Wudang Tai Chi Retreats
Wudang Pai Kung Fu Headquarters is currently situated in a small mountain village, a short bus ride away from Wudang Mountains. According to legend, the atmosphere of these mountains is said to double the pace of Kung Fu development; this is why Grand Master Zhang San Feng chose to stay in Wudang for many years.
There are 5-6 hours of lessons taught by Yuan Li Min per day, 5.5 days a week, with self-practice in the early mornings and evenings. As well as training Tai Chi or other Wudang Arts, students can learn calligraphy, classic Chinese musical instruments, or Taoist chanting in their spare time. Lucia took her students to Wudang for the first time for two weeks in September 2014, and again in May 2016, here’s what they had to say about it:
“To experience the gentleness, generosity, concern, inclusiveness and playfulness, not to mention humility, of Shifu Yuan LiMin, as well as his pure fluid internal power in his teaching and demonstrations, was amazing. We were truly fortunate to experience the teaching of this formidable Daoist Master.”
“The trip was simply amazing… We were well treated and felt like being part of a big family. Had a chance to visit a few places, practiced in different locations, met new people and got to know the Chinese culture better. It was a great adventure for me and if I went on my own it would have been completely different.”
“The training was the main reason for going and I couldn’t get enough of it, notice the progress made and realise more the benefit of the foundation basic practices and why they are so important.”
“Lucia’s ability to translate Shifu’s instructions so well meant we were able to understand and improve our form so well and so quickly.”
You can see more photos from the 2014 and 2016 retreats here. If you would like to organise a visit to Wudang for yourself, please contact Yuan Li Min at liming8761@126.com. Or if you would like to join Lucia for an organised group retreat in the future, please press the enquire now button. If China seems a bit too far away – don’t worry, check out the UK retreats.