Practical Tai Chi Everett · Marysville

The school

About Practical Tai Chi Chuan

Wudang is a comprehensive system of Tai Chi developed by renowned Hong Kong master Cheng Tin Hung. Rooted in traditional internal martial arts, this system emphasizes practical application, internal strength, and health benefits. The Practical Tai Chi Chuan system was introduced to Europe by two of Cheng Tin Hung’s foremost disciples — Dan Docherty and Ian Cameron — both of whom became influential instructors in the United Kingdom and helped spread the art across the Western world.

In the United States, Dr. Dennis Dilday of Everett, Washington, is a direct student in this lineage. Inspired by the depth and authenticity of the system, Dr. Dilday traveled to the United Kingdom to train under Dan Docherty. Through years of dedicated study and practice, he became recognized as a qualified instructor and is currently the only U.S.-based registered instructor listed on the Practical Tai Chi Chuan International (PTCCI) website.

Often referred to as “Practical Tai Chi”, the Wudang system gained this name from Chinese martial arts journalists in Hong Kong during Cheng Tin Hung’s era. The term reflects the style’s focus on realistic self-defense applications. Today, Wudang Tai Chi continues to be respected for its balance of martial effectiveness, internal cultivation, and promotion of physical and mental well-being. Practical Tai Chi Chuan International continues to promote and practice the Tai Chi cultivated by Dan Docherty.

History of Wudang/Practical Tai Chi Chuan from Dan Docherty
Interview with Dan Docherty about the history of PTCC
Suggested reading

Core Elements of Wudang Tai Chi

Hand Form

1. Hand Form (Tao Chuan)

  • The core solo training of Tai Chi.
  • Composed of continuous, mindful movements.
  • Embeds combat principles within each posture.
  • Improves balance, coordination, and strength.
  • Encourages calm, breath-focused awareness.
Pushing Hands

2. Pushing Hands (Tui Shou)

  • Two-person drills that build tactile sensitivity.
  • Teaches yielding, redirection, and balance.
  • Includes fixed and moving step formats.
  • Essential for bridging solo and partner work.
  • Sharpens reaction and positioning skills.
Applications

3. Applications (San Shou)

  • Practical techniques for real-world defense.
  • Involves strikes, throws, locks, and counters.
  • Reinforces the martial roots of the Form.
  • Improves reflexes through partner work.
  • Focuses on effectiveness over sport.
Weapon Forms

4. Weapon Forms

  • Includes sabre, sword, and spear practice.
  • Expands form principles through tools.
  • Demands timing, precision, and flow.
  • Connects tradition with modern skill.
  • Teaches control and extended reach.
Internal Strength

5. Internal Strength (Nei Kung)

  • Trains Qi, posture, and resilience.
  • Combines static postures, breath, structure, and focus.
  • Strengthens tendons, ligaments, and internal organs over time.
  • Refines internal power over brute force.
  • These exercises are only taught to advanced ‘inside the door students’, and are never demonstrated or taught openly.

Note: Beginners often begin with Hand Form, Pushing Hands, and Applications. Mastery of each deepens understanding and connection between the body and mind.

Core Principles of Tai Chi

  • Relaxation (Song, 松): Release unnecessary tension while staying aligned.
  • Postural alignment: Natural posture, spine lengthened, head suspended.
  • Rooting / balance: Grounded connection supports structure and energy.
  • Continuous, flowing motion: Unbroken, circular, smooth transitions like water.
  • Mind intent (Yi, 意): Movement driven by mental focus over effort.
  • Internal strength (Jin, 勁): Refined energy replaces brute strength.
  • Softness overcomes hardness (以柔克剛): Yielding neutralizes force with flexibility.
  • Stillness overcomes motion (以靜制動): Calm awareness prevails against aggression.

Principles of Movement in Tai Chi

根于脚，发于腿，主宰于腰，形于手指“Power is rooted in the feet, developed in the legs, directed by the waist, and expressed through the hands.”

This expresses a core Tai Chi principle — power starts from the ground and flows upward through the body, with the legs providing the drive, the torso (especially the waist) directing it, and the arms/hands delivering it to the opponent or the form.

  • 根于脚: “Rooted in the feet” – Your stability and power source start in your base connection with the ground.
  • 发于腿: “Issued from the legs” – The legs generate the upward and forward driving force.
  • 主宰于腰: “Controlled/directed by the waist” – The waist/hips act as the steering hub, deciding where the power goes.
  • 形于手指: “Manifested in the fingers” – The expression of the energy is in the hands/fingers (or weapon, if holding one).