Wudang Sect

The Wudang Sect, sometimes also referred to as the Wu-tang Sect or Wu-Tang Clan, is a fictional martial arts sect mentioned in several works of ''wuxia'' fiction. It is commonly featured as one of the leading orthodox sects in the '' wulin'' (martial artists' community). It is named after the place it is based, the Wudang Mountains.

The Wudang Sect is featured most prominently in Jin Yong's novels ''The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber'' and ''The Smiling, Proud Wanderer'' as a major power in the ''wulin'', usually alongside Shaolin. Liang Yusheng's works also depict Wudang as the leader of all orthodox sects in the ''wulin''. Most of its members are priests who follow Taoist customs and practices in addition to training in martial arts. However, unlike Shaolin's Buddhist monks, Wudang members are allowed to marry and start families. In some ''wuxia'' stories, Wudang has female members as well.

History

The sect was founded in the early Yuan dynasty by Zhang Sanfeng.Cha, Louis. ''The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber'' (倚天屠龍記). ''Ming Pao'', 1961. Zhang Sanfeng's original given name was "Junbao", and he was an apprentice of Jueyuan, a Shaolin monk.Cha, Louis. ''The Return of the Condor Heroes'' (神雕俠侶). ''Ming Pao'', 1959. Zhang Sanfeng accepted seven youths as his apprentices, who later became known as the "Seven Heroes of Wudang". The seven are responsible for spreading Wudang's name through their prowess in martial arts, exemplary conduct, and deeds of gallantry.

In ''The Smiling, Proud Wanderer'', believed to be set in the Ming dynasty, Wudang has become one of the two major powers in the '' wulin'' (martial artists' community) alongside Shaolin, and both sects play significant roles in upholding justice and maintaining peace in the community.Cha, Louis. ''The Smiling, Proud Wanderer'' (笑傲江湖). ''Ming Pao'', 1967. In the novel, Wudang is led by Taoist Chongxu. In ''Baifa Monü Zhuan'', set towards the end of the Ming dynasty, the sect is led by Taoist Ziyang and another four elders.Liang, Yusheng. ''Baifa Monü Zhuan'' (白髮魔女傳). 1957.

Martial arts

Wudang's martial arts have their origins in the Shaolin Sect, although they are based on Taoism rather than Buddhism. Its martial arts revolve around the concept of ''taiji'', as evident from the skills named after the concept, such as "taijiquan" and "taijijian". They also focus on the use of "soft and gentle" techniques to overcome opponents who rely on brute strength and force.

List of skills and martial arts

: ''Note: Although the skills listed here are entirely fictional, some are based on or named after actual martial arts.''

* Foundation skills:
** Ten Rolls of Silk ()
** Thirty-two Styles of Long Fist ()
** Wudang Long Fist ()
** Wudang Heart Sutra ()
** Eight Trigrams Soaring Dragon Palm ()
* Armed combat styles:
** Divine Gate Thirteen Swords ()
** Heaven Relying Dragon Slaying Skill ()
** Mystical Saber Style ()
** Heaven and Earth as One ()
** Soft Snow Swordplay ()
** Turning Finger Soft Swordplay ()
** Taiji Swordplay ()
* Battle formations:
** Black Tortoise Seven Sections Formation ()
** Black Tortoise Sword Formation ()

* Unarmed combat styles:
** Infinite Mystical Skill Fist ()
** Dianxue Hand ()
** Heaven Shaking Iron Palm ()
** Taiji Fist ()
** Returning Wind Palm ()
** Great Tablet Smashing Hand ()
** Silky Palm ()
** Tiger Claw Ending Hand ()
** Tiger Claw Hand ()
** Stained Clothes Eighteen Falls ()
* ''Qinggong'':
** Cloud-Ascending Ladder ()
* Inner energy skills:
** Wudang Nine Yang Skill ()
** Pure Yang Infinite Skill ()

See also

* Purple Cloud Temple
* Temple of the Five Immortals
* Wudang Mountains
* Wudangquan

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wudang Sect
Organizations in Wuxia fiction