An integrated path in an unbroken transmission within a living temple tradition.
a holistic perspective on this traditional art.
In the quiet mountains of Pai, Thailand, this retreat offers a structured opportunity to learn the 7-Star Sword Form from the Wudang style from the ground up.
The focus is on precise movement, body mechanics, and understanding the weapon.
Beyond pure technique: The sword(Jiàn) holds a special place in Daoist tradition. It is seen not only as a weapon but also as a symbol of clarity, resolve, and the focused mind.
During this retreat, we will explore how the precise practice of the sword can contribute to cultivating mindfulness and inner structure – a holistic perspective on this traditional art.
By the end of the week, you will have learned a traditional sword form and gained the foundational skills to deepen your practice independently.
Wudang Chun Yang Pai (Pure Yang School) – An ancient Tradition
The lineage is the Wudang Chun Yang Pai (武當純陽派), a direct transmission from the sacred Wudang Mountains, the heartland of Daoist martial and spiritual arts.
The Lineage Holder: Li Shifu
(Abbot Xing De)
Li Shifu (born 1964) is the Abbot of the Wu Xian Miao (Temple of the Five Immortals) on Bai Ma Shan (White Horse Mountain) in the Wudang range. His path began with Shaolin and Wudang martial arts at age 12, followed by deep study of classical religious and philosophical texts.
In 1996, he retreated to the Wudang mountains to become a Daoist monk. Under extreme conditions, he mastered martial arts, Daoist healing, rituals, and music. In 2000, following the passing of his master, Abbess Tao Fa Zhen (29th generation Long Men), he was appointed as her successor. He now serves as Abbot, Ceremony Master, and High Priest of the "Pure Yang School."
The Journey: Discipleship and Practice
After severals years of Shaolin practice, Nicolas decided to go to the Wudang Mountains in order to learn more about the culture, the daoist tradtion and the healing arts (Dao Yi).
In 2015, Master Li formally accepted Nicolas as his disciple into the 24th generation of the lineage. In a full-moon ceremony, he bestowed upon him the Daoist name 誠禮 (Chéng Lǐ), meaning "Sincere Propriety." Since then Nicolas has been practicing and teaching the Chun Yang Arts with devotion.
Teachings and Specialties
Authentic Wudang Swordsmanship
The core is the Wudang Pure Yang Sword, a treasure of this lineage traced back to the immortal Lü Dong Bin. It is more than technique; it is an alchemical practice that unifies body, breath, and spirit with the weapon, harnessing internal power and the symbolism of the Big Dipper (Seven Stars).
Complete Wudang Kung Fu System
Chun Yang Pai Kung Fu is a complete martial system, originally preserved during wartime by Immortal Master Wang Zhi Dao of the Five Dragons Temple and later disseminated by Immortal Master Liu Li Hang. This system was formally transmitted back into the monastic tradition at Five Immortals Temple.
Holistic Daoist Arts
Beyond martial forms, this practice encompasses internal cultivation:
Inner Alchemy (Way of the Elixir): For refining energy and consciousness.
Daoist Qi Gong: For health, vitality and longevity.
Daoist Medicine and Healing Arts.
Ritual, Music, and Ceremonial Practice.
Distinct Character
An integrated path in a unbroken transmission within a living temple tradition. The Chun Yang Style practice bridges explosive martial power with soft, flowing movement, and physical discipline with profound spiritual cultivation.
