
The Wudang school is a martial arts tradition that originated from the practice of “Qi” at Wudang Mountain (Wudangshan) in Hubei Province, China, and continues to be practiced today. It is also known as the Wu Liu school. Wudang Mountain is a sacred site of Taoism and one of the three major martial arts sanctuaries in China, alongside the Shaolin school and the Emei school.
In Taoism, the philosophy of immortality, or Shenxian thought, emphasizes the principles of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements (Wu Xing). In the pursuit of immortality, or Xiandao (the path to becoming an immortal), Taoist practices include Xianjutsu (immortal arts), and the cultivation of these arts centers around Neidan (internal alchemy). Additionally, Wudang martial arts, including Tai Chi (Taijiquan), Bajiquan, and Xingyiquan, are characterized by the use of “Qi” to defeat opponents through internal energy rather than the acrobatic movements of Shaolin martial arts. These are known as Neijiaquan(internal martial arts). Taoist priests study both immortality practices and martial arts, focusing on mastering Neidan to cultivate their internal energy and achieve proficiency.
This Neidan method is suitable for cultivating Yang energy. In the MYQ Breathing Method, the second and third stages utilize internal alchemy breathing techniques. By applying the ancient Master Yoga breathing techniques, the Yin energy stored in the chakras is ignited, heated, and kneaded.
The stages of mastery can be broadly divided into the following categories:
1. Renko Chiki (煉己築基) – The foundation of internal alchemy. This stage focuses on regulating the body and mind through breathing techniques to establish a solid foundation.
2. Rensei Kaki (煉精化気) – Refining the essence (Jing) and transforming it into energy (Qi), circulating it throughout the body. This includes practices such as the Xiaoshutian (small circulation), where Qi circulates around the body, and Daishutian (large circulation), which facilitates the exchange of Qi between the individual and the universe.
3. Renqi Kashin (煉気化神) – Further refining the Qi, igniting it, and heating it in a furnace to cultivate the Yang spirit (Yangshen). This stage involves the transformation of Qi into spiritual energy.
4. Renshin Kankyo (煉神還虚) – Strengthening the Yang spirit and learning to control it beyond space and time. Ultimately, the goal is to elevate the physical body to a state similar to that of the Yang spirit.
5. Kankyo Goi (還虚合一) – The final stage, where both the Yang spirit and the physical body dissolve into nothingness, returning the practitioner to the root of the Tao (Dao), achieving unity with the source.
