Wu Mei Pai

Wu Mei Pai is a classical Chinese martial art. Founded by Wu Mei, the daughter of a Ming imperial general, it was subsequently developed and preserved at the southern Shaolin Temple, and so contains characteristics of both the northern and southern schools of traditional kung fu. Wu Mei Pai is unusually comprehensive: long and short in range, hard and soft in expression, and utilizing internal and external forces, it is at once a powerful system of self-defense, a complex health and longevity practice, and a profound spiritual discipline.

The Wu Mei training is intense and vigorous, challenging students to ever-higher levels of exhilarating achievement. At the same time it is relaxing and gentle, encouraging us to discover the power inherent in natural, graceful movement. Although Wu Mei is a physical art, it is also a scholarly pursuit, which teaches us the fundamental principles of classical Chinese philosophy and aesthetics in a deeply practical way. Every movement in Wu Mei Pai requires the complete involvement of body, mind, and spirit, and thus trains us to unify all aspects of the self.

The Wu Mei curriculum is very traditional and comprehensive. It includes numerous fist forms, a range of Chi Kung energy exercises, eighteen classical Chinese weapons, breath and sinew training, twenty animal forms, southern Lion Dance, and extensive fighting theory and applications.

In sum, the practice of Wu Mei Pai is training for life. We study ourselves and the forces around us in order to bring our efforts into harmony with the natural world. Understanding ourselves, we come to understand others, which is the beginning of compassion. Seeking harmony with nature, we learn to shift and change according to circumstances, which is the beginning of wisdom. Practicing our martial art with compassion and wisdom enables us to resolve conflict with others, and to cope with the challenges of a constantly changing world.

More detailed information about Wu Mei classes can be found on our web site at http://www.wumei.com or by calling the Wu Mei Kung Fu Association at (212) 577-2633.