A Journey Through Wudang’s Sacred Form
Deep within the mist-shrouded peaks of Wudang Mountain lies one of Chinese martial arts’ most treasured forms - the Baxian Gun, or Eight Immortals Staff. This 61-movement sequence represents far more than a series of combat techniques; it embodies centuries of Daoist wisdom, weaving together mythology, philosophy, and practical martial application into a single, flowing practice.
The form draws its essence from the legendary Eight Immortals of Daoist mythology, each representing different aspects of human experience and spiritual cultivation. Unlike many martial forms that focus purely on combat efficiency, the Baxian Gun serves as a moving meditation, a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms that characterizes Wudang’s internal martial arts tradition.
The Eight Immortals: Guardians of the Form
Before delving into the movements themselves, understanding the Eight Immortals enriches our practice immeasurably. These legendary figures aren’t merely decorative mythology - they represent archetypal energies and teachings that manifest through the staff work:
He Xiangu (何仙姑) - The sole female immortal, carrying lotus flowers symbolizing purity and compassion. Her presence in the form reminds us that true strength contains gentleness.
Li Tieguai (李鐵拐) - The “Iron Crutch Li,” a healer carrying medicine in his gourd. Despite his physical disability, he embodies the principle that true power comes from within, not from external perfection.
Cao Guojiu (曹國舅) - The aristocrat turned ascetic, holding castanets or jade tablets. He represents the abandonment of worldly status in pursuit of spiritual cultivation.
Lü Dongbin (呂洞賓) - The scholar-warrior with sword and fly-whisk, considered the leader of the Eight. His dual nature embodies the unity of martial prowess and scholarly wisdom.
Han Xiangzi (韓湘子) - The flute-playing nephew of a famous scholar, representing artistic expression and the power of sound vibration in martial practice.
Zhongli Quan (鍾離權) - The bare-bellied general with his fan, symbolizing the transformation from military might to spiritual power.
Lan Caihe (藍采和) - The ambiguous wanderer with a flower basket, representing the transcendence of conventional boundaries.
Zhang Guolao (張果老) - The elderly sage riding his donkey backwards, carrying a drum, embodying the wisdom of seeing things from unconventional perspectives.
The Living Practice: Movement by Movement
1. Opening the Gate - Qi Shi (起势)
Beginning
The practitioner stands in stillness, staff held vertically at the side. This isn’t mere preparation - it’s the cultivation of wuji, the undifferentiated void from which all movement springs. The body settles like sediment in still water while the mind becomes clear as the mountain air.
Deeper Meaning: This moment embodies the Daoist concept of returning to the source. Before action comes stillness; before differentiation comes unity. The vertical staff represents the axis between heaven and earth, with the practitioner as the mediating force.
Martial Application: Deceptive readiness - appearing relaxed while maintaining complete awareness. The vertical position allows instant deployment in any direction.
2. Sailing with the Current - Shun Shui Tui Zhou (顺水推舟)
Slide the Boat Down the Water
The staff glides horizontally forward in a smooth, continuous motion, as if pushing a boat downstream. The movement originates from the waist, with the arms serving merely as connectors.
Deeper Meaning: This embodies wu wei - acting in accordance with natural forces rather than against them. Like water finding its course, the practitioner learns to sense and follow the path of least resistance.
Martial Application: A deceptive thrust that follows the opponent’s retreating energy, maintaining contact and control while advancing. The “sliding” quality makes it difficult to detect the attack’s true intention.
3. Planting the Needle - Jiu Di Cha Zhen (就地插针)
Put a Needle in the Very Ground Where You Stand
From the horizontal flow, the staff suddenly plunges downward with precision, the tip penetrating the earth like an acupuncture needle finding its point.
Deeper Meaning: This represents the principle of rooting - establishing an unshakeable connection with the earth. In Daoist alchemy, this is the grounding of celestial energy into material form.
Martial Application: A sudden downward strike targeting the opponent’s foot or pinning their weapon. The “needle” quality emphasizes precision over power.
4. The Immortal Points the Way - Xian Ren Zhi Lu (仙人指路)
The Immortal Directs the Way
The staff extends forward at eye level, steady and unwavering, like a sage indicating the path ahead.
Deeper Meaning: This movement channels Lü Dongbin’s teaching energy - the master who guides seekers on their path. It represents clarity of purpose and the transmission of wisdom.
Martial Application: A probing thrust aimed at the opponent’s face or upper gate, used to control distance and create openings.
5. Yellow Clouds Crown the Peak - Huang Yun Gai Ding (黄云盖顶)
The Yellow Clouds Cover the Top
The staff circles overhead in a protective canopy, creating a shield of motion above the practitioner.
Deeper Meaning: Yellow represents the earth element in Daoist cosmology - the center that harmonizes all others. This protective dome symbolizes the gathering of celestial protection.
Martial Application: Defensive circulation that deflects overhead attacks while maintaining the ability to counter-strike from the high position.
6. The Grand Duke’s Fishing - Tai Gong Diao Yu (太公钓鱼)
Tai Gong Fishes
The staff extends forward and slightly downward, held with patient stillness, mimicking the legendary Jiang Ziya (Tai Gong) who fished without bait, waiting for willing fish.
Deeper Meaning: This embodies the principle of attracting through stillness rather than pursuing through action. It teaches patience and the power of correct timing.
Martial Application: A baiting position that appears vulnerable but sets up devastating counters when the opponent commits to attack.
7. Iron Ox Plows the Earth - Tie Niu Geng Di (铁牛耕地)
The Iron Bull Harrows the Field
Low, powerful horizontal sweeps trace furrows across the ground, the practitioner’s stance solid and unmovable.
Deeper Meaning: The ox represents steadfast labor and connection to the earth element. This is the cultivation of foundation - preparing the ground for future growth.
Martial Application: Low sweeping attacks targeting the legs and foundation, using the staff’s length to control ground-level space.
8. Zhongli Quan Opens His Robe - Han Zhong Li Jie Yi (汉钟离解衣)
Han Zhong Li Unbuttons His Clothes
The staff makes an expansive opening motion across the chest, as if parting robes to reveal the belly.
Deeper Meaning: This references Zhongli Quan’s characteristic bare belly, symbolizing openness and the abandonment of pretense. It represents vulnerability as strength.
Martial Application: A deflecting movement that opens the opponent’s guard while simultaneously chambering for a counter-strike.
9. Phoenix Greets the Sun - Dan Feng Chao Yang (单凤朝阳)
The Phoenix Faces the Sun
A graceful upward spiral of the staff, resembling a phoenix rising to meet the dawn.
Deeper Meaning: The phoenix represents transformation and renewal. This movement embodies yang energy rising, the triumph of light over darkness.
Martial Application: An ascending strike that deflects low attacks while targeting the opponent’s chin or throat with the rising tip.
10. Chasing Wind, Racing Moon - Zhui Feng Gan Yue (追风赶月)
Rush with the Wind and Keep Pace with the Moon
Rapid stepping combined with circular staff work, creating a whirlwind of motion.
Deeper Meaning: This embodies the interplay of yin (moon) and yang (wind) in dynamic balance. The practitioner learns to move between opposites without pause.
Martial Application: Aggressive advancing combinations that overwhelm through continuous pressure and changing angles.
11. Jade Rabbit Springs - Yu Tu Tan Tui (玉兔弹腿)
The White Rabbit Bounces Its Legs
Quick, light jumps coordinated with jabbing staff movements, embodying the alert, responsive nature of a rabbit.
Deeper Meaning: The jade rabbit lives on the moon in Chinese mythology, pounding the elixir of immortality. This represents the quick, light quality of spiritual energy.
Martial Application: Evasive footwork combined with rapid thrusts, using mobility to create and exploit openings.
12. Lü Dongbin’s Hidden Sword - Lv Dong Bing Bei Jian (吕洞宾背剑)
Lü Dongbin Carries His Sword
The staff passes behind the back in a concealing motion, mimicking how the immortal carried his demon-slaying sword.
Deeper Meaning: This represents the concealment of true power - the greatest strength often remains hidden until the moment of need.
Martial Application: Deceptive positioning that hides the staff’s location while setting up surprise attacks from unexpected angles.
13. Reversing Heaven and Earth (Right) - Fan Zhen Qian Kun (You) (反振乾坤(右))
Reverse Qian and Kun (Right)
A powerful spiraling motion that seems to invert the natural order, performed to the right.
Deeper Meaning: Qian (heaven) and kun (earth) represent the fundamental polarity of existence. This movement teaches the practitioner to reverse situations, turning disadvantage to advantage.
Martial Application: A technique for reversing an opponent’s attack, using circular redirection to turn their force against them.
14. Dongbin’s Wine Drinking (Right) - Dong Bing Yin Jiu (You) (洞宾饮酒(右))
Lü Dongbin Drinks Wine (Right)
The staff tilts back as if drinking from a gourd, performed on the right side.
Deeper Meaning: Wine in Daoist symbolism represents spiritual intoxication - the ecstasy of union with the Dao. This isn’t mere drunkenness but divine inspiration.
Martial Application: A withdrawing motion that baits the opponent forward while chambering for a powerful counter-strike.
15. Intercepting the Treasure - Lan Yao Qu Bao (拦腰取宝)
Intercept the Waist to Take the Treasure
A horizontal interception at waist level, as if catching something precious.
Deeper Meaning: The “treasure” represents the opponent’s center - both physical and energetic. This teaches the principle of controlling the middle gate.
Martial Application: A binding technique that traps the opponent’s weapon or controls their waist, setting up throws or disarms.
16. Dongbin’s Wine Drinking (Left) - Dong Bing Yin Jiu (Zuo) (洞宾饮酒(左))
Lü Dongbin Drinks Wine (Left)
The staff tilts back as if drinking from a gourd, performed on the left side.
Deeper Meaning: Balance in intoxication - the left side completes the right, showing that spiritual ecstasy must be experienced in fullness.
Martial Application: Mirror of the right-side technique, teaching ambidextrous application and unpredictability.
17. Reversing Heaven and Earth (Left) - Fan Zhen Qian Kun (Zuo) (反振乾坤(左))
Reverse Qian and Kun (Left)
A powerful spiraling motion that inverts the natural order, performed to the left.
Deeper Meaning: Completing the circle of reversal, demonstrating that all techniques must be mastered on both sides to achieve true balance.
Martial Application: Left-side application of the reversal technique, essential for responding to attacks from any angle.
18. Phoenix Greets the Sun - Dan Feng Chao Yang (单凤朝阳)
The Phoenix Faces the Sun
The phoenix movement repeats, reinforcing the theme of renewal.
Deeper Meaning: Certain principles in the form repeat because they are fundamental - the phoenix’s transformation is an ongoing process, not a single event.
Martial Application: Repetition of key techniques builds muscle memory and ensures reliability under stress.
19. Jade Rabbit Springs - Yu Tu Tan Tui (玉兔弹腿)
The White Rabbit Bounces Its Legs
The rabbit’s quick movements return, showing the cyclical nature of the form.
Deeper Meaning: Like the rabbit pounding immortality herbs eternally on the moon, some practices must be repeated endlessly to achieve mastery.
Martial Application: Reinforcement of mobility principles - the ability to spring away and return is crucial in combat.
20. Plucking Grass, Finding Serpents - Ba Cao Xun She (拨草寻蛇)
Pluck the Grass to Search for the Snake
Low, searching movements with the staff tip, as if parting grass to reveal hidden dangers.
Deeper Meaning: This represents the penetrating awareness needed to perceive hidden truths. The snake symbolizes both danger and wisdom.
Martial Application: Probing low attacks that test the opponent’s foundation and create reactions that reveal their intentions.
21. The Grand Duke’s Fishing - Tai Gong Diao Yu (太公钓鱼)
Tai Gong Fishes
The fishing posture returns, demonstrating patience in a new context.
Deeper Meaning: True patience isn’t passive - it actively creates opportunities. Tai Gong’s wisdom catches what seeks to be caught.
Martial Application: Setting traps through apparent vulnerability, mastering the art of counterattack.
22. Iron Ox Plows the Earth - Tie Niu Geng Di (铁牛耕地)
The Iron Bull Harrows the Field
The ox returns to its labor, showing persistence in practice.
Deeper Meaning: Spiritual cultivation, like farming, requires repeated effort. Each pass of the plow goes deeper than the last.
Martial Application: Systematic destruction of the opponent’s foundation through repeated low attacks.
23. Seated Mountain Shaking - Zuo Zhen Shan He (坐振山河)
Sit and Shake Mountains and Rivers
A powerful dropping motion into a low stance while the staff creates tremendous vibration.
Deeper Meaning: This embodies the principle of stillness containing motion - like an earthquake’s epicenter, maximum power emerges from perfect stability.
Martial Application: A crushing downward strike that uses full body weight and connection to earth, capable of breaking through any defense.
24. Phoenix Greets the Sun - Dan Feng Chao Yang (单凤朝阳)
The Phoenix Faces the Sun
Another return of the phoenix, each appearance slightly different.
Deeper Meaning: The phoenix dies and is reborn repeatedly - each “greeting of the sun” is both the same and unique.
Martial Application: Variations on fundamental techniques prevent predictability while maintaining effectiveness.
25. Chasing Wind, Racing Moon - Zhui Feng Gan Yue (追风赶月)
Rush with the Wind and Keep Pace with the Moon
The dynamic interplay of opposites continues its dance.
Deeper Meaning: Progress in the form mirrors progress in cultivation - returning to earlier movements with deeper understanding.
Martial Application: Advanced application of basic principles, showing how fundamentals evolve with practice.
26. The Rabbit’s Push Kick - Tu Zi Deng Jiao (兔子蹬脚)
The Rabbit Kicks the Ground
Explosive leg movements coordinated with extending staff techniques.
Deeper Meaning: The rabbit’s kick, though it appears gentle, can be devastatingly powerful. This teaches that true power often comes from unexpected sources.
Martial Application: Simultaneous kicking and striking techniques that attack multiple levels and prevent single-focus defense.
27. Leaping Small Bridge - Yue Bu Xiao Qiao (跃步小跷)
Jump with Hook Kicking
A leaping movement with a hooking kick, crossing obstacles with grace.
Deeper Meaning: Small bridges represent minor obstacles that require precise technique rather than brute force to overcome.
Martial Application: Aerial techniques that attack while evading, using three-dimensional movement to confuse opponents.
28. Iron Crutch Li’s Manifestation - Guai Li Liang Xiang (拐李亮相)
Tie Guai Li Shows His Appearance
The practitioner embodies Li Tieguai’s characteristic posture, using the staff as a crutch while maintaining perfect balance on one leg.
Deeper Meaning: This powerful statement shows that physical limitation doesn’t diminish spiritual power. The immortal’s twisted body contains divine medicine.
Martial Application: Deceptive positioning that appears vulnerable but allows for explosive techniques from the single-leg stance.
29. Descending the Cloud Ladder - Tie Guai Li Du Bu Xia Yun Ti (铁拐李独步下云梯)
Tie Guai Li Descends from Heaven’s Ladder with One Leg
Hopping movements with the staff providing support, mimicking the immortal’s unique locomotion.
Deeper Meaning: This represents the descent of spiritual wisdom into physical form, accomplished despite apparent limitations.
Martial Application: Mobile defense using the staff for support while maintaining the ability to kick and strike.
30. Moon Gazing - Hui Tou Wang Yue (回头望月)
Turn Back the Head to Look at the Moon
A turning motion with the staff extending behind, the head looking back over the shoulder.
Deeper Meaning: Looking back represents reflection and learning from the past while moving forward. The moon symbolizes yin wisdom and intuition.
Martial Application: Defensive positioning that watches for attacks from behind while preparing to strike with a reverse motion.
31. Plucking Grass, Finding Serpents - Ba Cao Xun She (拨草寻蛇)
Pluck the Grass to Search for the Snake
The searching movements return with renewed purpose.
Deeper Meaning: Each repetition of a movement in the form carries evolved meaning - the second search finds what the first missed.
Martial Application: Deeper probing attacks that build on earlier reconnaissance, exploiting discovered weaknesses.
32. White Snake’s Tongue - Bai She Tu Xin (白蛇吐信)
The White Snake Shows Its Tongue
Quick, darting thrusts resembling a snake’s striking tongue.
Deeper Meaning: The white snake represents primal wisdom and the kundalini energy of internal alchemy. Its tongue tests the air, sensing invisible currents.
Martial Application: Rapid probing strikes that test defenses and create openings through accumulated pressure.
33. Han Xiangzi’s Flute Song - Han Xiang Zi Chui Xiao (韩湘子吹笛)
Han Xiangzi Blows the Flute
The staff held horizontally at mouth level, hands positioned as if playing a flute.
Deeper Meaning: Sound and vibration as martial power - this teaches that not all force is physical. Han Xiangzi’s music could cause flowers to bloom instantly.
Martial Application: A guard position that controls the centerline while allowing for quick strikes in multiple directions.
34. White Snake’s Tongue - Bai She Tu Xin (白蛇吐信)
The White Snake Shows Its Tongue
The snake’s wisdom strikes again, never quite the same way twice.
Deeper Meaning: Repetition with variation - the snake’s tongue always tests, but each strike finds new information.
Martial Application: Persistent probing that wears down defenses through accumulated micro-openings.
35. Han Xiangzi’s Flute Song - Han Xiang Zi Chui Xiao (湘子吹笛)
Han Xiangzi Blows the Flute
The musical theme continues its variations.
Deeper Meaning: Like a musical composition, the form has recurring themes that develop and transform throughout the practice.
Martial Application: Defensive postures that appear identical but contain subtle variations in application.
36. Lan Caihe’s Observation - Lan Cai He Guan Wang (蓝采和观望)
Lan Caihe Observes the Whole Situation
Wide, scanning movements with the staff, embodying panoramic awareness.
Deeper Meaning: Lan Caihe’s gender-ambiguous nature represents transcendence of dualistic thinking. This movement teaches all-encompassing perception.
Martial Application: Defensive patterns that maintain awareness of multiple opponents or directions of attack.
37. Children Bow to the Moon - Tong Zi Bai Yue (童子拜月)
The Children Kowtow and Pray to the Moon
Low, respectful movements with the staff, embodying humility and reverence.
Deeper Meaning: Childlike mind (beginner’s mind) approaching the mystery of yin wisdom. This cultivates humility as a source of strength.
Martial Application: Low attacks that come from underneath the opponent’s field of vision, using humility as tactical advantage.
38. Left-Right Yin-Yang - Zuo You Yin Yang (左右阴阳)
Left Right Yin and Yang
Alternating movements that embody the constant interplay of opposites.
Deeper Meaning: The fundamental practice of balance - never remaining too long in any extreme. This is the essence of Daoist martial philosophy.
Martial Application: Combination techniques that alternate between hard and soft, high and low, creating unpredictable rhythms.
39. Sweeping the Armies - Heng Sao Qian Jun (横扫千军)
Sweep Off Thousands of Soldiers
Wide, powerful horizontal sweeps at multiple levels.
Deeper Meaning: One person containing the power of thousands through proper alignment with natural forces. This is the multiplication of power through principle.
Martial Application: Area-denial techniques designed for multiple opponents, using the staff’s reach to control large spaces.
40. Left-Right Yin-Yang - Zuo You Yin Yang (左右阴阳)
Left Right Yin and Yang
The balance of opposites continues its eternal dance.
Deeper Meaning: Repetition of this principle throughout the form emphasizes its central importance in Wudang philosophy.
Martial Application: Advanced combinations that seamlessly blend opposing energies for maximum effectiveness.
41. Beauty Presents Flowers - Mei Nv Xian Hua (美女献花)
The Beauty Presents the Flowers
Graceful extending movements, offering the staff forward like a bouquet.
Deeper Meaning: He Xiangu’s feminine grace concealing martial power. Beauty and strength unified, neither compromising the other.
Martial Application: Deceptively gentle movements that invite the opponent to grab the staff, setting up reversals and controls.
42. He Xiangu’s Birthday Gift - He Xian Gu Xian Shou (何仙姑献寿)
He Xiangu Offers Her Birthday Presents
Ceremonial movements presenting the staff in various positions.
Deeper Meaning: The offering of longevity and wisdom. He Xiangu’s lotus represents the blooming of consciousness from muddy origins.
Martial Application: Multiple striking angles presented in sequence, overwhelming through variety rather than power.
43. Zhang Guolao’s Backwards Journey - Zhang Guo Lao Dao Qi Mao Lv (张果老倒骑毛驴)
Zhang Guolao Rides His Donkey Backwards
Retreating movements while maintaining forward-facing attacks.
Deeper Meaning: Seeing the future by understanding the past. Zhang Guolao’s reversed perspective reveals hidden truths.
Martial Application: Tactical retreat while maintaining offensive capability, drawing opponents into prepared positions.
44. Iron Ox Plows the Earth - Tie Niu Geng Di (铁牛耕地)
The Iron Bull Harrows the Field
The tireless ox continues its essential work.
Deeper Meaning: Some lessons must be learned through repetition. The field of consciousness requires constant cultivation.
Martial Application: Persistent low attacks that eventually break through any defense through sheer determination.
45. Phoenix Greets the Sun - Dan Feng Chao Yang (单凤朝阳)
The Phoenix Faces the Sun
The phoenix rises once more, eternal in its renewal.
Deeper Meaning: Each sunrise brings new possibilities. The phoenix teaches that every moment offers the chance for transformation.
Martial Application: Rising attacks that seem familiar but contain evolved applications based on earlier experiences in the form.
46. Cao Guojiu’s Abandoned Books - Cao Guo Jiu Pao Shu (曹国舅抛书)
Cao Guojiu Throws His Books
Throwing motions with the staff, as if discarding scrolls.
Deeper Meaning: The abandonment of theoretical knowledge for direct experience. True wisdom transcends written teachings.
Martial Application: Projectile-like thrusts that “throw” force through the staff without releasing the weapon.
47. Moon Gazing - Hui Tou Wang Yue (回头望月)
Turn Back the Head to Look at the Moon
Another moment of reflection and rear awareness.
Deeper Meaning: Wisdom requires constant vigilance and reflection. The moon’s phases remind us that understanding comes in cycles.
Martial Application: Defensive awareness techniques that prevent surprise attacks from blind spots.
48. Drunken Immortal’s Bed - Zui Wo Xian Chuang (醉卧仙床)
Lie on the Fairy Bed Drunkenly
Low, rolling movements suggesting intoxicated repose.
Deeper Meaning: Divine intoxication - the ecstasy of union with the Dao appearing as drunkenness to the uninitiated.
Martial Application: Ground-fighting techniques using the staff, defending from fallen positions.
49. Trading Brick for Jade - Pao Zhuan Yin Yu (抛砖引玉)
Throw Out the Brick to Get the Jade
Sacrificial movements that offer apparent openings.
Deeper Meaning: The wisdom of strategic sacrifice - giving up the lesser to gain the greater. This embodies tactical wisdom.
Martial Application: Baiting techniques that offer minor targets to create major opportunities.
50. Seated Mountain Shaking - Zuo Zhen Shan He (坐振山河)
Sit and Shake Mountains and Rivers
The earth-shaking power returns with accumulated force.
Deeper Meaning: True power comes from repetition with understanding. Each earthquake teaches the mountain something new.
Martial Application: Devastating finishing strikes that combine all previous lessons into one decisive technique.
51. Zhongli Quan’s Fan Dance - Han Zhong Li Yao Shan (汉钟离摇扇)
Han Zhongli Swings His Fan
Wide fanning motions with the staff, creating wind-like effects.
Deeper Meaning: The fan that resurrects the dead - Zhongli Quan’s power over life and death through mastery of qi circulation.
Martial Application: Deflecting patterns that redirect rather than block, using circular motion to neutralize linear attacks.
52. White Snake’s Tongue - Bai She Tu Xin (白蛇吐信)
The White Snake Shows Its Tongue
The snake’s final warning before the form’s climax.
Deeper Meaning: Persistence in practice - the snake never tires of testing the air, always alert to new information.
Martial Application: Final probing attacks that set up the form’s concluding sequences.
53. Han Xiangzi’s Crosswise Flute - Han Xiang Zi Le Ma Heng Di (韩湘子勒马横笛)
Han Xiangzi Stops His Horse and Plays Flute Horizontally
Sudden stopping motions with horizontal staff positions.
Deeper Meaning: The power of stillness and sound. Music that can stop charging horses represents mastery over aggressive energy.
Martial Application: Checking techniques that stop an opponent’s advance while maintaining control of the centerline.
54. Lü Dongbin’s Wine Toast - Lv Dong Bing Ti Bei Jing Jiu (吕洞宾提杯敬酒)
Lü Dongbin Raises His Cup in Toast
Lifting movements as if raising a ceremonial cup.
Deeper Meaning: Celebration of spiritual achievement. The wine represents the elixir of immortality achieved through practice.
Martial Application: Rising strikes that come from below, lifting the opponent’s guard while attacking.
55. He Xiangu’s Flower Gathering - He Xian Gu Cai Hua (何仙姑采花)
He Xiangu Picks the Flowers
Plucking motions at various heights, gathering invisible blossoms.
Deeper Meaning: Collecting the essence of experience. Each “flower” represents a lesson learned through practice.
Martial Application: Grabbing and controlling techniques that “pick” weapons or limbs from opponents.
56. Lan Caihe’s Treasure Offering - Lan Cai He Xian Bao (蓝采和献宝)
Lan Caihe Presents the Treasure
Presenting movements with both hands on the staff.
Deeper Meaning: The treasure is the teaching itself - the form offered to future generations.
Martial Application: Two-handed power strikes that commit full body structure to decisive techniques.
57. Cao Guojiu’s Page Turning - Cao Guo Jiu Fan Shu (曹国舅翻书)
Cao Guojiu Turns His Books
Flipping motions suggesting the turning of scroll pages.
Deeper Meaning: Each page represents a level of understanding. The movement through the form is like reading a living scripture.
Martial Application: Reversing techniques that “turn” the opponent’s structure and balance.
58. Li Tieguai’s Skyward Kick - Tie Guai Li Du Jiao Deng Tian (铁拐李独脚蹬天)
Tie Guai Li Kicks to Heaven with One Leg
High kicks while using the staff for support.
Deeper Meaning: Despite physical limitations, the spirit soars. This represents transcendence of bodily restrictions.
Martial Application: High kicks combined with staff strikes, using the weapon for balance while attacking with legs.
59. Zhang Guolao’s Raised Whip - Zhang Guo Lao Ju Bian (张果老举鞭)
Zhang Guolao Raises His Whip
Upward whipping motions with the staff.
Deeper Meaning: The whip that controls his magical donkey represents mastery over the vehicle of consciousness.
Martial Application: Whipping strikes using the flexibility of the staff to generate accelerated tip speed.
60. Rooting in the Earth - Luo Di Sheng Gen (落地生根)
Root into the Ground
The staff returns to earth, the practitioner settling into stillness.
Deeper Meaning: After the journey through transformation, we return to ground ourselves in reality. Spiritual achievement must be rooted in practical life.
Martial Application: Grounding techniques that establish unshakeable structure, preparing for the next encounter.
61. Closing the Circle - Shou Shi (收势)
Contraction and Finishing
The practitioner returns to the opening position, but transformed by the journey.
Deeper Meaning: The end is the beginning - the circular nature of Daoist practice. Each completion opens the door to deeper understanding.
Martial Application: Alert readiness maintained even in closing, recognizing that true mastery means never being “finished.”
The Living Tradition
The Baxian Gun remains one of Wudang’s most closely guarded treasures, traditionally taught only to inner-door disciples who have demonstrated both martial skill and moral cultivation. Its 61 movements create a complete system that develops every aspect of staff fighting while simultaneously serving as a vehicle for internal development.
What makes this form unique among staff methods is its integration of performance elements from each immortal - the practitioner doesn’t merely execute techniques but embodies archetypal energies. This theatrical quality doesn’t diminish its combat effectiveness; rather, it adds layers of deception and psychological warfare to the physical techniques.
The practice transforms over years of cultivation. Beginners focus on coordinating the body with the staff, learning to extend their yi (intention) through the weapon. Intermediate practitioners discover the energetic connections between movements, feeling how each technique flows naturally into the next through the principle of continuous change. Advanced practitioners transcend technique altogether, allowing the immortals’ spirits to move through them spontaneously.
In combat application, the Baxian Gun practitioner presents a bewildering array of energies - sometimes hard as iron, sometimes flowing as water, sometimes intoxicated with divine madness, sometimes clear as mountain air. This unpredictability, rooted in philosophical principle rather than random motion, makes the style particularly effective against those who rely on analyzing patterns.
The form teaches that true martial power comes not from physical strength or technical perfection, but from alignment with natural principles and the cultivation of spirit. Each immortal represents a different path to this power - through healing, scholarship, music, simplicity, transformation, celebration, beauty, or unconventional wisdom. The complete practitioner learns to access all these qualities as needed, becoming not just a fighter but a complete human being.
Training in Baxian Gun changes more than martial ability. Students report increased creativity, better problem-solving skills, and a more flexible approach to life’s challenges. The constant shifting between different immortals’ energies develops mental agility and emotional range. The philosophical depths embedded in each movement provide contemplation material for a lifetime.
This is why the form remains secret even in our age of video tutorials and online learning. The movements can be copied, but their essence must be transmitted from teacher to student through years of careful cultivation. The Baxian Gun isn’t just learned - it’s received, absorbed, and ultimately lived. When performed with full understanding, it becomes a bridge between the earthly and divine, a martial prayer in motion, and a practical fighting system of devastating effectiveness. In the end, the practitioner discovers that they haven’t just learned a staff form - they’ve been initiated into an ancient stream of wisdom that flows from the mists of Wudang into the modern world, carrying the immortals’ blessings to all who sincerely seek the Way.