Wudang Kungfu Academy

I've been training at Wudang Kungfu for the past 3 years so far. If you are looking for a place where you can train forms AND application, within the same gym, this is the best place in Seattle to do it. I have explored lots of different martial arts gyms in the greater Seattle area, and lots of them have different things to offer. However, it was difficult to find traditional Chinese gungfu that is rooted in the culture and practice of Chinese martial arts that also teaches real, effective, full contact application. This is the place to do it! Lu Laoshi and Chang Laoshi are both incredibly knowledgeable, but also down to earth and humble. They really know their stuff, through the historical lineage and practice. Chang Laoshi has many years fighting in the ring, testing his application skills in ring fighting, to complement his deep understanding of the traditional forms, and Lu Laoshi has a rich knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine in addition to her martial arts practice. There are many places in Seattle where you can learn traditional Chinese gungfu, and internal martial arts. There are also many places that will teach you full contact grappling and striking. However, if you are trying to learn both of those dimensions of the martial arts and not just one or the other, this is in my opinion the best place in the city for it, where you can learn forms, application, open hand, and weapons, all under one roof and with two deeply qualified instructors.

After attending Wudang academy for over a year I can confidently say that I was in the best shape of my life! My flexibility dramatically improved but also overall body connection/fitness. The chronic pain in my knee completely resolved. If you want to live a long, happy, and healthy life this is the secret! They have many different classes/styles of martial arts that can be practiced, and the masters are amazing at helping you choose the best style to fit your goals. If I had more time I would study as many styles as possible. During my time there I practiced Baguzahang (Circular Boxing), Taijiquan (Tai Chi), and Qigong. A memory that particularly stands out to me was a student who had come from New York just to study at the academy. He told me that he originally heard about it after climbing the Wudang mountain in China looking for a master to train him in the original Wudang Sword Style. He was able to find a master, but the man told him to come to Seattle, WA and study at Wudang academy! This demonstrates the authenticity to their teachings which draw direct lineage to the old masters of Chinese Kung Fu. I originally attended the academy several years ago, before my life became extremely busy and I moved to Chicago. I plan to move back to the area some day and Wudang academy is at the top of my list for activities to prioritize. If I have kids someday, I plan on taking them to the academy. I hope that in the future I will be able to make time to attend again. If my review piques your interest, please attend, and learn more in person. I am a humble student and am no doubt not fully representing the amazing nature of this academy so please go check it out for yourself! -Steven

My kid has been going here for several years now and has gotten a lot out of the school. Masters Chang and Lu are very good at working with kids of all ages and find a nice balance of pushing them to learn and progress while still creating a very warm and inviting atmosphere. I would highly recommend Wudang Dan Pai for anyone interested in kung fu or tai chi, whether child or adult.

If you're looking for a school that truly teaches you the fundamentals of martial arts, this is the place. Both teachers embody the values they teach, demonstrating martial arts culture through their words, actions, and classes. Highly, highly recommend for genuine martial arts.

I've been training in martial art for 10 years before stumbling upon this school 12 years ago and have not left since. The two instructors are trained in one of the most well known Wudang lineages in China and have dedicated their lives fully to the study of this ancient art. What makes this school special is the focus on the practical applications without sacrificing the preservation of the forms passed down from centuries past. It is very rare to find instructors these days who master all three major internal martial art styles: Taiji (Tai chi), Xingyi and Bagua. One of the reviewer says this school pushes for sport competition and I just have to chuckle. I've competed in quite a few major competitions in the U.S. and there were times I was advised not to compete because my instructor thought I was ill prepared. If competition is your thing though, the instructors will be there for your training, and the caliber of this school will help you to come out on the top, but there is absolutely no pressure to compete. Health is also another major focus of this school, and one of the gems is the qigong class. The benefits of qigong have long been studied, and the qigong forms taught at this school are aligned with TCM research with no wild claims or woo-woo practices. Qigong brings my body back to balance after a stressful day in the office and is something I can practice even when I'm too old to kick and punch.