Wudang Sect

{{Short description|Fictional martial arts sect}} {{About|the fictional martial arts sect|the real-life martial arts traditions|Wudang quan|other uses|Wu-Tang (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox Chinese|t=武當派|s=武当派|w=Wu{{sup|3}}-Tang{{sup|1}} P'ai{{sup|4}}|p=Wǔdāng Paì|y=Mou{{sup|5}}-Dong{{sup|1}} Paai{{sup|3}}|j=Mou{{sup|5}}-Dong{{sup|1}} Paai{{sup|3}}}}

The '''Wudang Sect''' or '''Wudang School''' ({{zhl|c=武當派}}), sometimes also referred to as the '''Wu-Tang Clan''', is a fictional martial arts sect or school mentioned in several works of Chinese wuxia fiction. It is commonly featured as one of the leading orthodox sects in the ''wulin'' (martial artists' community). It is named after the place it is based, the Wudang Mountains.

The Wudang Sect is featured most prominently in Jin Yong's novels ''The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber'' and ''The Smiling, Proud Wanderer'' as a leading "orthodox" martial arts sect in the ''wulin'', usually alongside the Shaolin Sect. Liang Yusheng's works also depict the Wudang Sect as a leading "orthodox" sect in the ''wulin''. Most of its members are monastic priests who follow Taoist customs and practices in addition to training in martial arts. However, unlike Shaolin's Buddhist monks, Wudang members are allowed to marry and start families. In some wuxia stories, the Wudang Sect has female members as well.

== History == The sect was founded in the 13th century during the Yuan dynasty by Zhang Sanfeng,<ref name="YTTLJ">Cha, Louis. ''The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber'' (倚天屠龍記). ''Ming Pao'', 1961.</ref> who was an apprentice of Jueyuan, a Shaolin monk.<ref name="SDXL">Cha, Louis. ''The Return of the Condor Heroes'' (神雕俠侶). ''Ming Pao'', 1959.</ref> Zhang Sanfeng took seven young men as his apprentices, and they later became known as the "Seven Heroes of Wudang". The seven are responsible for spreading Wudang's name through their prowess in martial arts, exemplary conduct, and deeds of gallantry.<ref name="YTTLJ" />

In ''The Smiling, Proud Wanderer'', Wudang has become one of two leading "orthodox" martial arts sects in the ''wulin'' alongside Shaolin, and both sects play significant roles in maintaining stability in the ''wulin''.<ref name="XAJH">Cha, Louis. ''The Smiling, Proud Wanderer'' (笑傲江湖). ''Ming Pao'', 1967.</ref> In the novel, Wudang is led by Chongxu.<ref name="XAJH" /> In ''Baifa Monü Zhuan'', set in the 17th century towards the end of the Ming dynasty, the sect is led by a group of five elders.<ref name="BFMNZ">Liang, Yusheng. ''Baifa Monü Zhuan'' (白髮魔女傳). 1957.</ref>

== Martial arts == The Wudang Sect's martial arts have their origins in the Shaolin Sect even though they are more associated with Taoism than with Buddhism. They revolve around the concept of ''taiji'', as evident from the skills named after the concept, such as ''taijiquan'' and ''taijijian''. They also focus on the use of "soft and gentle" techniques to overcome opponents who rely on brute strength and force.<ref name="YTTLJ" />

== References == {{reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wudang School}} Category:Organizations in Wuxia fiction