The Wu Dang mountains are a spiritual center for the followers of Taoism. At one time over 150 separate temples, schools, martial courts and monasteries were collected in the Wu Dang region. Martially it is famous for its relation to the style of Tai Chi and Bagua. During the Tang dynasty, one of China’s greatest periods of development, Wu Dang’s first religious site—the Five Dragons Temple—was constructed.The Cultural Revolution was hard on the area emptying the temples, often destroying artifacts, then leaving them abandonned after terrifying and intimidating practitioners. But now Wu Dang is returning not only as a tourist and research destination but as a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to its strong Taoist ties, Wu Dang has long been considered a source of fine Qigong information. Many of the styles, such as the Wu Dang Qigong, have blended together in true Taoist fashion with individual histories and sources being obscured or lost. The immediacy of the spirit of Taoist Qigong is captured in these fourteen excellent practices. Keep some, leave others, rearrange them as you will or practice them all in their preferred sequence and feel the effortless vitality locked within.

This seminar introduced all participants to a series of 15 movements exemplifiying the special brand of Qigong associated with Wu Dang. Many of the movements were simple some not so easy. The name such as Dragon Enters the Sea, Purple Swallow Flies, and Great Roc Spreads Wings not only evoked the spirit of Taoist Qigong but preserved the "coded" meanings of famous Taoist arts.

Ted Mancuso, the presenter, covered a lot of information and it seemed to be a general relief when he handed out this special edition booklet showing the form and its movements.

See our coverage of this event on our companion site.