Wujiquan: Is it real? Where can I study?

by **Twitchtek** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 6:24 pm

Hello YMAA members. Question regarding an art call Wujuquan. I recently came across this art while browsing for martial arts instruction in the Dallas, TX area. A school I came across (www.wujidomartialarts.com) claims Wujiquan is one of the oldest martial arts and that they teach it. In their claim, they say :

"WujiQuan is to my knowledge the oldest extant Chinese Martial Art. It originates from the former Han Dynasty. It is a distant great grand father of Xingyi Quan. Its principles shape the very core of all extant Chinese Wushu. In Beijing it is pronounced Woo Yee.
It is an incredible technology. I like to compare it to other styles this way. Most martial arts are Newtonian in their use of mechanical physics. WujiQuan is QUANTUMN in how it utilizes both the internal and external forces, form and formless aspects of movement, form, intention, and will. It is extraordinarily impressive as a technology of combat. "

My questions are

1) Is the above mentioned school legit?
2) Is Wujuquan for real and is this school teaching the real thing?
3) If the school is not legit, where can I lean Wujiquan in Texas?
4) If Wujiquan is not real, then what art would be considered the closest in philosophy and theme?

I ask because I find the theme and philosophy in this art quite fascinating. I wish to learn an art with central themes such as primordial emptiness and “quantum mechanics”. Such themes seem inline with a number of my personal beliefs and reasoning. Any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Twitch
[email protected]

by **darth_freak** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 11:22 am

I'd be tempted to say "lol"

by **Twitchtek** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:49 pm

darth_freak, I am afraid I dont quite understand your answer, however I get the feeling you disaprove. May I ask is your disaproval towards the school or towards Wujiquan? Thank you.

by **clairvoyager** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:42 am

That thing about "quantum physics" looks like the typical phrase to catch the eye, however, in the text you quote there is no clue as to how this "quantum physics" are applied. Therefore, it does seem like the kind of bombastic pseudo-scientic statement that some people do to attract people.

You see, some people (I'm not saying you Twitchtek, coz I don't know you) are attracted towards the misterious, the things that can't be easily explained or understood. That is why a lot of people get into taichi in the first place. They hear about qi, life energy, incredible personal development and so on. Then, they go to class and start doing form, pushing hands, qigong, and hey, they find out that they are not flying in a ball of light or levitating, and then they leave to seek other fascinating-mysterious thing.

With the info you provide, it is not possible to say much though. It might be a very valid martial art of true tradition or it might be just the next new martial art to capture people seeking the wonderful and mysterious.

You see, I think one of the best thing that can be said about Dr. Yang, is that he is making a great effort to demystify martial arts, to show the world the real science and the real thing of it, so people know what it is and can understand it. After understanding (from an intellectual point of view, that is, reading his books for example), then you may decide if that suits you. But all too often, some styles resort to mysterios jargon and don't actually explain anything.

Finally, I would suggest you go the school, talk to the instructor, watch a class, research the tradition (history, lineage, etc) and find out for your self.

by **darth_freak** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:49 pm

and about the term "wu yi" I'm pretty sure it's just the former term to designate martial arts, before "wu shu". Master Yang talks about it in one of his netcasts

by **jfraser** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:51 am

Who knows what this Wujiquan is or is not. My suggestion is you ask Sifu Stier in Austin, TX at www.shenmentao. com. He is very knowledgeable and experienced, and a Tai Ji judge in your neck of the woods.

If you can find any trained teachers trained by him in your area, sign up, man. It the real thing!

Or ask the forum at Chinafrominside.com.

or emptyflower.com, the have a "looking forteachers" ssection of their forum.

Good luck,
James

by **yeniseri** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 5:10 pm

I took a look at it and it says nothing about the art nor does it indicate ay origin! It seems to be a moden creation.
It appears to be similar in concept to Yiquan. Just a guess

Wuji posture is quiet standing, hands close to sides and doing nothing!
Check out zhanzhuang and get a glimpse of wuji type post standing!
Quan=fist. Make you own conclusions!

by **Dave C.** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 5:52 am

Twitchtek,
There is little to no info on this style in Chinese. I did a Google search in Chinese just to be sure. Wujiquan is not a legitimate style as far as I can see.

The school you linked to is unfortunately typical of "American Chinese" martial arts: Chinese and Japanese combined names, lots of karate gis, and dubious historical statements. I would only train there if nothing else was available.

As to your other statements about liking the concept of wuji, etc., you should know that all taiji styles incorporate these principles. Any legitimate taiji teacher should be able to satisfy your curiosity on this and provide you with solid training.

by **lilman** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:35 pm

Uhmm. I dont mean to sound rude or mock that, but wuji is actually supreme nothingness... Wuchi is the blank point in taichi where you just breather and enter a meditative state before you start your form sepearting yin and yang. So to my understanding to have a martial art called wuchi or wuji would be be supreme nothingness... Im assuming the profound art is to stand in place... and let the opponent hit you while you meditate?... :roll:

If you find out what it is pls let us know. sounds interesting to see what people come up with now days.

by **yeniseri** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:41 pm

lilman said

So to my understanding to have a martial art called wuchi or wuji would be be supreme nothingness.

Quite the opposite! You have to actually train it for any benefit. Just to have an art called 'best art in the world' 'only art in the world' and so one can never be indicative of a result.
only my experiece and opinion so do not take it as truth!

by **jfraser** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:59 am

The school you linked to is unfortunately typical of "American Chinese" martial arts: Chinese and Japanese combined names, lots of karate gis, and dubious historical statements. I would only train there if nothing else was available.

As to your other statements about liking the concept of wuji, etc., you should know that all taiji styles incorporate these principles. Any legitimate taiji teacher should be able to satisfy your curiosity on this and provide you with solid training.

Dave C.

I agree with Dave C. Sounds like this school is an American Chop Suey Cafe in a small town, with one Cninese family living in this town. :lol:

There were a couple of Bujinkan Ninjutsu schools in the Dallas area.
The have a Chinese foundation. See what appeals to you.Good luck.