Xuanmen Danlu Taiji Quan combines the Daoist internal style or neijia and internal or soft boxing, or neijia quan. Internally, it strengthens the main and collateral channels, enables the body to absorb the pure elements while filtering out the pollutants; it helps the body to recover from illness and leads to better health. It ultimately has the effect of prolonging life through healthful living. Externally, it exercises the muscles and tendons, is useful for self-defense and helps the practitioner to ward off attack. It comprises the skills of separating tendons, dislocating bones, throwing, locking, kicking and punching. Historically, it was one of the closely-guarded secrets of Daoist Xuanmen training and was not intended to be popularized. It is different from the more common qigong exercises styles and various styles of Taiji quan. It has its own distinctive style as well as special features of Chinese boxing. It requires the coordination of the various parts of the body and is combined with the Daoist methods of internal conditioning; it encompasses the active and the passive, the collection as well as the preservation of energy. It allows the practitioner to train both externally and internally simultaneously.

Taiyi Xuangong originated from Xuanmen it is a part of the Daoist focus on internal conditioning in order to achieve good health and longevity. To benefit totally from Danlu Taiji Quan, the learner has to start his training with Taiyi Jiuhuan Gong. This enables the learner to condition his body internally. This includes channeling, nurturing and cultivating the internal energy. Ones internal energy is, so to speak, the "medicinal" ingredient, while the body is the crucible. Over time, through repetitive training, the learner builds up a store of internal energy which then becomes the foundation upon which the study of Danlu Taji Quan rests. In this manner, the learner achieves the benefits of the simultaneous processes of training and cultivation, becomes conversant in the art of self-defense and ultimately reaches the goal of longevity.

Within Taiyi Xuangong, Danlu Taiji Quan is a martial form that utilizes "the three hands, four weapons, five stakes, six techniques, seven skills, eight methods and nine training". In the future, when opportunity arises, I will share its martial application with the community of practitioners.

Danlu Taiji Quan is the entry-level compulsory study in Xuanmen Neijia Taiyi Gong. It was closely-guarded and not meant to be popularized. However, in order to preserve this traditional style of kungfu, meet the needs of the vast numbers of enthusiasts of the internal style and, at the same time, bring the best in Chinese martial arts culture to the international arena, I have broken with tradition in creating this demonstration, so as to proclaim the truth and enlighten the initiated.

Danlu Taiji Quan

1. Extreme emptiness

2. Focus on approaching the way

3. Thought and spirit harmonize

4. The void comes before taiji

5. Energy, breathing and focus within the small heaven

6. Yin and yang work together in nature

7. Opening of taiji

8. Energy moves around the taiji circle

9. Part the heavenly horse's mane and move forward

10. Follow through with the body and shoulder

11. Brush knee, stretch hand and twist step

12. Embrace tiger, return to mountain

13. Deflect, forward, push, grasp sparrow's tail

14. Move thousand pounds, parry and explosive release of energy

15. Wave hands through clouds and step as if on lotus leaves

16. Keep continuous circular motion with the energy

17. Draw a circle with both arms, release force Secret is in the back and the hips

18. Release body, move back

19. Repulse monkey with push in the face

20. White crane spreads its wings

21. Attack with leg, hide motion with hand

22. Jade lady works shuttles

23. Move in circular motions like waves

24. Be calm when caught by opponent

25. Snake coils to escape trap

26. Smooth and flowing, sweep lotus with one leg

27. Move upper and lower body together

28. Draw bow to shoot tiger

29. White snake sticks out its tongue

30. Escape like snake creeping low

31. Golden cock stands on one leg

32. Check and control the opponent's root

33. Twist the hip, sink the body, strike forward

34. Strike centre with fist

35. Think before attacking the groin

36. Dragon replaces tiger in jump

37. Yin and yang exchange to finish taiji circle

38. Close the motion with the way

39. Return to stillness