International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy

If I still lived in Seattle, I would train here everyday.
I started boxing 2 years ago until I endured several minor concussions that encouraged me to seek out other fighting techniques. After searching for several months, I was recommended by a friend to visit this gym. He wanted me to experience something other than the relentless training régime that boxing demanded if you wanted to be respectable.
I was hesitant at first. I felt boxing was more practical with its intensive cardio and strikes. However, after attending a few session at WuDang, I began understanding the sophistication of Chinese martial arts.
Training under Master Chang and Master Lu, I learned practical self-​defense techniques, but more importantly, I learned composure during a fight. If you’re self motivated and tenacious, training under these Masters will change the way you fight and how you approach obstacles in life. The martial arts they teach is more than techniques to put down an opponent but also encompasses the greater WuDang philosophy of spirituality and morality.
If you want, you can train here only for combat but you would miss out on a lot of the intricacies that elevated Chinese Martial Arts onto the international scene.
That said, this is not your typical «sweat box» gym. In general, the students are not training to look ripped or preparing for a fight. Do not expect to get in shape by merely attending classes. It is not the goal of this gym to help you lose body fat, get fit or feel tough. This gym is about teaching you martial art forms that protect you and instilling discipline that succeed not only in fights but also in life. Self motivation is key to staying in shape and you are expected to practice outside of the gym.
For the serious fighters, there are sparring classes and general fitness courses. However, be prepared to spar fellow students that are less experienced as yourself OR go head to head with the Masters that tear you apart. While they hold back and transition between being your coach and opponent, they also firmly believe that you will not learn anything if they fight you, casually.
I strongly encourage you to visit the gym’s website to better understand the backgrounds of the Masters and their martial lineage.
Stick with this gym. You will not regret it.
Pro Tip
— Staying fit is your responsibility so practice and train outside of the gym
— Train hard but look up and learn the WuDang philosophy of life and meditate
— Serious fighters, take the Sanda class and spar your classmates or the Masters to your hearts content
— Don’t come here if you’re only shooting to look good or get fit. You will not feel gratified if those are your only goals

If you are looking for authentic internal martial arts training the Wudang Academy is a great place. I take Bagua, TaiChi, and have participated in the QiGong classes as well. The martial art forms are challenging and inspiring. I have been training in the internal arts for years and find the training here the most authentic of all.

This martial arts school is not your typical, everyday school that hands out colored belts because you paid a monthly fee. They are also not going to teach you something you may see a group of people doing in the park. Instead, they are going to teach you priceless skills that will make your body healthier and stronger, both internally and externally, while also allowing you to use the practical applications as a self defense.
Due to my 6 year old son’s severe asthma, I was trying to find another alternative to his extensive amounts of medication. I also wanted him to learn how he could defend himself as he was constantly being bullied due to his small stature. Since he started 9 months ago, we are amazed as to how strong he has gotten both internally and externally. In fact, he has not had the need to take any of his prior medication since he started and is happier that he can now do other activities he couldn’t do in the past. A drastic change from taking multiple medications daily to not needing them at all, so my wife and I could not be happier.
In relation to martial arts, I have practiced Karate, Aikido, Kendo, Yang Style Tai Chi, and have even taught Wing Chun for the past 5 years to many people. After watching and practicing with both Chang and Lu Laoshi, I can honestly say they are true martial artists, whose understanding and application of the art is unparalleled to anyone else that I have come across. They continue to expand their knowledge and understanding to not only better themselves, but also their students. I truly believe that all of my son’s improvements were possible due to the extensive patience and skills of both Chang and Lu Laoshi. I also appreciate their willingness to listen and understand my concerns as a parent and as a student.
We always feel blessed to have found this school and what it has done for us. This school and its teachers are one of a kind. But don’t take my word for it. Check them out for yourself and you won’t be disappointed.

A very supportive environment. The teachers and students are very welcoming to new students with no prior experience. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention from the teachers for faster improvement of one’s skills. A wide variety of classes are available depending on one’s interests.

I have been a student here for over 4 years, and if you’re interested in learning internal martial arts, I cannot recommend this school enough. The teachers, Master Chang Wu-​Na and Doctor Lu Mei-​Hui, are full of boundless theoretical and practical martial arts knowledge, with the lineage and championship wins to prove it. However, they are not only accomplished martial artists, but they are also exceptional teachers who have fostered a learning environment that equally emphasizes martial skill, self-​cultivation, and adherence to the martial virtues of respect, dedication, and selflessness.
When I started studying martial arts, I was 5 years old. Starting with judo, I moved to other forms of martial arts, eventually learning Yang Family Taiji when I was in college. I have studied with multiple masters, including a stint in Beijing studying under a Chinese government licensed martial arts coach. Even among all my years of martial arts practice, this school and its teachers stand out as examples of the highest levels of wushu. Whether you’re interested in studying taiji, xingyi, bagua, or qigong, you’ll find a lifetime of learning and a supportive community here.

I found the Wudang Academy after intensive online research to find an authentic martial arts school with true masters as teachers, rather than the belt factories and franchise copies many schools have become.
The laoshis (teachers) are fantastic and are at the peak of their arts. I have been a student there for over a year. They not only teach the movements themselves, but also the practical application of each movement, as well as the physical and mental health benefits.
They return annually to China to refresh their own skills with their masters. You will not find a better martial arts school than this! If the internal arts interest you at all, I highly encourage you to check them out.

I spent many years looking for a school of this caliber. This school has an incredible mix of forms and classes for all skill levels and ages. The breadth and depth of knowledge of the instructors is truly impressive. This is the real deal!
Classes list is extensive: Qi Gong, Taiji, Bagua, Xingyi, Wudang sword, Tui Shou, Sanda… The list goes on and on. The instructors are completely dedicated to their art and the teaching of this art to others. There is always something new to learn and master in each form. The focus is on continual growth of one’s mind and body. The sky is the limit on learning each form.
The teachers and students really make this school a phenomenal place to study. Everyone is friendly and helpful. This is a great place to study for the beginner all the way to the advanced student. It is a low pressure environment for the beginning student. At the same time gives you the ability to grow into a national level competitor through dedication and practice.
Stop by and check it out. You will not be disappointed!

I’ve been at this school for about 7 years now. As someone who has seen numerous demonstrations from different taiji (taichi) and gongfu (kung fu) instructors, I can vouch that the masters at this school are the real deal. Master Chang and Master Lu are part of an old lineage that belongs to the original creator or tai chi. Not only have they mastered all three internal martial art styles, they’re also great teachers too. Not only do they know how to use tai chi and qigong for improving one’s health., they also know how to apply them in a combat situation. You can learn more than martial arts here; they offer knowledge from Chinese Medicine and Daoism as well as numerous other cultural things regarding the martial arts world.
Whether you’re looking for a good workout, to improve your health (seriously, check out the qigong classes here if you’ve got health problems), or just looking to discover a lesser-​known martial art, this is the place for you!

Finding a great martial arts school can be a challenge, especially for internal martial arts like Ba Gua, Tai Chi, and Xingyi… heck, most places probably haven’t even heard of the last one. This school is simply amazing & Seattle-​ites are lucky to have access to it! The teachers, Chang Laoshi and Lu Laoshi are dedicated monks, committed to their arts, and to providing great instruction and atmosphere for learning, but also kind and wonderful people. That’s really the most important part of any school– great teachers! The students I’ve trained with these past years are all cool as well.
This school teaches actual applications of martial techniques (my favorite), as well as forms, excercises and health benefits (also great), with a balanced set of classes for all ages. If you are looking to improve your skill, to better your health, to compete in tournaments, or even to learn about Chinese medicine and Yin Yang theory, this school has great classes. Personally, I love to train just for the sake of the art and it’s been great learning from such an authentic pedigree of masters, while still having fun doing so!
Really, this is a rare combination & I actually feel spoiled to have been able to find it. (if not for the open nature of the school I might be reluctant to share the secret of its existence ;) This is also one of the only places in the states where you can study the near-​legendary Wudang Sword from actual serious lineage holders (13^th generation) if you are up for a long journey…

If you’re looking for a legitimate martial arts school in the Seattle area, you should check out this school. Especially if you have an interest in internal martial arts specifically. I’m extremely picky when it comes to picking a school as i have high expectations, so this is testament to how highly I think of this school.
I’ve been a student here for about 3 years, having heard about it through a friend. The school offers a wide variety of classes including taiji, xingyi, bagua, qigong, wudang sword, sanda, tuishou (push hands), and more.
Chang Laoshi and Lu Laoshi are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated teachers. They visit China regularly to learn new techniques and bring them back to the students. Students get lots of individual attention and feedback.
Class time is extremely valuable and the curriculum is adapted to each student’s learning pace etc. There is also open gym time 5 days a week, allowing for students to come in and practice on their own and use the space and equipment.
Come by and stop in for a visit, the doors are always open for new students.