In July 2025, the French school KFAMC (Kung Fu et Arts Martiaux de Chine) crossed continents to return to the source.

The destination: China, in the heart of the Wudang Mountains, a sacred place of internal martial arts and the birthplace of Tai Ji Quan.

Founded around a faithful transmission of traditional Chinese martial arts, KFAMC has trained practitioners of all ages for many years in Kung Fu, Tai Ji and Qi Gong. Their guiding principle is clear: to unite technical discipline, cultural transmission and human values.

Our collaboration did not begin yesterday.

Over the years, exchanges have naturally developed. Seminars have been organized in France. Meetings have taken place between teachers, students and families. A relationship of trust has gradually been built.

Some KFAMC members have followed us since the Shaolin period until our installation in the Wudang Mountains. They share the same vision: Chinese martial arts should not be fragmented but transmitted as a complete system combining the power of combat, the rigor of forms and the depth of internal work.

In this spirit, around twenty of their students, aged between 18 and 60, from beginners to experienced practitioners, chose to spend a full month immersed in the Wudang Mountains.

Their goal was not tourism.
It was clear: to take part in a real Kung Fu training in China, integrated into the daily rhythm of a traditional school, alongside local Chinese students.

A Real Immersion: Living Like Chinese Students

Unlike many programs where foreign groups remain separate, the French students were fully integrated into the life of the school. There was no separate schedule and no special treatment: they experienced daily life exactly like the Chinese students.

In practical terms, this meant sharing the same living spaces and following the same rhythm of learning:

• Shared dormitories
• Collective meals in the school cafeteria
• Training sessions integrated with local classes
• Cultural courses attended alongside Chinese students

The days began at dawn, often surrounded by the mist covering the Wudang Mountains. After the first gathering in the courtyard, the day naturally unfolded between morning training, afternoon technical work, stretching, repetition and corrections.

Community life follows a different rhythm: less comfort, more discipline and above all a deep immersion in the practice. The adaptation was not always easy. Heat, accumulated fatigue, the intensity of the training sessions and the language barrier sometimes made the first days demanding. But the group held strong. With determination, humility and respect for the culture that welcomed them, everyone gradually adapted to this new environment.

Their video report also shows the other side of this immersion: laughter in the dormitories, spontaneous karaoke nights, late conversations around a cup of tea near the cabins, and simple moments that often become the most meaningful memories. It is precisely this balance between discipline and joy that shaped their experience. As they say in the video: “a great human adventure.”

A Complete Martial Training: External and Internal

During four weeks, this martial arts training in the Wudang Mountains offered students a complete formation combining external practice, internal work and physical conditioning. The goal was not simply to accumulate techniques but to understand the deeper coherence of Chinese martial arts.

• Traditional Kung Fu
• Tai Ji Quan
• Qi Gong
• Sanda
• Conditioning training
• Brick breaking practice
• Preparation for the final examination

The mornings were often dedicated to technical work on forms: repetition of movements, precise corrections, adjustments of gaze, body positioning and the accuracy of footwork. In this patient learning process, every detail mattered.

Under the guidance of Zhang Xu, specialist of taolu, the students deepened the rigor and structure of their forms. With Kun, the work took a more internal dimension: breathing, relaxation of the body, circulation of energy and understanding of the rhythm specific to internal arts.

The program also included combat training. Guided by Chen Dong, specialist of sanda and hard qi gong, the students worked on strikes, footwork and distance management, discovering the more direct and dynamic aspect of the practice. However, the teaching did not rely only on these three instructors. Many other teachers from the school contributed throughout the month, each bringing their own expertise and perspective.

Forms and combat. Internal and external. Breath and impact.

The Second Week: An Unexpected Opportunity

In the middle of this month-long immersion in the Wudang Mountains, a rare opportunity appeared: participating in a special edition of the show Wudang Yi Meng ( 武当一梦 ), a major theatrical production celebrating the martial arts and culture of Mount Wudang.

The announcement surprised everyone. Everything then moved very quickly: a video casting, a selection process and three intense days of rehearsals in the largest theatre of Wudang. The students found themselves entering a new world combining stage preparation, synchronized movement and the collective discipline required for professional performances.

On July 11th 2025, several members of the group stepped onto the stage to demonstrate Tai Ji Quan in front of an audience composed of Chinese and international leaders. In the silence of the theatre, every movement became sharper and every breath more focused. This unexpected moment quickly became one of the highlights of the journey, a unique experience that left a strong impression.

The transition from visitors to performers.

Culture, Transmission and Discovery

Immersion in the Wudang Mountains was not limited to martial training. The stay was also an opportunity to explore the iconic locations of this sacred mountain and to better understand the cultural environment in which Taoist martial arts were born.

• Yu Xu Palace
• Xiao Yao Valley
• Ancient temples built on the mountain cliffs
• The sacred forests where they hung their wishes

But the most meaningful discoveries often came from simple moments: sharing a hotpot meal, practicing calligraphy in silence, listening to the sound of the guqin echoing across the mountains, or playing a quiet game of Go. Gradually the students realized that martial practice is not limited to techniques. It is deeply connected to culture, philosophy and a way of life.

To understand Kung Fu is also to understand the culture that shaped it.

Transformation and Validation

Among the memorable moments of the stay, the brick-breaking practice led by Chen Dong left a strong impression. The goal was not spectacle but to measure the real effects of a month of intense training in the Wudang Mountains. Body structure, precise technique, breathing and concentration all converge in this symbolic exercise. Several students successfully broke their first brick.

A symbol not of brute strength but of the union between technique, patience and intention.

At the end of the stay, the students also completed their final Chinese training examination and all successfully passed. Beyond the certificate, it was above all the confirmation of a month fully lived, rich in learning, encounters and memorable experiences.

We are often asked the question:

“Can women come and study kung fu in Wudang?”

The answer is simple: yes.

But to truly understand, we need to go beyond a simple yes. We need to meet those who are already living this experience.

Today, I would like to introduce you to our Wudang girls.

Being a Woman Practicing Kung Fu in Wudang

In Wudangshan, in Hubei Province, the image of a martial arts practitioner has long been associated with a male figure. Yet over the past few years, another reality has been growing: women choosing to follow the path of Taoist kung fu in Wudang.

At our school, girls and women train every day with the same standards as men. They practice Tai Chi, traditional forms (taolu), weapons training, internal work, sanda, and physical conditioning.

In the morning, in the mountain mist, you can see them repeating their movements with focus. The gesture is precise, the breath steady, the intention clear. Nothing exaggerated, nothing theatrical. Just discipline, consistency, and real determination.

The Wudang Girls: Commitment and Progress

Over time, a group naturally stood out: a dedicated, united and demanding women’s team. What we now call the Wudang girls is not a marketing concept. It is a reality lived daily on the training ground.

These practitioners were selected for their seriousness and solid technical foundation. Their training is rigorous. They work on the fundamentals again and again: stances, alignment, coordination, controlled explosiveness.

In 2025, they took part in the 8th World Conference on Health and Tai Chi in Wudang, as well as several national and international traditional kung fu and Tai Chi competitions. They won multiple gold medals, reflecting the seriousness of their preparation and the consistency of their commitment.

But beyond the medals, what stands out most is their attitude. Focused, disciplined, committed. In China, an old expression describes this mindset well: 巾帼不让须眉 — women do not yield to men.

Why More and More Women Choose Kung Fu in Wudang

Kung fu for women is not a lighter version of kung fu. It is a complete, demanding and structured practice.

Many women come to Wudang to build physical strength, gain confidence, learn self-defense, deepen their Tai Chi practice, or experience cultural immersion in China.

Over the weeks, the body changes — but even more importantly, the attitude transforms. The shoulders straighten, the gaze becomes steadier, the posture more grounded.

This is what we observe in the Wudang girls: a quiet strength.

Are Women Welcome to Study Kung Fu in Wudang?

Yes. And they will not be alone.

They join a community where women practice, improve and support each other. Kung fu training in Wudang is open to those who truly wish to commit to a demanding, physical and inner path.

If you were asking yourself the question, the answer is right here.

The Wudang girls already exist. Maybe the next one will be you.

After Wudang, the Journey Continues to Shaolin

In a previous article, we explored the mystical heights of Wudang (武当), the cradle of martial Daoism. Today, we take you to the opposite pole of this universe: Shaolin Temple (少林寺), a major center of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and the home of external martial arts. To truly understand the essence of traditional Kung Fu, it is essential to explore these two pillars: Wudang and Shaolin.

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A Millennial Foundation at the Heart of Buddhism

Shaolin Temple was founded around 495 CE during the Northern Wei dynasty, at the request of Emperor Xiaowen, to welcome the Indian monk Ba Tuo (跋陀). Located at the foot of Mount Song (嵩山) in Henan Province—one of the five sacred mountains of China—Shaolin quickly became a major center for the study and dissemination of Chan Buddhism.

A few decades later, another Indian monk, Bodhidharma (达摩, Dámó), traveled to China. According to legend, he meditated for nine years in a cave near the monastery. From this retreat are said to have emerged two fundamental texts: the Yi Jin Jing (易筋经, Classic of Muscle and Tendon Transformation) and the Xi Sui Jing (洗髓经, Classic of Marrow Washing), foundational works for physical and energetic strengthening at Shaolin.

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The Spiritual Dimension: Chan (Zen) in Motion

At Shaolin, martial practice is inseparable from spiritual practice. Chan Buddhism promotes a direct path to awakening through experience: silence, seated meditation, but also mindful action through movement. Kung Fu becomes a medium for concentration, an extension of meditation, where every gesture seeks self-mastery, awakening, and unity of body and mind.

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The Development of Shaolin Kung Fu

Over the centuries, the monks incorporated combat techniques to defend themselves against bandits and to protect pilgrims. Thus emerged Shaolin Quan (少林拳), an external style based on:

• Physical strength and explosiveness: powerful strikes, dynamic jumps, rapid techniques…
• Animal styles: tiger, crane, snake, monkey—each symbolizing tactical and energetic principles.
• Weapons training: the staff (gun 棍), emblematic of the temple, as well as the saber (dao 刀), spear (qiang 枪), and others.

Martial training was often combined with meditation routines, Buddhist study, and a strict communal lifestyle. This harmony between body, mind, and community forged the unique image of the Shaolin monk.

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Shaolin: External Arts or Chinese Tradition?

Shaolin martial arts are classified as external styles because they emphasize muscular power, speed, and physical resilience. In contrast, Wudang arts are considered internal, focusing on energy (qi) and fluidity.

Another important distinction should be noted: Shaolin arts have Indian origins through Buddhism, while Wudang arts stem from indigenous Chinese traditions. Historically, Chinese scholars also referred to Shaolin as “external” in a cultural sense.

This did not prevent Shaolin from profoundly influencing the entire continent. A famous saying states: “All martial arts under Heaven originate from Shaolin” (天下武功出少林). While Shaolin undeniably structured and popularized Kung Fu, rural boxing styles and local warrior traditions already existed beforehand. Shaolin acted as a catalyst—unifying, systematizing, and spreading these martial traditions.

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A Translation That Requires Nuance

The term Shaolin (少林) is often translated as “Young Forest,” which is partially inaccurate. In this context, the character “少” does not mean “young” but refers to Mount Shao (少室山, Shaoshi Shan), one of the peaks of Mount Song. Shaolin therefore literally means “the forest of Mount Shao.”

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Shaolin, a Pillar of Martial Heritage

Shaolin is not merely a temple; it is a living symbol of Chinese culture, where spirituality, discipline, and mastery of the body converge. Through centuries of destruction, war, and rebirth, it remains a global source of inspiration.

After our journey to Wudang, we are now immersed in the world of Shaolin. These two traditions—opposed yet complementary—together form the deep soul of Kung Fu. In future articles, we will explore their respective styles, emblematic weapons, and contemporary transmission in greater detail.

On October 25, 2025, Wudang Mountain welcomed practitioners from all over the world for the 8th World Tai Chi Health Conference (第八届世界太极拳健康大会).

This international event brought together more than forty countries, hundreds of teams and nearly two thousand participants, all united by Tai Chi and traditional Chinese martial arts.

On site, the atmosphere felt simple and respectful. Practitioners from very different backgrounds, some discovering China for the first time and others already familiar with Wudang, shared the same interest in this place and what it represents.

Even before the competitions began, exchanges naturally started. People observed, talked, and learned from one another.

Opening Ceremony

Among the highlights of this edition, the opening ceremony left a strong impression.

Our international director and coach, Florian Rizzardi, had the honor of taking part alongside the masters of Wudang Mountain.

Being invited to perform in such a setting means a lot. It reflects both the work accomplished and the respect shown toward tradition and transmission.

On stage, the goal was not to demonstrate strength, but to represent a path, a daily practice, and a sincere approach to internal martial arts.

This moment was lived with simplicity and gratitude, thinking of all the students who train every day, sometimes far from home, with patience and commitment.

Competition and Preparation

Alongside the ceremony and cultural moments, the competition was taking place at the Wudang International Martial Arts Exchange Center.

For several days, teams followed one another on the training areas. Everyone arrived with their own level, background and way of working. The goal was not only to win, but also to give the best of oneself.

On our side, preparation was not easy. Between show rehearsals, daily training and managing fatigue, we had to find energy where it was still available.

Students supported each other. Some doubted, others reassured. It is often in these moments that a real team spirit appears.

Results and Congratulations

At the end of the events, the results were announced.

For the international team:

• Florian — 🥇 Gold & 🥈 Silver

• Manuia — 🥇 Gold & 🥈 Silver

• Baptiste — 🥈 Silver & 🥉 Bronze

Baptiste achieved these medals after only one month of training, showing that consistency and commitment can quickly bear fruit.

In total, all our teams combined achieved:

• 186 medals

• 31 gold medals

• a sportsmanship award

Beyond the rewards, we mainly want to congratulate every student. For their courage, perseverance, and respect shown both on and off the training areas.

These moments will remain, not only for the podiums, but for everything that was lived together.

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A Legendary Mountain

The Wudang Mountains (武当山), located in Hubei province, are one of the four sacred Daoist mountains in China. For centuries, they have been a center of Daoist cultivation (道教修炼), meditation, and internal martial arts, where the body, mind, and energy (qi / 气) are harmonized.

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History and Legends

The name Wudang Shan (武当山) was given by Emperor Gaozu (高祖) of the Han dynasty to designate the region around the city of Danjiangkou. The mountain became famous during the Tang dynasty when offerings and prayers to Daoist immortals were said to bring rain during a severe drought, leading to the construction of the Five Dragon Sanctuary (五龙宫, Wulong Gong), the oldest temple on Wudang.

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Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰): Legend and Influence

Zhang Sanfeng, a semi-legendary figure of Wudang, is often credited with creating Tai Ji Quan (太极拳) and other internal martial arts. According to tradition:

• He observed a fight between a crane and a snake, inspiring the fluidity and flexibility of movements.
• Some accounts suggest he was a Shaolin monk before retiring to Wudang in search of immortality.
• His longevity and exploits are legendary, spanning the Song and Ming dynasties.

Historical texts are rare, and many stories stem from oral tradition and mythology. Nevertheless, his influence on Wudang’s internal martial arts remains indisputable.

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Internal Martial Arts of Wudang

The martial arts of Wudang (武当拳, Wudangquan) are internal styles (neijia / 内家拳) focusing on:

• Qi (气) control and fluidity: circular, soft movements that develop internal strength.
• Energy cultivation: integration of Qi Gong (气功) and Daoyin (导引) to harmonize energy, health, and mind.
• Mastery of the sword (Jian / 剑): the signature weapon of Wudang, requiring precision and coordination. Other weapons include the staff (Gun / 棍) and spear (Qiang / 枪).
• Spiritual integration: meditation and breathwork inseparable from martial practice, fostering body-mind-energy unity.

Unlike external styles (like Shaolin), Wudang arts emphasize coordination, body awareness, and energy control.

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Heritage  and Prosperity

According to legend, Zhang Sanfeng predicted the prosperity of Wudang. Under the Ming dynasty, Emperor Yongle (永乐帝) renovated the temples with the help of thousands of soldiers and architects, creating a network of nine palaces, nine monasteries, 36 convents, and 72 temples.

Wudang is today famous for its internal martial arts, featured in films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. These practices continue to train generations of practitioners, combining combat, health, and spirituality.

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Tao and Sanda Training in Wudang: From Forms to Realistic Combat

A Complete Approach to Martial Arts in Wudang

At Wudang Shaolin Dream, we chose to return to the roots of Chinese martial arts by offering a complete and balanced training. For over twenty years, martial arts in China have been split: on one side, combat with Sanda, and on the other, the aesthetic and technical aspects of Taos. Students were soon required to choose one path or the other, leading to strong specialization: some mastered forms perfectly but had little combat experience, while others specialized in Sanda but lacked technical finesse and full-body control.

At Wudang, we wanted to break this separation. During the first years of our students’ training, we maintain a precise balance: 50% practice of Taos and 50% practice of Sanda. This approach forms well-rounded practitioners capable of combining power, technique, and energy control.

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The Complementarity of Tao and Sanda

Taos and Sanda feed each other. Taos develop precision, balance, and coordination, allowing students to understand how each movement connects within a fluid and controlled sequence.

Sanda, on the other hand, brings students closer to realistic combat, while remaining a structured sport. This practice helps to understand the physical mechanics of attack and defense: timing, distance, body positioning, and anticipation. With advanced Sanda practice, students can more easily grasp the applications of forms and may even deduce the applications of movements from a Tao that was not explicitly taught.

Conversely, knowledge gained from Taos enhances Sanda. Each technique becomes more effective and natural, as students understand how to generate and control power while maintaining balance and fluidity. Combat experience also allows the integration of Tao energy principles into practical contexts, bringing every movement to life.

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Harmonious and Sustainable Progression

This combined method ensures complete progression:

• The body strengthens, gaining endurance and coordination.
• The mind develops concentration, anticipation, and adaptability.
• Energy flows smoothly, connecting power with subtlety.

Over time, students master both forms and combat, understanding the deep connection between technique and application. It’s not just about repeating movements: each gesture has meaning, application, and balance between beauty and effectiveness.

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Wudang Shaolin Dream: Returning to the Roots

Our approach aims to train complete practitioners who can navigate between technical rigor and combat spontaneity. At our school, Tao and Sanda are not separate disciplines: they complement and strengthen each other, offering a rich, deep, and authentic practice of Chinese martial arts.

By practicing both Taos and Sanda, our students acquire the skills, body awareness, and understanding needed to excel in all aspects of traditional and modern Kung Fu.

We do not limit ourselves to Sanda and Taos alone. We also integrate other disciplines, including Tai Ji Quan and Chinese wrestling, which will be explored in future articles to further complete our vision and method.

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A Unique Approach to Chinese Martial Arts

Since 2017, Wudang Shaolin Dream has stood out for its ability to combine the Wudang and Shaolin styles. This unique approach provides a comprehensive and authentic training in Chinese martial arts, blending Shaolin’s dynamic power with Wudang’s internal subtlety. Today, this vision is fully realized in Wudang, with both Chinese and international students, all passionate about traditional and modern Kung Fu.

Beyond the worldwide renown of Shaolin and Wudang as historical birthplaces of Chinese martial arts, this choice is also rooted in a personal journey that shaped our teaching method.

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Our Encounter with Wudang and the Complementarity of Styles

In 2016, while training intensively at Shaolin for high-level competitions, our coach invited us to discover Wudang. According to him, some Wudang forms were true treasures of Kung Fu, and integrating them into our Shaolin practice could make us more skilled both technically and mentally.

At first, I was not convinced. Shaolin had always been my passion, and I thought this style was sufficient on its own. But the exceptional level of our master and his vision pushed us to explore this complementary approach.

We spent a full month in Wudang, learning sword techniques, various forms, and internal arts. Far from the Western image of a wellness retreat, Wudang revealed itself as an exceptional natural site, preserved and incredibly authentic. Wudang forms are demanding, just as much as Shaolin, offering a perfect balance of strength, fluidity, and energy mastery.

After this stay, we continued practicing Wudang arts while pursuing our Shaolin competitions. This combined experience enriched our technique and mental approach. We even maintained this exchange by regularly inviting Wudang masters to Shaolin, to continue perfecting our teaching and deepen the complementarity of the styles.

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Shaolin and Wudang: An Essential Complementarity

In hindsight, it is clear that Shaolin and Wudang are complementary, and for me, their roots are so close that I can no longer imagine separating them.

• Shaolin develops power, speed, and endurance, ideal for direct combat techniques and physical strength.
• Wudang enhances fluidity, precision, and internal Kung Fu, emphasizing balance, focus, and energy control.

This combination creates a harmonious approach to Chinese Kung Fu, where power meets subtlety, and where students develop both body and mind.

In our upcoming articles, we will explore in detail how each style enriches the other and how this fusion transforms the practice of traditional and modern Kung Fu in Wudang.

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The Vision of Wudang Shaolin Dream

This philosophy guided the creation of Wudang Shaolin Dream. Our school in Wudang fully embodies the fusion of Shaolin and Wudang, combining tradition and modernity, power and subtlety. The goal remains clear: to allow everyone to discover and master the deep essence of Chinese Kung Fu in an authentic and preserved setting in the heart of Wudang.