Taoist martial arts are generally broadly referred to as Taoist martial arts. Chinese martial arts are one of the cultural heritages of ancient China, and Taoism has made a particularly significant contribution to the development of Chinese martial arts. Wushu was originally used for competition and self-defense, and the competition and gladiatorial combat of the Yin and Zhou periods was the forerunner of the Chinese martial arts. Since the Qin and Han dynasties, the Fong Hsien Tao has the legacy of the ink warrior, laying the foundation for the development of Taoist martial arts. The han room only respect for Confucianism, the famous red gentry son of the light military, but the five scriptures to hunt for the official salary, regard martial arts and military law as “not urgent the end of the study” (“hold parker outside - since the narrative”). And hermits, Taoist priests alone in the mountains, not only have no intention of fame, but also vulnerable to thieves and fierce animals, so they had to practice martial arts for self-defense, thus stimulating the development of martial arts in the Taoists. Moreover, the practice of martial arts must be dedicated, perseverance, God is clear and full of gas, in order to achieve the ultimate state, secular people are tired of fame and fortune, worried about life and fear of death, and lust to hurt the body, it is difficult to achieve in the martial arts, and thus since ancient times martial arts masters, more than out of the square outside of the people. Outstanding martial arts Taoist priests, teaching, strong body protection, but also conducive to the improvement of the prestige of Taoism and the survival and development of the Order. According to historical records, the maturity of Taoist martial arts was around the beginning of the Wei and Jin dynasties. Holding Park Zi outside the chapter - since the narrative “:” less tasted learning to shoot, but less power can not pull strong, if the bow of Yan Gao ear. The idea is that shooting both in the six arts, and can protect the enemy from robbers, and take birds and animals, is to practice. In the past in the military, had hand shot the chase ride, should be strung down, kill two thieves and a horse, so as to avoid death. And once received the sword and shield and single sword and double halberd, all have oral requirements, in order to take people, there is a secret method, the trick into the God. If this road and do not know the person against, will be able to when the whole alone win, all the way forward. Evening and learn seven feet staff art, can enter the white blade, take halberd.” Visible, Taoist martial arts in the Wei and Jin Dynasty has become a routine. Yuanming period, is the Taoist martial arts sects of the heyday. The Ming Dynasty Taoist priest Zhang Sanfeng founded the Wudang Mountain internal boxing, Taoist qigong and martial arts into one, the formation of the same outside Shaolin boxing style is very different from the Taoist martial arts sects. Taoist martial arts are represented by Taijiquan, Wudang Sword, Xingyiquan and Dachengquan, which are internal martial arts. Now Wudang Mountain, Laoshan and other Taoist palaces and temples are still in circulation. Taoist martial arts to Taoist philosophy and Taoist theory as a guide, combined with Taoist medicine, internal alchemy, the results of health science, martial arts techniques and fitness techniques into one, pay attention to the meridians and acupoints, in order to refine a good solid internal strength as the foundation, the gas to send the force, lending strength to fight, good at soft to conquer hard, with rigid-flexible, skillful, static braking, avoiding the real to hit the virtual, flexible, round and round, etc. Features. Taoist martial arts practitioners can fight against the enemy to protect themselves, and they can strengthen their bodies to maintain their health, so that they can achieve the effects of both skill and health. (Zhongfu Zi)

  道教武术一般广义的称为道家武术。中华武术是中国古代文化遗产之一，而道教对中华武术的发展，贡献尤大。武术本为竞技和防身之用，殷周时期的竞技和角斗，当为中华武术之先河。秦汉以来的方仙道有墨侠之遗风，为道教武术的发展奠定了基础。汉室独尊儒术，名门缙绅子弟重文轻武，惟以五经猎取官禄，视武术兵法为 “不急之末学”(《抱朴子外篇·自叙》)。而隐士、道士独处山林，既无意于功名，又易为盗贼猛兽所伤，故不得不习武防身，从而刺激了武术在道教徒中的发展。况且，习武须专心致志，持之以恒，神清气足，才能臻于至境，世俗之人多累于名利，忧生惧死，且情欲伤身，难以在武术上有所成就，因而自古武林高手，多出于方外之人。武功出众的道士，传艺授徒，强身护法，也有利于道教威望的提高和教团的生存发展。据史料记载，道家武术的成熟期约当魏晋之初。《抱朴子外篇· 自叙》：“少尝学射，但力少不能挽强，若颜高之弓耳。意为射既在六艺，又可以御寇辟劫，及取鸟兽，是以习之。昔在军旅，曾手射追骑，应弦而倒，杀二贼一马，遂得以免死。又曾受刀盾及单刀双戟，皆有口诀要求，以待取人，乃有秘法，其巧入神。若以此道与不晓者对，便可以当全独胜，所向无前矣．晚又学七尺杖术，可以入白刃，取大戟。”可见，道教武术在魏晋时已成套路。元明时期，是道教武术流派纷呈的全盛期。明代道士张三丰创立的武当山内家拳术，将道教气功与武术融为一体，形成同外家少林拳术风格迥异的道教武术流派。道家武术以太极拳、武当剑、形意拳、大成拳等为代表，属内家武术。现武当山、崂山等道教宫观仍有流传。道家武术以道教哲学及道教理论为指导，结合道教医学、内丹学、养生学的成果，将武术技击和健身术融为一体，讲究经络穴道，以炼好坚实内功为根基，以气发力，借力打力，擅长以柔克刚，具有刚柔相济，技巧性强、以静制动、避实击虚、灵活圆转等特点。习道教武术者外能技击抗敌以自保，内能强身健体以养生，可兼得技击和养生之效。(中孚子)