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What is Grand Master Bao Ren Wang's Background? According to legend, Wudang Shengong Tai Chi Quan was developed and practiced during the Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties by Zhang San Feng, a Wudang Mountain Taoist. "History suggests that Zhang San Feng was responsible for synthesizing the wushu of the common people with the internal methodology and philosphical principles of Daoism. Zhang San Feng created Wudang wushu by researching the basic theory of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and the Eight Diagrams (Ba Gua)."(*) There are four levels to cultivate while learning this Qigong: 1.Sung Yang Yuen Wan Gong (emphasizes Tai Chi softness and correct breathing) 2.Shen Yang Shuen Dan Gong (emphasizes Qi circulation, balance control, and mind control) 3.Jong Yang Jiu Juen Gong (emphasizes Qi and Ji, and Wushu energy cultivation) 4.Gu Yang Wu Chen Gong (combined Taoist and Buddhist techniques for health and longevity) Each level has its own special characteristics, which ultimately demonstrate the harmonizing influence of Chi leading to softness, and softness embedding hardness. Hardness and softness coexist and are complementary to one other. The practice of Wudang Shengong is similar to the practice of Qigong that requires directing Chi to proper paths. Softness cultivates Chi, which in turn increases blood circulation, energizes and consequently rejuvenates the whole body. By absorbing the energy from the cosmos, one’s life force will be strengthened and the five qualities of Tai Chi Quan (Fearlessness, Wisdom, Chi, Jing and Spirit) can attain their highest level. During the period of Chien-lung (1735-96) of the Qing Dynasty, Wudang Shengong Tai Chi Quan was taught in the Shangyang area (Ho pei Province). A leader of the White Lotus Sect (an ancient secret society), Wang Yuen became expert at this Wushu. After the failure of the While Lotus Rebellion, Wang Yuen Shen fled to a small village in Shangyang, hiding as a farmer. From that time on, Wang Yuen Shen secretly taught this Shengong Tai Chi Quan only to his children who had enlightenment qualities. Wang Yan Chun (a 4th generation descendent of Wang Yuen Shen, and grandfather of Wang Bao Ren) inherited this secret Wushu. He helped in the I-ho Quan (righteous harmony fists or Boxer Rebellion), fighting against the Eight Powers (British, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and US) to ward off colonial influence. After the rebellion failed, Wang Yan Chun fled to his hometown of Hangzhou, Zhejiang. In 1903, the Governor of Southeastern China hired him as police captain and to help to build the military forces. In 1927 Wang Yan Chun retired and once again returned to his hometown as a farmer. In 1943 he started teaching and training his grandson Wang Bao Ren in Wudang Shengong Tai Chi Quan. Three years later Wang Bao Ren traveled to further cultivate his skill. Later he joined the Red Army. After the revolution, Wang Bao Ren worked in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. With the resumption of his civilian life, Wang Bao Ren began to become enlightened and refined and choreographed the Wudang Shengong Tai Chi Quan. In May 1980, Master Wang demonstrated Shengong Tai Chi Quan at the National Martial Arts Schools Competition Event. After centuries of secrecy, the Wudang Shengong Tai Chi Quan was re-introduced to, and recognized by the public in China Master Wang now works as a consultant at the Wudang Martial Arts Research Institute and is an instructor at Zhejiang Univerisy. Traditionally, Master Wang has always taught to individually selected students in China. For this reason, his visit to the U.S. to share this uncommon form of Tai Chi Quan is a very special opportunity. Although the movements of Wudang Shengong Tai Chi Quan are soft, smooth and very articulate in appearance, each movement can be applied in self-defense. Therefore, practitioners must not only have a kind nature, they also must be persistent, hardworking and be of good conduct. As the saying goes: if you practice quan properly, you will behave properly. Quan and body are integrated in one unity. Master Wang maintains that consistant practice and commitment will enhance the qualities of Wudang Shengong Tai Chi Quan. Wudang Shengong Tai Chi Quan Lineage: Zhang San Feng 1247->approx 1563 taught Wudang Xuan Wu Men (The major Wudang Martial Arts Family)  taught Wang Yan Shen 1775-1862 (Wang Shi Neng's grandfather)  taught Wang Shi Neng 1826-1915 (Wang Yan Chun's grandfather)  taught Wang Yan Chun 1877-1964 (Wang Bao Ren's grandfather)  taught Wang Bao Ren 1930 Biography of Master Ling Zhen  Michael Y. Wang (no relation to Master Wang), has been a student of Master Wang for the past 10 years. His Chinese name is YuanLong Wang. Yuanlong means Dragon since he was born in the year of Dragon). His gongfu studying name is: Ling Zhen Zi, given to him by Grand Master Wang as his special Wudang student, means to build a true gongfu body with nature of the Heaven and Earth. So, he goes by Michael, Dragon or Master Ling Zhen. Michael is the professional member and authorized Martial Arts Master of China National WUDANG Martial Arts Association. He started learning Wudang gongfu arts such as tai chi and xingyi when he was was a youth. He has had great improvement in his Martial Arts movements since he learned Wudang shengong tai chi and qigong from Grand Master Bao Ren Wang in the past ten years. He hopes that we take this special opportunity to learn true Wudang gongfu from Grand Master Wang this summer.

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