Wudang San Feng Taiji 108 Steps

[The_Neidan_Master]

Introduction to Wudang San Feng Taiji

Wudang San Feng Taiji 108 Shi (武当三丰太极108式, Wǔdāng Sān Fēng Tàijí 108 Shì) is a profound and historically significant form of Taiji (太极, Tàijí) that originates from China’s sacred Wudang Mountains. Named after the legendary Daoist immortal Zhang San Feng (张三丰, Zhāng Sān Fēng), who is traditionally credited with creating Taiji principles, this 108-movement form represents one of the most complete expressions of Wudang internal martial arts.

What distinguishes this form is its exclusive practice within Wudang Mountain tradition. While the fundamental 13-movement “Mother Form” (太极十三势, Tàijí Shísān Shì) is reserved for only eight senior monks per generation (one from each major temple), the 108 Shi is part of the standard training curriculum for all Wudang Daoist monks.

The 108 Shi incorporates and expands upon the essential 13 movements, organizing them into a flowing sequence of eight distinct routines. This comprehensive form serves as both a profound meditation in motion and a complete martial system, with each movement containing both defensive and offensive applications.

Core Principles

The practice of Wudang San Feng Taiji 108 Shi emphasizes several key principles:

1. Relaxation (松, sōng): The practitioner must maintain a relaxed body throughout the form, avoiding tension or stiffness.

2. Slowness (慢, màn): Movements are performed at a deliberate, unhurried pace, allowing for deep concentration and proper energy cultivation.

3. Dan Tian Focus (丹田, Dāntián): Power is generated from the lower abdomen, considered the body’s energy center in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

4. Continuous Flow (连贯, liánguàn): Movements transition smoothly from one to another without interruption.

5. Martial Intent (意, yì): Each movement contains practical martial applications, though these are often concealed within the graceful exterior.

The Eight Routines

The 108 movements are divided into eight distinct routines (路, lù), each with its own character and focus. Let’s explore each routine in detail.

Routine 1 (第一路, Dì Yī Lù): Foundations and Opening Sequences

The first routine establishes the fundamental patterns and energy flows that will be developed throughout the form.

1. Yu Bei Shi (预备式, Yù Bèi Shì) - Preparatory Posture

   • The practitioner stands with feet shoulder-width apart, arms hanging naturally at the sides.
   • This position allows the body to center itself before beginning the form.

2. Qi Shi (起式, Qǐ Shì) - Beginning Movement

   • Arms rise slowly as weight shifts slightly backward.
   • This movement initiates the circulation of qi (energy) through the body.

3. Tui Bu Beng Shi (退步崩式, Tuì Bù Bēng Shì) - Step Back to Blow Straight

   • A backward step combined with a forward directional energy.
   • This introduces the concept of opposing forces within a single movement.

4. Lan Que Wei (揽雀尾, Lǎn Què Wěi) - Grasp the Bird’s Tail

   • A sequence combining four essential energies: ward-off (掤, péng), roll-back (捋, lǚ), press (挤, jǐ), and push (按, àn).
   • This movement represents one of the core techniques from the original 13 movements.

5. Zheng Dan Bian (正单鞭, Zhèng Dān Biān) - Straight Single Whip

   • The body turns with extended arm forming a curved “whip” shape.
   • This posture appears multiple times throughout the form, serving as a transitional movement.

6. Ti Shou Shang Shi (提手上势, Tí Shǒu Shàng Shì) - Lift Hands and Step Up

   • The hands rise as the body advances forward.
   • This cultivates upward energy flow while maintaining rooted stability.

7. Bai He Liang Chi (白鹤亮翅, Bái Hè Liàng Chì) - White Crane Spreads Wings

   • Arms extend outward like crane wings.
   • This movement emphasizes balanced extension and centered stability.

8. Zuo Lou Xi Ya Bu (左搂膝拗步, Zuǒ Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush Left Knee and Twist Step

   • A diagonal movement with one hand brushing past the knee while the other arcs overhead.
   • This introduces spiraling energy (chan si jin, 缠丝劲) into the form.

9. Shou Hui Pipa (手挥琵琶, Shǒu Huī Pípa) - Hands Strum Lute

   • Resembling the playing of a traditional Chinese instrument.
   • This movement develops wrist flexibility and refined hand control.

10-18. The first routine continues with repetitions and variations of these core movements, establishing the fundamental patterns that will be developed throughout the form.

Routine 2 (第二路, Dì Èr Lù): Expanding Dynamics

The second routine introduces more complex movements and begins to explore different energy directions.

19. Dao Nian Hou (倒撵猴, Dào Niǎn Hóu) - Step Back to Drive Away the Monkey

• A defensive movement involving shifting weight backward while maintaining forward intent.
• This cultivates the ability to neutralize an opponent’s energy while preparing a counter.

20. Shuang Cha Zhang (双插掌, Shuāng Chā Zhāng) - Thrust Both Palms Downward

• A double palm strike directed downward.
• This movement trains sinking energy (chen jin, 沉劲).

21-38. These movements continue to build upon the foundation established in Routine 1, introducing more complex weight shifts and directional changes.

Routine 3 (第三路, Dì Sān Lù): Increasing Complexity

The third routine introduces more dynamic movements, including kicks and more pronounced martial applications.

39. Gao Tan Ma (高探马, Gāo Tàn Mǎ) - High Pat on the Horse

• A movement resembling reaching up to pat a horse, requiring balance and coordination.
• This develops the ability to maintain stability while extending upward.

40. Shi Zi You Deng Jiao (十字右蹬脚, Shí Zì Yòu Dēng Jiǎo) - Lion Kick with Right Heel

• The first of several kicks in the form, requiring balance and coordination.
• This cultivates the ability to express power through the legs while maintaining upper body relaxation.

41-60. This section continues with increasingly complex movements that require greater coordination and body awareness.

Routine 4 (第四路, Dì Sì Lù): Consolidation and Refinement

The fourth routine revisits and refines many of the movements introduced earlier, but with greater subtlety and depth.

61. Dao Nian Hou (倒撵猴, Dào Niǎn Hóu) - Step Back to Drive Away the Monkey

• A repetition of the movement from Routine 2, now performed with greater awareness.
• This reinforces the spiral energy patterns established earlier.

62-68. These movements focus on refining the practitioner’s understanding of the core principles through familiar patterns.

Routine 5 (第五路, Dì Wǔ Lù): The Shuttle Sequence

The fifth routine is the shortest, focusing on a specific sequence known as “Fair Lady Works at the Shuttle.”

69. Yu Nv Chuan Suo (玉女穿梭, Yù Nǚ Chuān Suō) - Fair Lady Works at the Shuttle

• A complex sequence involving stepping and turning while maintaining centered balance.
• This movement develops coordination between upper and lower body.

70-71. This brief routine completes with familiar movements from earlier routines.

Routine 6 (第六路, Dì Liù Lù): Advanced Techniques

The sixth routine introduces more sophisticated variations and combinations of earlier movements.

72. Yun Shou (云手, Yún Shǒu) - Wave Hands Like Clouds

• A flowing, circular hand movement performed while stepping sideways.
• This develops the ability to maintain centered balance while in continuous motion.

73-88. This extended sequence develops the practitioner’s capacity for continuous, flowing movement while maintaining internal awareness.

Routine 7 (第七路, Dì Qī Lù): Complex Combinations

The seventh routine integrates techniques from throughout the form into more complex sequences.

89. Yun Shou (云手, Yún Shǒu) - Wave Hands Like Clouds

• Returns to this fundamental movement to begin the seventh routine.
• This establishes a flowing state before transitioning into more dynamic movements.

90-99. This section combines earlier movements into more complex sequences, requiring greater integration of the whole body.

Routine 8 (第八路, Dì Bā Lù): Completion and Return

The final routine brings the form to its conclusion, returning to a state of centered calm.

100. Dan Bian Xia Shi (单鞭下势, Dān Biān Xià Shì) - Push Down with Single Whip

• A variation of the Single Whip posture directed downward.
• This movement emphasizes rooting energy through downward intent.

101-108. The form concludes with a series of movements that gradually return the practitioner to a state of balanced stillness, ending with Bao Hu Gui Shan (抱虎归山, Bào Hǔ Guī Shān) - Hold the Tiger and Return to the Mountain, which symbolizes the containment and integration of the energies cultivated throughout the form.

Martial Applications

Though often practiced as a health exercise and moving meditation, every movement in the Wudang San Feng Taiji 108 Shi contains practical martial applications. These applications generally fall into several categories:

1. Deflections (化, huà): Redirecting an opponent’s force away from its target.
2. Strikes (打, dǎ): Various methods of delivering force to vulnerable points.
3. Locks (拿, ná): Controlling an opponent’s joints or limbs.
4. Throws (摔, shuāi): Uprooting and projecting an opponent.

For example, in Lan Que Wei (Grasp the Bird’s Tail), the sequence contains:

• A ward-off movement that can deflect an incoming strike
• A roll-back that can pull an opponent off balance
• A press that can lock an opponent’s joints
• A push that can project an opponent away

Cultural and Philosophical Significance

The 108 movements carry symbolic significance within Daoist tradition:

• 108 is considered a sacred number in many Eastern traditions
• It represents the multiplicity of existence (36 heavenly spirits × 3 realms)
• The form serves as a physical embodiment of Daoist philosophical principles

In Daoism, the number 108 also corresponds to the concept of returning to original nature through purification. Each movement can be seen as addressing one aspect of human experience that needs refinement.

Practice Guidance

For those beginning study of the Wudang San Feng Taiji 108 Shi, several guidelines are recommended:

1. Learn in Sections: Master each routine before proceeding to the next.
2. Focus on Relaxation: As noted in the original text, relaxation (松, sōng) is paramount.
3. Maintain Slow Pace: Speed sacrifices quality and internal awareness.
4. Develop Dan Tian Awareness: All movements should connect to and express energy from the lower abdomen.
5. Seek Qualified Instruction: Due to the subtleties involved, learning from an experienced teacher is invaluable.

The Wudang San Feng Taiji 108 Shi represents one of the most complete systems of traditional Taiji practice. With its origins in the sacred Wudang Mountains and its connection to the legendary Zhang San Feng, it carries both practical martial wisdom and profound philosophical insights.

Through diligent practice of this form, practitioners can develop physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual awareness—the three treasures that Daoist tradition has always sought to cultivate. Whether approached as a martial art, health exercise, or spiritual discipline, the 108 movements offer a lifetime’s journey of discovery and refinement.

As expressed in Daoist philosophy: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” For the practitioner of Wudang San Feng Taiji 108 Shi, that journey continues with each of the 108 steps of this magnificent form.

Complete List of the 108 Movements

Routine 1 (第一路, Dì Yī Lù)

1. Yu Bei Shi (预备式, Yù Bèi Shì) - Preparatory Posture
2. Qi Shi (起式, Qǐ Shì) - Beginning Movement
3. Tui Bu Beng Shi (退步崩式, Tuì Bù Bēng Shì) - Step Backward to Blow Straight
4. Lan Que Wei (揽雀尾, Lǎn Què Wěi) - Grasp the Bird’s Tail
5. Zheng Dan Bian (正单鞭, Zhèng Dān Biān) - Straight Single Whip
6. Ti Shou Shang Shi (提手上势, Tí Shǒu Shàng Shì) - Lift the Hands and Step Up
7. Bai He Liang Chi (白鹤亮翅, Bái Hè Liàng Chì) - White Crane Spreads Its Wing
8. Zuo Lou Xi Ya Bu (左搂膝拗步, Zuǒ Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush the Left Knee and Twist the Leg
9. Shou Hui Pipa (手挥琵琶, Shǒu Huī Pípa) - Hands Strum Lute
10. Bai He Liang Chi (白鹤亮翅, Bái Hè Liàng Chì) - White Crane Spreads Its Wing
11. Zuo Lou Xi Ya Bu (左搂膝拗步, Zuǒ Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush the Left Knee and Twist the Leg
12. You Lou Xi Ya Bu (右搂膝拗步, Yòu Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush the Right Knee and Twist the Leg
13. Zuo Lou Xi Ya Bu (左搂膝拗步, Zuǒ Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush the Left Knee and Twist the Leg
14. Shou Hui Pipa (手挥琵琶, Shǒu Huī Pípa) - Hands Strum Lute
15. Shang Bu Ban Lan Chui (上步搬拦捶, Shàng Bù Bān Lán Chuí) - Step Up, Parry and Punch
16. Ru Feng Si Bi (如封似闭, Rú Fēng Sì Bì) - Apparent Close-Up
17. Shi Zi Shou (十字手, Shí Zì Shǒu) - Cross Hands
18. Bao Hu Gui Shan (抱虎归山, Bào Hǔ Guī Shān) - Hold the Tiger and Return to the Mountain

Routine 2 (第二路, Dì Èr Lù)

19. Dao Nian Hou (倒撵猴, Dào Niǎn Hóu) - Step Backward to Drive Away the Monkey
20. Shuang Cha Zhang (双插掌, Shuāng Chā Zhāng) - Thrust Both Palms Downward
21. Xie Chuan Zhang (斜穿掌, Xié Chuān Zhāng) - Oblique Thrust the Palm
22. Lan Que Wei (揽雀尾, Lǎn Què Wěi) - Grasp the Bird’s Tail
23. Xie Dan Bian (斜单鞭, Xié Dān Biān) - Oblique Single Whip
24. Zhou Di Chui (肘底捶, Zhǒu Dǐ Chuí) - Punch Under Elbow
25. You Lou Xi Ya Bu (右搂膝拗步, Yòu Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush the Right Knee and Twist the Leg
26. Dao Juan Hong (倒卷肱, Dào Juǎn Hóng) - Step Back and Whirl Arms on Both Sides
27. Xie Fei Shi (斜飞式, Xié Fēi Shì) - Oblique Flying
28. Xu Bu Tui Zhang (虚步推掌, Xū Bù Tuī Zhāng) - Push Palms in Empty Step
29. Ti Shou Shang Shi (提手上势, Tí Shǒu Shàng Shì) - Lift Hands and Step Up
30. Bai He Liang Chi (白鹤亮翅, Bái Hè Liàng Chì) - White Crane Spreads Its Wing
31. Zuo Lou Xi Ya Bu (左搂膝拗步, Zuǒ Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush the Left Knee and Twist the Leg
32. Hai Di Zhen (海底针, Hǎi Dǐ Zhēn) - Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
33. Shan Shen Ban Lan Chui (闪身搬拦捶, Shǎn Shēn Bān Lán Chuí) - Flash the Body, Step Up, Parry and Punch
34. Tui Chuang Wang Yue (推窗望月, Tuī Chuāng Wàng Yuè) - Open the Window and Watch the Moon
35. Lan Que Wei (揽雀尾, Lǎn Què Wěi) - Grasp the Bird’s Tail
36. Zheng Dan Bian (正单鞭, Zhèng Dān Biān) - Straight Single Whip
37. Yun Shou (云手, Yún Shǒu) - Wave Hands Like Clouds
38. Zheng Dan Bian (正单鞭, Zhèng Dān Biān) - Straight Single Whip

Routine 3 (第三路, Dì Sān Lù)

39. Gao Tan Ma (高探马, Gāo Tàn Mǎ) - High Pat on the Horse
40. Shi Zi You Deng Jiao (十字右蹬脚, Shí Zì Yòu Dēng Jiǎo) - Lion Kick with the Right Heel
41. Shi Zi Zuo Deng Jiao (十字左蹬脚, Shí Zì Zuǒ Dēng Jiǎo) - Lion Kick with the Left Heel
42. Zhuan Shen Zuo Lou Xi Ya Bu (转身左搂膝拗步, Zhuǎn Shēn Zuǒ Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Turn Body Left, Brush the Left Knee and Twist Step
43. You Lou Xi Ya Bu (右搂膝拗步, Yòu Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush the Right Knee and Twist the Leg
44. Shang Bu Fu Hu Chui (上步伏虎捶, Shàng Bù Fú Hǔ Chuí) - Step Up to Tame the Tiger with Fist
45. Shan Tong Bei (闪通背, Shǎn Tōng Bèi) - Deflect with the Arm
46. Shang Bu Ban Lan Chui (上步搬拦捶, Shàng Bù Bān Lán Chuí) - Step Up, Parry and Punch
47. Xiao Qin Na Shou (小擒拿手, Xiǎo Qín Ná Shǒu) - Catch and Hold
48. You Ti Tui (右踢腿, Yòu Tī Tuǐ) - Right Leg Kick
49. Zuo Da Hu Shi (左打虎式, Zuǒ Dǎ Hǔ Shì) - Beat the Tiger-Left Style
50. You Da Hu Shi (右打虎式, Yòu Dǎ Hǔ Shì) - Beat the Tiger-Right Style
51. You Tan Tui (右弹腿, Yòu Tán Tuǐ) - Right Leg Kicking
52. Shuang Cha Zhang (双插掌, Shuāng Chā Zhāng) - Thrust Both Palms Downward
53. Shuang Feng Guan Er (双风贯耳, Shuāng Fēng Guàn Ěr) - Strike the Opponent’s Ear with Both Fists
54. Shi Zi Shou (十字手, Shí Zì Shǒu) - Cross Hands
55. Kua Hu Shi (跨虎式, Kuà Hǔ Shì) - Mount the Tiger
56. Du Li Shi (独立式, Dú Lì Shì) - Stand on One Leg
57. Shang Bu Ban Lan Chui (上步搬拦捶, Shàng Bù Bān Lán Chuí) - Step Up, Parry and Punch
58. Ru Feng Si Bi (如封似闭, Rú Fēng Sì Bì) - Apparent Close-Up
59. Shi Zi Shou (十字手, Shí Zì Shǒu) - Cross Hands
60. Bao Hu Gui Shan (抱虎归山, Bào Hǔ Guī Shān) - Hold the Tiger and Return to the Mountain

Routine 4 (第四路, Dì Sì Lù)61. Dao Nian Hou (倒撵猴, Dào Niǎn Hóu) - Step Backward to Drive Away the Monkey

62. Shuang Cha Zhang (双插掌, Shuāng Chā Zhāng) - Thrust Both Palms Downward
63. Xie Chuan Zhang (斜穿掌, Xié Chuān Zhāng) - Oblique Thrust Palms
64. Lan Que Wei (揽雀尾, Lǎn Què Wěi) - Grasp the Bird’s Tail
65. Dan Bian (单鞭, Dān Biān) - Single Whip
66. Ye Ma Fen Zong (野马分鬃, Yě Mǎ Fēn Zōng) - Part the Mane of Wild Horse
67. Lan Que Wei (揽雀尾, Lǎn Què Wěi) - Grasp the Bird’s Tail
68. Zheng Dan Bian (正单鞭, Zhèng Dān Biān) - Straight Single Whip

Routine 5 (第五路, Dì Wǔ Lù)

69. Yu Nv Chuan Suo (玉女穿梭, Yù Nǚ Chuān Suō) - Fair Lady Works at the Shuttle
70. Lan Que Wei (揽雀尾, Lǎn Què Wěi) - Grasp the Bird’s Tail
71. Zheng Dan Bian (正单鞭, Zhèng Dān Biān) - Straight Single Whip

Routine 6 (第六路, Dì Liù Lù)

72. Yun Shou (云手, Yún Shǒu) - Wave Hands Like in the Clouds
73. Zheng Dan Bian (正单鞭, Zhèng Dān Biān) - Straight Single Whip
74. Dan Bian Xia Shi (单鞭下势, Dān Biān Xià Shì) - Push Down with Single Whip
75. Dan Bian You Xia Shi (单鞭右下势, Dān Biān Yòu Xià Shì) - Push Down at the Right with Single Whip
76. Du Li Suo Hou Shui (独立锁喉水, Dú Lì Suǒ Hóu Shuǐ) - Block the Throat with One Leg Standing
77. Dao Juan Hong (倒卷肱, Dào Juǎn Hóng) - Step Back and Whirl Arms on Both Sides
78. Xie Fei Shi (斜飞式, Xié Fēi Shì) - Oblique Fly
79. Xu Bu Tui Zhang (虚步推掌, Xū Bù Tuī Zhāng) - Push Palms in Empty Step
80. Ti Shou Shang Shi (提手上势, Tí Shǒu Shàng Shì) - Lift the Hands and Step Up
81. Bai He Liang Chi (白鹤亮翅, Bái Hè Liàng Chì) - White Crane Spreads Its Wing
82. Zuo Lou Xi Ya Bu (左搂膝拗步, Zuǒ Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush the Left Knee and Twist the Leg
83. Hai Di Zhen (海底针, Hǎi Dǐ Zhēn) - Needle at the Bottom
84. Shan Tong Bei (闪通背, Shǎn Tōng Bèi) - Deflect with the Arm
85. Ying Mian Chui (迎面捶, Yíng Miàn Chuí) - Straight Punch
86. Shang Bu Ban Lan Chui (上步搬拦捶, Shàng Bù Bān Lán Chuí) - Step Up, Parry and Punch
87. Lan Que Wei (揽雀尾, Lǎn Què Wěi) - Grasp the Bird’s Tail
88. Zheng Dan Bian (正单鞭, Zhèng Dān Biān) - Straight Single Whip

Routine 7 (第七路, Dì Qī Lù)

89. Yun Shou (云手, Yún Shǒu) - Wave Hands Like in the Clouds
90. Gao Tan Ma (高探马, Gāo Tàn Mǎ) - High Pat on the Horse
91. Xie Chuan Zhang (斜穿掌, Xié Chuān Zhāng) - Oblique Thrust the Palm
92. You Xie Cha Jiao (右斜插脚, Yòu Xié Chā Jiǎo) - Insert the Right Feet at the Back
93. Zuo Lou Xi Ya Bu (左搂膝拗步, Zuǒ Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush the Left Knee and Twist the Leg
94. Shi Zi You Deng Jiao (十字右蹬脚, Shí Zì Yòu Dēng Jiǎo) - Lion Kick with the Right Heel
95. You Lou Xi Ya Bu (右搂膝拗步, Yòu Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù) - Brush the Right Knee and Twist the Leg
96. Zuo Qie Zhang (左切掌, Zuǒ Qiē Zhāng) - Left Cutting Palm
97. Zhi Tang Chui (直撞捶, Zhí Zhuàng Chuí) - Straight Punching
98. Lan Que Wei (揽雀尾, Lǎn Què Wěi) - Grasp the Bird’s Tail
99. Zheng Dan Bian (正单鞭, Zhèng Dān Biān) - Straight Single Whip

Routine 8 (第八路, Dì Bā Lù)

100. Dan Bian Xia Shi (单鞭下势, Dān Biān Xià Shì) - Push Down with Single Whip
101. Shang Bu Qi Xing (上步七星, Shàng Bù Qī Xīng) - Step Up to Seven Stars
102. Tui Bu Kua Hu (退步跨虎, Tuì Bù Kuà Hǔ) - Step Back to Ride the Tiger
103. Shuang Bai Lian (双摆莲, Shuāng Bǎi Lián) - Double Swing Lotus
104. Wan Gong She Hu (弯弓射虎, Wān Gōng Shè Hǔ) - Bend the Bow to Shoot the Tiger
105. Shang Bu Ban Lan Chui (上步搬拦捶, Shàng Bù Bān Lán Chuí) - Step Up, Parry and Punch
106. Ru Feng Si Bi (如封似闭, Rú Fēng Sì Bì) - Apparent Close-Up
107. Shi Zi Shou (十字手, Shí Zì Shǒu) - Cross Hands
108. Bao Hu Gui Shan (抱虎归山, Bào Hǔ Guī Shān) - Hold the Tiger and Return to the Mountain