Zhang San Feng Tai Chi 13 Shì
張三丰十三勢
Course Description
A Traditional Practice for Modern Life
Zhang San Feng Tai Chi 13 Shì is one of the foundational systems of traditional Wudang Tai Chi.
For centuries, practitioners have studied these movements not only as a martial art, but also as a way of cultivating balance, awareness, breathing, coordination, and the relationship between body and mind.
At Tao Tai Chi Studio, we honor this tradition while recognizing the realities of modern life.
Most students today balance work, family, travel, and changing schedules. Because of this, our approach is not to rush students through a routine.
Our intention is to help each person develop a practice they can return to and benefit from for many years.
A Tradition Rooted in Wudang
The 13 Shì system is traditionally attributed to Zhang San Feng, the legendary Taoist sage associated with Wudang Mountain.
Across dynasties, Wudang became known as a center of internal martial arts, Daoist cultivation, and contemplative practice.
The 13 Shì movements reflect this heritage: simple in appearance, yet rich in internal principles.
While the historical details of Zhang San Feng’s life remain part legend and part record, the influence of his teachings has shaped generations of practitioners.
Today, the 13 Shì continues to be practiced as a complete method of internal development—one that integrates structure, breath, intention, and awareness.
A Different Way of Learning Tai Chi
Many people assume that learning Tai Chi means memorizing a long sequence as quickly as possible.
Our experience has been different.
Students often discover that the greatest benefits come from revisiting the same foundational movements again and again.
Through repetition, movements become more natural.
Through practice, breathing becomes more coordinated.
Through patience, deeper layers of understanding begin to emerge.
For this reason, students are welcome to return to the course as often as they wish.
New and returning students learn together in a supportive environment where progress is measured by consistency rather than speed.
Beyond Movement
While students learn the physical structure of Zhang San Feng Tai Chi 13 Shì, they are also introduced to the broader ideas that shaped the tradition.
Depending on the interests and experience of the group, classes may include discussion of:
• Taoist principles, how they inform movement and daily life
• Yin and Yang theory, understanding balance and change
• The Five Elements, patterns of nature and internal development
• Qi cultivation and Dao Yin practices
• Grounding and body awareness
• Traditional martial applications
• The relationship between movement and internal development
These elements help students understand not only what they are doing, but why generations of practitioners have continued to value these methods.
Learning at Your Own Pace
The complete system unfolds gradually over time.
Each year, approximately 20–25 hours of guided instruction are offered through the Earthing Tai Chi Program, allowing students to progress comfortably while maintaining balance with the rest of their lives.
There is no expectation that students memorize everything quickly.
There is no pressure to keep up with anyone else.
Students are encouraged to return, review, and continue developing their understanding at a pace that feels natural and sustainable.
A Community of Practice
Students come for many reasons:
• Exercise and gentle movement
• Interest in Chinese culture
• Meditation and QiGong
• Martial arts
• A wish to slow down and reconnect with themselves
Over time, many discover that the greatest value of practice is not reaching an endpoint, but participating in a supportive community where learning continues to deepen year after year.
Whether you are completely new to Tai Chi or returning to strengthen an existing practice, you are welcome to join us.
The Spirit of the Practice
Tai Chi is not a race.
It is not a performance.
It is not something to finish.
It is a lifelong process of learning, refining, observing, and returning.
The goal is not to move faster.
The goal is to move with greater awareness.
The goal is not to finish quickly.
The goal is to build a lifelong relationship with Tai Chi.
Course Structure & Participation
The Zhang San Feng Tai Chi 13 Shì curriculum at Tao Tai Chi Studio is offered through the Earthing Tai Chi Program, which provides:
• Guided instruction throughout the year
• Opportunities to review and return
• A steady learning rhythm
• A supportive community environment
Students may join at any time.
New and returning students practice together, each following their own natural pace.
For hundreds of years now, Wudang proteges have regarded Zhang Sanfeng as their patriarch. Visitors to Wudang Mountain still feel the energy of this location and awe at the magnificent architecture of the surviving palaces. On exhibit are stone tablets, murals, statues, and royal relics related to Zhang Sanfeng.
Centuries have passed since the creation of the "Zhang San Feng Tai Chi 13 Shi” and it can still be found in the ancestral writings held by several of the most respected Tai Chi schools in China. Zhang San Feng is held in high regard as the greatest of all Tai Chi masters.
As a 16th generation protege of the Wudang Sanfeng School, Jing will share with her students Zhang Sanfeng’s Tai Chi 13 Shi in order to pass on the knowledge and wisdom of his Taoist spirit as advocated by Zhang Sanfeng.
It takes approximately 60 hours to learn the basic structure of Zhang Sanfeng's Tai Chi 13 Shi, and it takes several years for students to understand the inner workings of the thought process that Master Zhang Sanfeng wanted to teach if they practice. To help modern students experience 13 Shi, Jing designed the Earthing Tai Chi project in 2023 and in addition, the program Seeking Balance which is a follow up program which is open for enrollment in 2024. The success of the Earthing Tai Chi in 2023 has proved that those students who are determined to spend time in these sessions do make significant progress.
Zhang Sanfeng's Tai Chi 13 Shi, the earliest Nei Gong routine of China, is rich in content and is far-reaching in its implications. The routine has been among the treasures of Wudang Mountain since ancient times.
Students who plan to attend THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ZHANG SAN FENG TAI CHI 13 SHI Class once a month from April to October need to communicate with the teacher in advance in order to agree upon a schedule that they can commit to.