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A Unique Weekend of Wudang Taiji with Master Charles-Henri Belmonte

 

On May 10 and 11, 2025, the Wudang Pai Auvergne club hosted a remarkable Wudang Taiji seminar in the Haute-Loire region. The event was led by Master Charles-Henri Belmonte (You Weiri 游微日), 6th Dan FFKDA and 16th-generation disciple of the Wudang Xuanwu Pai, one of the most authentic Taoist lineages from Wudang.

 

 

Two Days of Deep Practice and Exploration

 

The seminar took place over two days in Yssingeaux and Saint-Paulien, gathering a large number of practitioners eager to discover or deepen their understanding of traditional Taiji. Combining fluidity, rooting, and martial efficiency, the training offered a comprehensive look into the art. Participants—both beginners and advanced—left the weekend inspired and enthusiastic. Several described it as a “turning point” in their practice, awakening them to the often-overlooked martial potential of Taiji.

 

Saturday Morning: Interdisciplinary Exchange and Martial Dialogue

 

The weekend began at the Chomouroux sports complex in Yssingeaux, with a special interdisciplinary session co-organized with the local FFKDA committee. Practitioners of Vietnamese Martial Arts (AMV), Karate, and Taiji shared the mats to explore Wudang Taiji’s martial applications. This rare encounter fostered a spirit of mutual respect and openness, showcasing the connection between Taoist tradition and practical combat efficiency.

 

 

Returning to Taoist Roots in Saint-Paulien

 

On Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, the seminar moved to Saint-Paulien, offering a more intimate setting for inner cultivation. Under the guidance of Master Belmonte (You Weiri), participants focused on breathing techniques, grounding, postural alignment, and intentional movement, reconnecting with the core principles of traditional Wudang transmission.

 

A Growing Success for a Living Tradition

 

The event drew a wide audience, a sign of the growing interest in Wudang Taiji as an art form that blends movement, energy, and martial practice. Participants unanimously praised Charles-Henri Belmonte’s rigorous yet compassionate pedagogy, and the seminar’s overall quality.

Through initiatives like this, the Wudang Pai club continues to play a central role in promoting traditional Taoist arts in France and beyond, faithfully preserving the legacy of the Wudang masters.