The Kaifu Taiji Diagram is a symbol in which the harmony of Yin and Yang within Taiji is combined with a central point and rotational movement.
The famous psychiatrist Carl Jung published The Secret of the Golden Flower, based on a classical text (Taiyi Jinhua Zongzhi) preserved by one branch of an organization that transmitted Tai Chi teachings. The book became a worldwide bestseller.
Within that text, the immortal Lü Dongbin explains that movement arises from a central point and rotational motion, revealing the secret that this is humanity’s fundamental natural movement in accordance with Wu Wei (effortless naturalness). Jung was deeply inspired by this idea and decided to publish the work.
In Tai Chi, this central point and rotational movement are referred to as “Kaifu” (Returning Wind). Masaki Wakabayashi, who created this diagram, inherited this Tai Chi from instructors of the ancient Wudang tradition (not the present-day Wudang Mountain). Based on those transmitted experiences, he expressed the essence of Kaifu through this “Kaifu Taiji Diagram.”
By fusing the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin-Yang Taiji with the martial principle of Kaifu, the spirit and movement of this martial art are embodied within this symbol.
This diagram contains concepts that extend beyond the ordinary Taiji symbol, including unique Tai Chi principles such as folding energy, drum-like vibration, concealed positioning, rapid yielding, climbing movement, hidden heaven, and many other martial concepts.
©2010 Masaki Wakabayashi All rights reserved.
Wudang Tai Chi is a cultivation system thoroughly refined through experience and practice from every perspective in order to achieve longevity and health.
From ancient times, it has harmonized the traditions of Indian practices and Chinese medicine with martial breathing, energy, and movement, becoming an ideal method for health and vitality.
A beautiful body is created from the center of the body. Excess outer fat and unnecessary muscle are naturally consumed by the body’s internal balance and deeper musculature.
Because Tai Chi is a martial art driven by the inner muscles, it is an ideal practice for cultivating a beautiful body.
Mind — Tai Chi harmonizes the autonomic nervous system through movements centered on activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
A calm heart and a dignified spirit are gradually cultivated through the movements of Tai Chi.
Tai Chi is a martial way that gradually awakens the natural defensive abilities originally possessed by human beings.
Within Ouryu Yang Style Tai Chi, even the quiet and gentle Taolu preserve the movements inherited from ancient Tai Chi that awaken these innate abilities.
Tai Chi values the most natural movement.
Natural movement is movement that feels pleasant and enjoyable, because the human mind and body are inherently designed that way.
The movements of Tai Chi, refined through deep understanding of these principles, help people rediscover what true comfort and joy really are.
Wudang Tai Chi shows the path of living naturally and effortlessly in harmony with existence itself.
Therefore, within the Wudang tradition, Tai Chi is not simply called a martial technique — it is called a Martial Way (Budo).
This is one of the defining characteristics of the Wudang tradition.