Wudang Sanfeng Tai Chi and Qigong in the Ozarks!
with Jason Salgado
Jason Salgado is a dedicated student of 15th-generation Wudang Sanfeng Kung Fu Master Zhong Xuechao, also known as Master Bing (www.WudangDao.com), with over fourteen years of training under his guidance. He began studying Wudang Qigong and Taiji (Tai Chi) with Master Bing in Southern California in 2012, continuing his practice each spring thereafter. In the summer of 2016, he traveled to Wudang in Hubei Province, China, to further deepen his training. In September 2023, Jason returned to China for a three-week training and cultural seminar with Master Bing and fellow students at Taiji Gong in Fuquan City, Guizhou Province, followed by two additional weeks of study at Master Bing’s new school, the Wudang Dao Seven Star Campus on Wudang Mountain.
Originally from Southern California, Jason relocated to Eureka Springs in the winter of 2016 with his chef wife. Together they live on a small homestead just outside town with their three dogs, chickens, organic garden, fishing guide business, and a small AirBnB lodging.
Jason teaches Zhan Zhuang (standing meditation), Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong, Wudang Five Animal Qigong, and the Wudang Taiji 13 and 28 forms in Eureka Springs and throughout Northwest Arkansas.
In 2019, he hosted Master Bing’s first visit to Northwest Arkansas, organizing Qigong and Taiji seminars in Eureka Springs, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Bentonville. Master Bing returned for additional seminars in October 2024 and again in spring 2025. Jason was invited to perform at Crystal Bridges Museum’s “Slow Art Day” in 2018 and has also taught at their “Sunset Tai Chi” events. From 2018 through early 2020, he volunteered at the Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Hospital, helping teach Qigong to veterans coping with PTSD and chronic pain—the same VA hospital his grandfather attended after World War II, when PTSD was commonly referred to as “shell shock.” In 2023, he was invited to demonstrate for a Parkinson’s support group at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine / ACHE School of Physical Therapy in Fort Smith. In 2026, Jason was featured as an instructor at Big Cedar Lodge’s (Bass Pro Shops) “Wellness in Nature” retreat in January and is scheduled to teach again at their May retreat.
In addition to his Wudang training, Jason is also a practitioner of Wing Chun Kung Fu in the Ip Family / Samuel Kwok lineage. He is a sixteen-year student and disciple of Sifu Bryan Talbot of West Coast Wing Chun in Long Beach, California (www.WestCoastWingChun.com).
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Wudang Internal Exercises
The Wudang Mountains (Wudangshan) in China is the cradle of Daoism (Taoism) and the Wudang internal exercises, or internal gong fu (kung fu). 'Gong fu' means 'Hard work' or 'Attainment of skill through hard work'. Over hundreds of years Wudang Monks have developed these groups of internal practices which combine physical fitness, internal work, attack and defense into one. Relaxation is key. Deep breaths into the abdomen help increase oxygen in the blood. The internal and external movements work together to help strengthen the body. The movements open the energetic meridians on the body and massage the organs. This helps to improve blood flow and Qi circulation.
Qi is the body's energy (life force/vitality). These practices are a moving meditation and a low impact workout that help to achieve physical balance, mental clarity and a stronger immune system. Other benefits include improved balance, lower blood pressure, stress reduction, anxiety relief, better sleep, improved flexibility, improved digestion...and it just gets you moving! No experience is needed and any age can participate. Movements can be adjusted to each person’s balance and Range of Motion. There is no competition with anyone else, only one’s self-improvement.
8 Pieces of Brocade
Eight groups of easy movements that are a short Qigong routine. The practices can be done alone or
used as a warm-up for other exercises. It is used to open the meridians, improve posture, loosen joints and muscles,
improve blood circulation, improve vital functions, help digestion and drive stagnant qi from the body.
8 Pieces of Brocade in Chinese is 'Ba Duan Jin' and also known as 8 Golden Treasures, 8 Silken Movements,
8 Pieces of Silk, etc. All classes begin with 8 Pieces of Brocade as a warm-up, but it is also a qigong routine in itself.
Here is a sample of the 8 Pieces of Brocade available for purchase:
Wudang 5 Animal Qigong
Wudang 5 Animal Qigong, also 5 Element Qigong or Wuxing Qigong in Chinese is one of the most important exercises practiced by Wudang Daoist monks. It is movement coordinated with breath. It's movements are slow and soft like Taiji forms, but with less groups of movements and easier to learn. It is recommended to learn this first if you have no previous taiji or martial arts background. Historically, the Wudang monks were required to practice these five forms daily to improve health and wellness. This practice is comprised of five major forms; Tortoise, Crane, Snake, Tiger, and Dragon. Each form relating to each of the five elements in Chinese medicine, the Seasons and specific organs. This grouping of forms is derived from some of the most powerful and treasured creatures in traditional Chinese culture.
Wudang Taiji 28
Wudang TaiJi 28 form includes 28 groups of movements. This form is based on the Wudang San Feng TaIJi 108 form. We learn to use softness to overcome hardness, stillness in motion. These forms are taught for improving overall wellness; physical, mental and spiritual balance. Taiji, originally a martial art for fighting, is used by millions around the world for it's health benefits. This class is focused on the meditative health aspects within Taiji. With that, the form has punches, kicks, blocks, movements in multiple directions and generally takes longer to learn than the 5 Animal Qigong forms.
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Calendar of Events
Eureka Springs, AR Classes:
Lake Leatherwood Ball Fields (Winter we are mostly indoors at Eastgate Martial Arts & Fitness)
Mondays & Wednesdays
5 Animal Qigong & Tai Chi 13 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
(CLOSED CLASS)
Beginners Class for Tai Chi & Qigong
Tai Chi Walking, Tai Chi Basics, 8 Pieces of Brocade
Mondays 9:00 AM- 10:00 AM
Map - https://goo.gl/maps/HJjVjXHEvbUWPkYe8
Rogers, AR Classes:
Rogers Adult Wellness Center
Tai Chi Walking, Tai Chi Basics, 8 Pieces of Brocade
Wudang Tai Chi 13 Form
& 5 Animal Qigong Set
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Intro to Qigong & Tai Chi Class A - 8 AM - 9 AM
Intro to Qigong & Tai Chi Class B - 9 AM - 10 AM
5 Animal Qigong & Tai Chi 13 - 10 AM - 11 AM
AWC Members Only- CLICK HERE FOR INFO
Private Lessons
Private Lessons for Individuals,
Small Group, Corporate Events &
Corporate Wellness Programs
Available by Appointment
Text (714) 423-0534
Testimonials
"I am thankful for Jason's teaching of the Ba Duan Jin, the Five Animal Practice and Tai Chi 13. Watching Jason demonstrate these forms is very inspiring. I love doing these practices outside in nature as a way to be a more healthy, balanced and centered human. I am thankful for Charmaine for opening her home and her heart to Jason's students, and to my class "family" for being kind, energetic and fun to be with."
- Scott T.
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