Introduction
Xuangong Dao (玄功刀, Xuán Gōng Dāo), also known as the Mystical Form Broadsword, is a traditional Chinese martial arts weapon form belonging to the Wudang Xuangong School. This elegant form consists of 43 postures that showcase various techniques including cutting, sweeping, hooking, tangling, and upper cutting. When practiced correctly, the Xuangong Dao resembles a dragon rushing out of water, embodying both power and fluidity.
The Wudang Mountains in China are renowned for their martial arts traditions, and the Xuangong Dao represents an important component of this heritage. The form combines physical technique with internal energy cultivation, making it not just a combat form but also a practice for developing one’s internal strength and spiritual awareness.
Historical Context of Wudang Martial Arts
The Wudang martial arts tradition includes several “men” (门, mén) or gates: Taiji (太极, Tài Jí), Xingyi (形意, Xíng Yì), Bagua (八卦, Bā Guà), Baji (八极, Bā Jí), Baxian (八仙, Bā Xiān), Xuangong (玄功, Xuán Gōng) meaning “mystic work,” Liuhe (六合, Liù Hé), and Jiugong (九宫, Jiǔ Gōng). Xuangong, which means “mystic work,” focuses on developing internal power while executing external movements.
Wudang martial arts trace their lineage back to the Daoist traditions of Wudang Mountain. Many practitioners claim connection to Zhang San Feng (张三丰, Zhāng Sānfēng), who is credited with creating internal martial arts (内家拳, Nèi Jiā Quán) after being inspired by witnessing a snake defending itself against a bird.
The Dao (刀, dāo) or broadsword is considered one of the four traditional weapons in Chinese martial arts, alongside the gun (棍, gùn) or staff, qiang (枪, qiāng) or spear, and jian (剑, jiàn) or straight sword. The dao is typically single-edged and designed primarily for slashing and chopping motions, though many variations have developed throughout Chinese history.
Understanding the Broadsword (Dao)
Before explaining the form itself, it’s important to understand the weapon:
The dao (刀, dāo) in Chinese martial arts refers to a single-edged curved blade, commonly translated as “broadsword.” It features an oval-shaped hand guard with the concave side facing the blade, and the handle typically has a slight downward cant with an oblong pommel adorned with a sash tassel.
The traditional dao techniques include thirteen primary methods:
- Cutting (砍, kǎn)
- Mincing (剁, duò)
- Rowing (划, huá)
- Poking (戒, jiè)
- Scraping (刮, guā)
- Flicking (撩, liáo)
- Stabbing (扎, zhā)
- Chopping (劈, pī)
- Fanning (扇, shàn)
- Blocking (反, fǎn)
- Sliding (挽, wǎn)
- Twirling (缭, liáo)
- Slicing (撤, chè)
The Importance of Internal Work in Xuangong Dao
Focused internal work is extremely important for this form. Unlike many external martial arts styles that emphasize muscular strength and power, the Xuangong Dao requires practitioners to develop and utilize their internal energy (气, qì) to execute movements with both power and grace.
This internal focus is characteristic of Wudang martial arts, which emphasize the cultivation of qi along with physical technique. When practicing the form, attention should be given to proper breathing, energy flow, body alignment, and mental focus, allowing the practitioner to manifest the form’s dragon-like quality.
Detailed Explanation of Xuangong Dao Postures
Below is a detailed explanation of each posture in the form. Note that while 29 named postures are listed here, some postures include multiple movements or variations that collectively make up the full 43 movements of the complete form:
1. 起势 (Qǐ Shì) - Get Ready
Purpose: This opening posture establishes your foundation and prepares your body and mind for the form. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the broadsword at your right side with the blade pointing downward. Focus your breathing and center your qi (internal energy) in your dantian (丹田, lower abdomen).
2. 白鹤亮翅 (Bái Hè Liàng Chì) - White Crane Spreads Its Wings
Purpose: This sweeping movement opens your energy channels and establishes control of the weapon. Step forward with your left foot while bringing the broadsword up and across your body in a wide arc, mimicking a crane spreading its wings. This technique creates distance between you and an opponent while preparing for subsequent attacks.
3. 龙腾虎跃 (Lóng Téng Hǔ Yuè) - Dragon Rise and Tigers Leap
Purpose: This dynamic posture combines advancing footwork with powerful cutting actions. The movement resembles a dragon rising from water and a tiger leaping forward - embodying both fluid grace and explosive power. Step forward strongly while executing a powerful diagonal cutting movement, channeling energy from your dantian through your arms to the tip of the blade.
4. 灵官坐殿 (Líng Guān Zuò Diàn) - Intelligent Official Sits in the Hall
Purpose: This posture represents authority and stability. Sink into a solid stance while positioning the broadsword in a defensive position that protects your centerline. This prepares you to respond to attacks from multiple directions and establishes a strong foundation for subsequent movements.
5. 金猫捕鼠 (Jīn Māo Bǔ Shǔ) - Golden Cat Catches Mice
Purpose: This quick, precise movement mimics a cat pouncing on its prey. Execute a sudden thrust or cutting motion with the broadsword while stepping forward lightly. This technique emphasizes accuracy and timing rather than brute force, allowing you to target vulnerable points on an opponent.
6. 流星赶月 (Liú Xīng Gǎn Yuè) - The Meteor Chases the Moon
Purpose: This sweeping overhead movement creates a large circular arc with the broadsword. The blade travels like a meteor streaking across the night sky, generating momentum for powerful cutting techniques. This movement clears a wide area around you and can be used to counter multiple opponents.
7. 黑熊巡山 (Hēi Xióng Xún Shān) - Black Bear Patrols the Mountain
Purpose: This posture emphasizes stability and power. Move with deliberate steps while keeping the broadsword in a ready position, mimicking a bear patrolling its territory. This technique develops root energy and teaches you to maintain awareness of your surroundings while keeping your weapon positioned for quick response.
8. 灵猴缩身 (Líng Hóu Suō Shēn) - Intelligent Monkey Contracts the Body
Purpose: This agile movement involves quickly drawing in your body while maintaining weapon control. Like a monkey’s nimble movements, you contract your form to avoid an incoming attack while positioning yourself for a counter-strike. This teaches body awareness and efficient movement.
9. 青蛇缠柳 (Qīng Shé Chán Liǔ) - Dark Snake Coils Around the Willow Tree
Purpose: This flowing, circular technique wraps the broadsword around your body in coiling movements reminiscent of a snake. This technique develops wrist flexibility and teaches how to redirect an opponent’s force by yielding and then countering with your own attack.
10. 醉仙敬酒 (Zuì Xiān Jìng Jiǔ) - The Drunkard Immortal Proposes Toast
Purpose: This posture mimics the swaying, unpredictable movements of a drunk immortal. The seemingly off-balance positioning masks your true intentions, creating deceptive angles for attack. This technique teaches how to use misdirection and unexpected timing to overcome an opponent.
11. 拦扫左右 (Lán Sǎo Zuǒ Yòu) - Intercept and Sweep from Both Sides
Purpose: This technique involves sweeping motions to both left and right sides, clearing potential threats in a wide area. The broadsword moves horizontally in alternating directions, creating a protective zone around you. This develops ambidextrous control and teaches how to manage multiple opponents.
12. 偷步扫腿 (Tōu Bù Sǎo Tuǐ) - Sweep the Hoof Swiftly
Purpose: This low sweeping technique targets an opponent’s legs or feet. With a quick, stealthy step, you bring the broadsword in a low arc to destabilize your opponent. This teaches the importance of attacking an opponent’s foundation and creates opportunities for follow-up strikes.
13. 力劈华山 (Lì Pī Huá Shān) - Chop Hua Shan Mountain Forcefully
Purpose: This powerful downward cutting movement channels your full body strength into a decisive strike. Named after splitting the famous mountain, this technique teaches how to unify your internal energy with physical movement for maximum impact. This is one of the most direct and powerful techniques in the form.
14. 金鸡独立 (Jīn Jī Dú Lì) - Golden Pheasant Stands on One Leg
Purpose: This balancing posture requires standing on one leg while maintaining weapon control. Like a pheasant poised on one leg, you develop stability while keeping your weapon ready. This posture develops lower body strength, balance, and concentration - all critical for effective weapon handling.
15. 进步中刺 (Jìn Bù Zhōng Cì) - Forward Step to Thrust
Purpose: This direct attacking movement combines advancing footwork with a central thrust. Step forward decisively while extending the broadsword in a straight line. This technique teaches proper body alignment and how to project energy through the weapon for penetrating power.
16. 双劈连环 (Shuāng Pī Lián Huán) - Chop with Two Hands Continually
Purpose: This sequence involves consecutive chopping motions using both hands for control. The continuous nature of the movements creates a flowing chain of attacks that can overwhelm an opponent’s defenses. This technique develops rhythm and teaches how to maintain pressure on an opponent.
17. 迎风献花 (Yíng Fēng Xiàn Huā) - Present the Flowers Down the Wind
Purpose: This graceful movement involves presenting the broadsword in a controlled, ceremonial manner. Despite its elegant appearance, this technique can quickly transform into a devastating cut. This teaches the principle of hiding power within beauty - a core concept in Daoist martial arts.
18. 狮子抬头 (Shī Zi Tái Tóu) - The Lion Raises Its Head
Purpose: This posture involves raising the broadsword while assuming a strong stance, like a lion raising its head to assert dominance. This movement creates space and prepares for subsequent attacks. It develops upper body strength and teaches proper alignment between weapon and body.
19. 推窗望月 (Tuī Chuāng Wàng Yuè) - Open the Window to Enjoy the Moon
Purpose: This technique involves a pushing motion followed by a circular cut. Like opening a window to view the moon, you create an opening in your opponent’s defense before delivering an attack. This teaches the concept of creating opportunity before exploiting it.
20. 雷火炼殿 (Léi Huǒ Liàn Diàn) - Exercise with Big Fire in the Hall
Purpose: This explosive sequence combines rapid strikes like thunderbolts and lightning. The quick, successive movements generate heat and energy in your body while creating multiple attacking angles. This technique develops speed and teaches how to maintain power through rapid transitions.
21. 顺步撩衣 (Shùn Bù Liáo Yī) - Lift the Edge of the Cloths Yieldingly
Purpose: This technique involves a yielding step combined with an upward flicking motion of the broadsword. The subtle movement can catch an opponent by surprise while maintaining your structural integrity. This teaches the principle of using minimum effort for maximum effect.
22. 鹤鸣冲天 (Hè Míng Chōng Tiān) - The Crane Sounds and Flies into the Sky
Purpose: This upward-reaching posture combines vocalization with an ascending movement of the broadsword. Like a crane calling while taking flight, this technique channels energy upward through your body and weapon. This develops coordination between breath and movement - a critical aspect of internal martial arts.
23. 上步旋风 (Shàng Bù Xuán Fēng) - Step Forward Like Tornado
Purpose: This dynamic spinning movement creates centrifugal force for powerful cutting techniques. Step forward while rotating your body and broadsword in a tornado-like motion. This technique develops whole-body coordination and teaches how to generate power through circular movement.
24. 黑熊守山 (Hēi Xióng Shǒu Shān) - Black Bear Defends the Mountain
Purpose: This defensive posture establishes a strong foundation while positioning the broadsword to protect your vital areas. Like a bear defending its territory, you maintain awareness while ready to counter-attack. This technique develops patience and teaches how to absorb and redirect incoming force.
25. 青蛇缠柳 (Qīng Shé Chán Liǔ) - Dark Snake Coils Around the Willow Tree
Purpose: This is a repeat of the earlier posture, reinforcing the important coiling and wrapping techniques of the broadsword. The repetition allows for deeper understanding of the movement principles involved and develops greater fluidity in execution.
26. 白鹤亮翅 (Bái Hè Liàng Chì) - White Crane Spreads Its Wings
Purpose: This is a repeat of the second posture, bringing the form full circle. The familiar movement now performed with greater understanding after practicing the preceding techniques. This repetition reinforces fundamental principles and creates symmetry within the form.
27. 风扫梅花 (Fēng Sǎo Méi Huā) - Plum-blossom are Scattered by the Wind
Purpose: This sweeping technique mimics wind scattering plum blossoms. Execute multiple quick, light cuts in various directions. This technique develops wrist flexibility and teaches how to create unpredictable attacking patterns that can confuse an opponent.
28. 蔡和照镜 (Cài Hé Zhào Jìng) - Lan Caihe Looks at Himself in the Mirror
Purpose: This reflective posture involves positioning the flat of the blade like a mirror. Named after one of the Eight Immortals in Daoist tradition, this technique teaches self-awareness and the ability to see beyond surface appearances. The positioning allows you to check your surroundings while maintaining readiness.
29. 收势 (Shōu Shì) - Finishing Form
Purpose: This closing posture returns the practitioner to a centered, balanced state. Return the broadsword to its starting position while regulating your breathing and consolidating the energy cultivated during the form. This technique teaches proper completion of energy cycles and how to transition from active practice to a state of alert rest.
Additional Postures and Variations
While the 29 named postures form the core framework of the form, the complete 43 movements include variations, transitions, and repeated elements with subtle differences. These additional movements might include:
- Variations of the core techniques performed at different angles or heights
- Transitional movements that connect main postures
- Repeated techniques with different emphasis or application
- Complementary movements that create balanced sequences
- Preparatory and follow-through components of named techniques
Practicing Xuangong Dao - Important Considerations
When practicing the Xuangong Dao form, several key principles should be kept in mind:
- Internal and External Integration (内外合一, Nèi Wài Hé Yī): The form requires proper coordination between external movements and internal energy. Focus on channeling qi from your dantian through your arms to the tip of the blade.
- Fluid Transitions (转换流畅, Zhuǎn Huàn Liú Chàng): Like a dragon moving through water, transitions between postures should be smooth and continuous, maintaining momentum throughout the form.
- Root and Balance (根与平衡, Gēn Yǔ Píng Héng): Despite the dynamic movements, maintain proper rooting and balance, allowing you to generate power from the ground up.
- Breath Coordination (呼吸协调, Hū Xī Xié Tiáo): Synchronize your breathing with the movements - generally inhaling during preparatory movements and exhaling during executions of power.
- Mental Focus (意念集中, Yì Niàn Jí Zhōng): Maintain clear intention and awareness throughout the form, visualizing the applications of each technique.
- Whole Body Movement (整体运动, Zhěng Tǐ Yùn Dòng): Power should come from the entire body working in unison, not just the arms. The waist serves as the director of movement.
- Dragon Spirit (龙之精神, Lóng Zhī Jīng Shén): Embody the spirit of the dragon - powerful yet fluid, fierce yet controlled, earthly yet divine.
The Xuangong Dao (玄功刀, Mystical Form Broadsword) represents an important component of Wudang martial arts heritage. Through its 43 postures, practitioners develop not only combat skills but also internal energy cultivation, body awareness, and spiritual connection.
The form’s dragon-like quality - moving smoothly yet powerfully, like a dragon rushing out of water - embodies the Daoist principles of balance between yin and yang (阴阳, yīn yáng), softness and hardness (刚柔, gāng róu), yielding and advancing (进退, jìn tuì). By practicing with proper attention to both internal and external aspects, practitioners can experience the full depth of this traditional art form.
Whether studied for self-defense, health cultivation, or cultural preservation, the Xuangong Dao offers a rich journey into traditional Chinese martial arts wisdom that remains relevant in the modern world.