In China’s Taoist martial arts schools, fighting is only part of the lesson
Students train in routines that mix combat, meditation and theory as schools seek to preserve Taoist martial arts and attract younger learners.
- On Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, students practiced at the Wudang Taoist Traditional Kung Academy near Wudang Mountain in Shiyan, Hubei, China, immersing themselves in the Taoist culture shaping their martial arts tradition.
- Yuan Shimao founded the academy in 2004, teaching a tradition rooted in Taoist philosophy established more than 2,500 years ago when philosopher Laozi passed foundational teachings to his first student.
- New ways of motivating students have replaced corporal punishment, including the daily chant, 'Faith in your heart, light in your eyes, and a smile on your face,' which Yuan introduced to adapt to younger generations.
- American practitioner Jake Pinnick has called Wudang home for 16 years, while Chinese student Guo Xinyi began training at the academy five years ago, viewing Yuan as a father figure rather than merely a mentor.
- Training focuses on strengthening the body as a vessel for the spirit through a process known as 'entering the Dao,' as students pursue internal stillness and resilience via theory, meditation, and traditional martial arts practice.
27 Articles
27 Articles
In China’s Taoist martial arts schools, fighting is only part of the lesson – WTOP News
SHIYAN, China (AP) — There was a time when Chinese master Yuan Shimao thought martial arts were all about punching and kicking. As a young practitioner, he focused on speed and strength. “I trained that way for many years without becoming still enough to search within myself,” said Yuan, who founded a kung fu academy...
In China's Taoist martial arts schools, fighting is only part of
SHIYAN, China (AP) — There was a time when Chinese master Yuan Shimao thought martial arts were all about punching and kicking. As a young practitioner, he focused on speed and strength. “I trained that way for
Winnipeg Free Press
In China’s Taoist martial arts schools, fighting is only part of the lesson
SHIYAN, China (AP) — There was a time when Chinese master Yuan Shimao thought martial arts were all about punching and kicking. As a young practitioner, he focused on speed and strength.
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