Kungfu

The Kungfu practices of the Wudang Sanfeng Lineage are generally typified by low, spidery stances; high kicks; explosive power; and fluid, seamless transitions. The ground of all of our training begins with our foundation building training in the Xuanzhen System 玄真門  which has come to include a wide range of different practices – from the most foundational basic forms, to the more complex, higher-level weapons practices. In typical Chinese style, the Xuanzhen system has had a few other names and I have generally come to refer to it as Wudang Northern Longfist 武當北派長拳 because it has syncretized so many other classical Longfist approaches to training. 
Kungfu classes are recommended for students aged 7 to 50 and are a great fit for those looking for a more fast-paced and physically challenging approach to training.

Classes

We presently offer two main kungfu classes: Foundations and Initiates (Initiate classes are invitation only). Foundations classes focus specifically on building a sturdy base and familiarity with Wudang martial arts training. They are generally broken up into four parts:
  1. Warm up and stretch
  2. Basic training (stances or kicks)
  3. Forms practice
  4. Conditioning and/or partner training.

Schedule

Adults:

  • Sundays - 11:00 AM to 12:20 PM
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays - 5:30 to 6:50 PM

$189 per month

Kids:

  • Mondays & Wednesdays - 4:30 to 5:20 PM

$129 per month

First month half off! Use code 50%OFF at checkout.

Curriculum

Climbing to the peak of Mount Wudang requires passing through the Three Heavenly Gates 三天門. At Wudang Santa Cruz, our Kungfu students follow a similar journey in their training. Our leveling system is divided into Three Gates, each containing four distinct levels. 
As students progress to more advanced levels, they will also engage in cross-training in Taiji, Bagua, Xingyi, Qigong, Meditation, and more. The Three Gates are detailed below.

GATE ONE

The First Gate introduces students to the foundational elements of Wudang kungfu training. This Gate focuses on building strong foundations in flexibility, strength, and coordination. Through consistent practice, students develop basic confidence and competence in their skills. Emphasis is placed on coordination drills, basic conditioning, kicks, stances, combat, and defense. Additionally, students are introduced to key concepts of Wudang martial arts training theory. By level, the forms for Gate One are:

  1. Basic Fist 基本拳

  2. Dark Fist 1 玄功拳一路

  3. Dark Fist 2 & 3 玄功拳一路，二路

  4. Dragon Sword or Dark Saber 龍化劍或玄功刀

Dragon Fist at Taizipo in 2009.

GATE TWO

The Second Gate emphasizes refining proficiency and advancing skills. Its four levels focus on more complex practices, with an emphasis on fluid and precise control of body techniques, speed, resilience, and explosive power. Entering this Gate, students are strongly encouraged to begin cross-training in Taiji and/or Neijiaquan classes. The forms for Gate Two are:

  1. Subduing Dragons and Taming Tigers Fist 降龍伏虎拳

  2. Dark Saber or Dragon Sword 玄功刀或龍化劍

  3. Eight Extremes Fist 八極拳

  4. Horsetail Whisk 拂塵

Taming Tigers Fist at Taming Tigers Temple in the Emei Mountains 峨眉山.

GATE THREE

Entering the Third Gate, students begin honing their individual expertise and are expected to display expert proficiency and knowledge in all previous practices. At this point, students should also be showing well-rounded proficiency in other practices as well with requisite cross-training experience in combat, Taiji, Bagua, Xingyi, and Qigong. The forms for Gate Three are:

  1. Dragon Fist 龍化拳

  2. Eight Immortals Sword 八仙劍 or Dark Gate Sword 玄門劍

  3. Eight Immortals Staff 八仙棍 or Yinyang Spear 子午鎖喉槍

  4. Dark Warrior Fist 玄武拳 and Elixir Sword 丹劍

Elixir Sword 丹劍 duel with my kungfu brother Simon Cox in front of Purple Heaven Palace back in 2009.

Other Forms Taught by Selection

While the above constitutes the Kungfu Path curriculum, there are several other forms that are taught only by selection:

  • Heaven and Earth Fan 乾坤扇

  • Monk Spade 方便鏟

  • Five Dragons Dadao 五龍大刀

  • Snake Fist 蛇拳

  • Praying Mantis Fist 螳螂拳

  • Through the Forest Sword 穿林劍

  • Cutting Through Illusion Miao Saber 斬幻苗锋

Five Dragons Dadao in Yuxugong.