About the School

Keely is a certified instructor of tai chi and qigong in the Wudang Sanfeng school. Her teacher is Master Bing, a 15th generation Wudang Sanfeng Kung Fu master with more than 20 years experience of teaching Kung Fu and Tai Chi (https://www.wudangdao.com/). She has been practicing Wudang Sanfeng arts, Chen style tai chi, and Yang style tai chi for 10 years. Keely has also attained the rank of Shodan in Ki Aikido. She believes strongly that martial arts can be done by anyone and are a fun way to maintain health (and sanity).

Q: Why is class free?

A: Keely already has a full time job and young children - class will get canceled occasionally! Also, as a Taoist she believes in a) the importance of taking care of your mind and body b) supporting her community and c) wu wei, not making her life any more complicated than it already is! 

Snake and Turtle is a free Taoist martial arts school that primarily teaches tai chi, qigong, and kung fu in Wudang Sanfeng style. Classes may also include instruction in martial applications, meditation, and Taoist philosophy.

Because it is a free school, and a Taoist school, we meet outside in local parks in Cary NC, regardless of the weather.

Q: What does it mean that this is a Taoist School?

A: Martial arts from Wudang mountain are inseparable from Taoist tradition. For an overview, George Thompson has some good videos: 

Taoism (Daoism) Explained by Taoist Master

In terms of the school we follow "The Way" by improving our health, clearing our minds, and being out in nature. Classes are preceded by a short reading from the Tao De Jing, Zhuangzi, or Liehzi. An example:

Chapter Seven 

Heaven is everlasting and earth is enduring. 

The reason that they are everlasting is because they do not exist for themselves. 

Hence, they are long lived. 

Thus, although the sage puts herself last, finds herself in the lead. 

Although she is not self-concerned, finds herself accomplished. 

It is because she is not focused on self-interests and hence can fulfill her true nature.