More training pics

We just finished another training cycle at the Wulong Temple and came back to town today. I've now begun training also the Tai Yi form aka Wu Xing Quan (aka Liang Yi), Five Element Boxing. I love it big time, it was one of the forms I was hoping to learn during my stay. Rain and mud add more challenge to training but hey, bad luck :)

Sifu, Steven & Nicolas practising Wudang Taiji

Monica practising Wudang Staff form

Sifu Bing

above the baby dragon (looks more like a turtle)

kitchen :)

one of the Temple Dragons

stretch it!

first attempts at calligraphy ("pitiful", as Chiun would say)

Training in Wulong & night in Wudang town

I've now started training at Wulong Temple with Sifu Bing. Each morning and afternoon we do basic exercises, then learn Ji Ben Quan or Wudang Kungfu Basic Form and Five Animal Qigong. Once a week I'm also studying Taoist philosophy, meditation and Ba Duan Jin or Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong with another teacher. In my own time I continue to practise Chen taiji (Yilu 83, sword and saber forms). We eat with the monks, life at the temple is very peaceful and living conditions are quite simple. Training is hard work, but then again I didn't come here for a holiday.

Steven practising Xuan Wu Quan with Sifu

Datura :)

Ying & Steven doing applications

beats the average teaching location

one of the Dragon Boards

back in Wudang town. This stuff is ready to be boiled

back to apartment

su-pah-mar-kat

Five Dragon Temple & tea ceremony

Yesterday I went with my teacher to visit the Wu Long Ding or Five Dragon Temple, where I'll start my Kung Fu training very soon. The Wu Long Temple is the oldest temple of Wudangshan; construction began over 1300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty.

training grounds in front of the temple

many Wudang temples are being renovated, this is also true in Wu Long. I'm happy that this part is still in its "natural state".

a view from the training area towards east - not complaining.

then we enjoyed a tea ceremony with monk Chen, a friend of my teacher.

nice view from the window. The little dots are bees, which seemed to like the burning incense, guqin music and the tea. Peace for now, sweat & work for tomorrow.

Trip to the Golden Hall

On Wednesday I went with my teacher up the mountain to see the Golden Hall (Jinding). It took us about 3 hours to reach the summit, after traveling the first part by bus from town. You can also take the cable car after the bus ride but then you would miss the joy of climbing all the stairs.

view on the Southern cliff

first of the many

prayers & blessings

the real gongfu

more stairs

onwards and upwards

getting there..

Taihe Palace (Supreme Harmony Temple)

almost at the top

The Golden Hall, top of Tianzhu Peak (1612m)

peace.

From Beijing to Wudangshan

More images from the XiZhao hotel in Beijing:

Then a nice little 20 hour train ride from Beijing West (now there's a big station) to Shiyan, "soft sleeper" recommended.

First pics from Wudangshan town

a little taiji themed park

Yuxu Palace