are of chai tea! 🍵

[@blasterxt9]

Sir how to became Taoist ☯️

[@melissaqualls5774]

❤️

[@George-Thompson]

❤️

[@toniguglielmino]

Dear Shifu do you have an online school?

[@George-Thompson]

Hi Toni! Yes, you can learn more about the online academy here: www.taoistwellness.online/

[@Lovableshapes67]

Ha. ha.😂 what a relief.

[@whiteashpiperwhiteashpiper5447]

Is master gu a vegetarian

[@George-Thompson]

What you said is correct 💪 Some Daoists are vegetarian, and others follow 80% vegetables, rice/noodles, 20% meat.

[@whiteashpiperwhiteashpiper5447]

@@George-Thompson that's about where I'm at the later.

[@anonymousme98]

FYI, Wudang did not have Tai Chi until 20th century, they learned it from other styles probably the Yang style as it looks...... it's made up by Hong Kong movie writers....

[@Lovableshapes67]

I'm no man

[@jac1011]

take in the oldest cultural tradition from my native Canada is like 70 years old 😅. Of course there was culture from the natives before but it's all but destroyed, replaced with suburban nothingness

[@George-Thompson]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing, Jac! 🙏

[@magdalenazak8505]

Chciałabym pojechać do tego mistrza!

[@rubenbarba4664]

The bro is good I trained practically all major martial arts and I compare wise know he is good compare with others I have seen in last 30 years.☮️, Kung Fu.

[@George-Thompson]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment on the video.🙏

[@qigongathome]

❤