Swimming dragon
Swimming dragon or Tai yi you long gong is the name of an Neijia (internal or soft style) Taoist martial art form that has been practiced in China for hundreds of years. It is Taoist Master Yu Anren’s family heirloom, originating from Wudang Mountain in China. It combines elements found in Qigong, Tai Chi Chuan, and Yogic stretching emphasizing both the inner and outer practice.
Master Yu Anren was said to developed the style while imprisoned, which is why Swimming Dragon can be practised within a very small area. Master Yu Anren's health was superior to the other prisoners and when the local ruler heard of this, he ordered Master Yu Anren to be the royal martial arts instructor.
Swimming Dragon uses fluid, twisting, stretching and sweeping movements, low stances and single leg balancing.
It is considered a moving meditation and the movements are reputed to increase joint and tendon flexibility and add to the longevity of the practitioner.
Today it is taught in Hunan (China) by Zhu Mingyuan, Chen Cui'e and Tang Saixian; in Melbourne (Australia) by Li Yongliang and in San Francisco (USA) by Liping Julia Zhu.
The Wikipedia page has been discontinued, however comprehensive information on Swimming Dragon can be found on the Freedom Martial Arts website.