THE LEGACY OF ZHANG SANFENG

The Wudang Thirteen Stances of Tai Chi (Shi San Shi Taiji Quan) is the ancestral root of the world-renowned Tai Chi tradition, tracing its lineage back to the legendary Taoist monk Zhang Sanfeng. Within the Yu Xing You Shen Men (Fish-shaped Swimming Body School), these Thirteen Stances are preserved as the foundational Internal Alchemy practice. Master Jia Weiyong, the 13th direct inheritor, received this transmission from his former master, the Taoist Yuxu, who placed immense importance on this specific set of techniques. Historically, the Thirteen Stances refer to the eight primary hand energies (Peng, Lu, Ji, An, Cai, Lie, Zhou, Kao) and the five directional steps (Jin, Tui, Gu, Pan, Ding), which together form the mathematical and physical basis of all Taijiquan.

TECHNICAL STRUCTURE AND FLOW

The Technical Routine of the Wudang Thirteen Stances is characterized by its Smooth and Natural Stretching. Unlike more modern, fragmented versions of Tai Chi, the Wudang tradition emphasizes Continuous Linking (Lian Mian Bu Duan), where one movement flows into the next like a mountain stream. The routine is a perfect Combination of Movement and Stillness, requiring the practitioner to maintain internal quietude while the external body expresses fluid, circular motions. Master Jia demonstrates how each stance is a study in Dynamic Balance, ensuring that the Fluid Structure is maintained throughout the entire sequence. This routine is the primary method for Building Physique and Cultivating Temper within the Wudang school.

BIO-MECHANICAL ALIGNMENT AND QI

The bio-mechanics of the Thirteen Stances focus on Building Physique and Prolonging Life through precise skeletal alignment and Qi Cultivation. The practitioner is taught to move from the Dantian, ensuring that the Python Waist acts as the central axis for all rotations. This alignment allows the Qi to flow unimpeded through the meridians, nourishing the internal organs and strengthening the nervous system. The routine emphasizes Sinking the Breath and Rooting the Feet, creating a powerful connection to the earth. Master Jia provides detailed instruction on the Silk Reeling energy that connects the hands to the core, ensuring that every movement is infused with internal pressure (Nei Jin).

Internal Alchemy AND LONGEVITY

In the Wudang tradition, the Thirteen Stances are considered a form of Building the Foundation and Cultivating the Original Qi (Zhu Ji Pei Yuan). This practice is essential for anyone seeking Longevity and Health. The meditative quality of the routine helps to calm the mind and reduce stress, while the physical movements improve flexibility, balance, and bone density. This DVD is a vital resource for Tai Chi fans and Wudang martial arts enthusiasts worldwide, offering a rare and authentic look at the Zhang Sanfeng Lineage. By mastering these foundational stances, the practitioner gains a deep understanding of the Taoist Internal Arts, providing a solid base for further study in the swimming body school and the broader world of Chinese Wushu.