Tai Yi Swimming Dragon

Tai Yi You Long Quan or Tai Yi Swimming Dragon Sect (武当太乙游龙门), is a rare Chinese Martial Arts system and longevity training method which contains characteristics of qi gong (energy breath work), Taoist yoga and TaiJi Quan. It originated in the WuDang mountains region of China and was passed down as a self defense and health method within a chinese royal family. It is a fairly advanced Qigong and Taichi system in the Taoist traditions of self-defense, health maintenance, spiritual cultivation and life preservation, belonging to the Wudang School.

Tai Yi was named after Tai Yi Zhen Ren (a Taoist primordial ancestor) in memory of his godly spirit of punishing evil and promoting good. Tai Yi was also used as a synonym for Tai Ji (Tai Chi) in ancient times.

The forms in this system are done continuously and smoothly like clouds floating and water flowing. Swimming dragon training emulates the movements of the water dragon, which are slow, smooth, continuous, and twisting, stretching and coiling. The form stretches and strengthens all the joints, tendons and ligaments of the body, massages the organs, and stimulates blood and Qi circulation.

It is also a moving meditation form, focusing and calming the mind. As a longevity training method it reverses the effects of aging by turning weakness, stiffness and low energy into strength, suppleness and vitality. With persistent practice, it will naturally improve flexibility, coordination, and balance, and complement any style of sitting meditation. If you are interested in studying this martial arts form, we have a course taught by Taoist Master Hao ZiXia here.

According to legend, Swimming Dragon was created by a Taoist master who was imprisoned for a long time. He had very little room to move in his prison cell and created a way of practicing in a small area of two by two meters. This is why today the swimming dragon form can be practiced in small spaces, like in a kitchen or on a balcony. The practice method gave the prisoner very good health and soon the prison authorities were wondering why his health was so much better than that of the other prisoners. When the local ruler heard about this prisoner’s health, he was summoned and became the royal family martial arts instructor.