Wudang Kung Fu has a few forms based on the Daoist (Taoist) 8 Immortals. These are legendary figures that have achieved immortality by becoming enlightened by the Dao 道.
These forms try to embody the spirit or feeling of each immortal in differing movements or sections of the form. So, along with the training, self cultivation and martial aspects of each form, it also is a way to pay homage to the culture and history of Daoism.
This is filmed after our afternoon training and the coaches and students are unwinding before dinner. Two of the coaches, one of who was my main coach - Ming Chao 明超, egged each other on to do two 8 Immortals forms on the spot, 8 Immortal Staff 八仙棍 (Bāxiān gùn) and 8 Immortal sword 八仙剑 (Bāxiān jiàn). I love the playful informal nature of these times at Wudang when we train. Usually, when we’re performing or competing, it’s fairly serious, so it’s nice to remind ourselves that we train Martial Arts because we like it and it’s fun!
The Immortals are:
- He Xiangu (何仙姑), generally seen as the only female of the group, often depicted holding a lotus flower.
- Cao Guojiu (曹國舅), related to a Song dynasty emperor before he became an immortal.
- Li Tieguai (李鐵拐), considered to be mentally disturbed and associated with medicine and easing the suffering of the sick and needy,[1] identified by his iron crutch and Calabash bottle.[2]
- Lan Caihe (藍采和), an immortal of ambiguous gender considered the patron of florists[3][4] and gardeners.[5]
- Lü Dongbin (呂洞賓), a scholar and poet considered to be the leader of the Eight Immortals.
- Han Xiangzi (韓湘子), a flute artist.
- Zhang Guolao (張果老), a fangshi associated with old age.
- Zhongli Quan (鍾離權), associated with death and the power to create silver and gold, often depicted holding a fan.
A while back, I made a video talking a bit about the 8 Immortals and showcasing serious performances of these forms. You can watch that here:
• Lao Tzu, the 8 Immorta...
Let me know in the comments what you think of this form and Kung Fu weapons forms in general. I’m interested to know your thoughts.
If you would like to more about Wudang Kung Fu:
www.wudangtoronto.com
If you would like to train Kung Fu in the Wudang Mountains in China:
www.wudangwushu.com
Негізгі бет Спорт Wudang 8 Immortal Staff & Sword weapons forms in China - 武当八仙棍 - 武当八仙剑
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