Training and entering competitions in China is not an easy task for a non-Mandarin speaker so it always helps to have a ‘man on the inside’. Master Bing (Zhong Xuechao) was our man.

The Wudang Dao Cultural Institute offered a retreat covering training, touring, accommodation and spectator entry to the 9th Wudang Wushu International Fellowship Competition and we were lucky enough to have Master Bing accept us. I’m sure we caused more than a little disruption to his plans but Master Bing was a most gracious host. We surprised him by wanting to compete in the competition and not only be spectators! Master Bing made sure we had all the time and training opportunities we needed.

During the competition, we stayed in Laoyin, the town at the base of the Wudang Mountains. A quiet village in 2008, it is now a bustling hub and hive of industry especially for the martial arts community. We were able to shop for weapons, uniforms, shoes, etc, and generally fall into the rhythm of life in this welcoming town.

After the competition, Master Bing took us touring to all the main tourist sites but also to some places only known by the locals. It was a special time. Buoyed by our success at the competition, we were all keen to learn more Tai Chi and Qigong and to learn from Master Bing in particular - one of the most kind, patient and generous teachers I have experienced in Wudang schools.

We also stayed at the Seven Star Academy, an hour’s drive from the town, deep into the mountains. An idyllic retreat after the hustle of town life. Here Master Bing taught us calligraphy, qigong, worked on our sword form and gave us time to wind down.

We are planning to return in October, 2026, and hope to spend a little more time training with Master Bing.