The morning training begins with a 30-minute warm-up to prepare the body for the day’s training and providing an injury free environment. Warm-up routines are usually done individually to allow people to focus on their specific needs. However, Master Tang can provide guidance as required. Common warm-ups include: running, cardio exercises, free weights, battle ropes, resistance band training, stretching, iron palm, heavy long staff and more.
| 06:00 – 07:00 | Qi-Gong |
| 08:30 – 12:00 | Morning Training |
| 15:00 – 18:30 | Afternoon Training |
| 20:30 – 23:00 | Free Training |
After the students are warmed up, Master Tang begins group training. He varies the training routine just enough to keep things interesting while allowing it to be easily followed. A typical routine starts with relaxing Qigong movements, basic skill training, and Kung Fu applications. A long break is then provided for hydration and stretching. During the final portion of the instruction, the Master providing each student with one-on-one customized forms training.
The evening training period beings with an hour of individual Qigong or Meditation followed by a detailed review of what he taught in the morning. This is a good opportunity to ask questions and get answers to elevate your skill to the next level and achieve your goals.
In the eyes of the Master, every student represents the XuanWu Pai sect so he takes great joy in giving the highest quality training possible.
The traditional training of Wudang internal martial arts contains 3 important elements:
- Internal development and health improvements
- Martial arts fighting skills
- The 10 Taoist principles of Wudang
The repetition of these teachings develops the internal energy so the body can connect to the Spirit (shén, 神): moving the body as one and once mastered, this should become a natural response to your surroundings.
Hundred Days to Build the Foundation
The first 100 days are the most important phase of the training. This is the time in which you literally build the foundation of your internal cultivation. You begin cultivating Qi, correct the body structure and synchronizing the 6 harmonies (elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, hips, and shoulders).
In Chinese, it’s called bǎi rí zhú jī (百日筑基). With a good and solid foundation, your future training will lead to good results.
Become a Disciple
If you follow the individualized training plan that the Master provides and train hard, you will achieve a solid foundation and reach a good level of Kung Fu. Although you may have arrived as a novice, after completing the full program, you will become a true disciple of the Wudang Pai. This is the traditional way of the Wudang Neijia teachings from the Taoist Temples of Wudang Shan.
Training Uniforms
Students should arrive at the school ready to train because there are no stores nearby. In town, you can easily acquire comfortable training uniforms appropriate for all seasons. On the other hand, it may be difficult to acquire large size footwear locally. Sizes larger than 45 become challenging to find in this region, ordering them online or bringing them with you is a safe option. In general, we can help you with the logistics of finding training clothes to suit your needs.
Temperatures begin to rise as early as May and through the summer months the outdoor temperature remains above 25 degree Celsius and on the hottest afternoons can reach 40 degree Celsius. During the cooler months, layering is recommended. In the winter months around November, the temperature drops significantly but does not typically dip below -5 degree Celsius.
Full Schedule
Monday through Friday are the normally scheduled training days. Fridays, a theory lesson is given before dinner.
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 06:00 – 07:00 | QiGong (self-practice) |
| 07:30 | Breakfast |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Running / Stretching (self-practice) |
| 09:00 – 10:30 | Basic Training (jīběngōng, 基本功) |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Footwork (bùfǎ, 步法) / Skill Training (gōnglì, 功力) |
| 11:00 – 12:00 | Forms (tàolù, 套路) |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 12:30 – 15:00 | Break |
| 15:00 – 16:00 | Free Training (self-practice) |
| 16:00 – 17:00 | QiGong (self-practice / instruction for new students) |
| 17:00 – 18:30 | Basic Training / Forms |
| 18:30 | Dinner |
| 20:30 – 21:30 | Free Training (self-practice) |
| 22:00 – 23:00 | Meditation (self-practice) |