About Wu Tan

The Wu Tan Chinese Martial Arts Center was founded in 1971 by Grandmaster Liu Yun-Qiao in Taiwan.  With the goals to organize, research and exalt authentic Chinese martial arts. By 1992, when Grandmaster Liu passed away, Grandmaster Liu and his “Wu” (1st) generation disciples had instructed more than thirty thousand students over 24 countries world wide. Wu Tan is currently the largest martial arts organization in the world that teaches and promotes the art of Bajiquan, Pigua Zhang and Bagua Zhang. Grandmaster Liu's effort in the development of Wu Tan played a crucial role in the modern history of Chinese martial arts by bringing the accessibility and popularity of Kung Fu training back into the Chinese community.

Grandmaster Liu was a native of He Bei province which had produced many famous martial artists in the history of China. He began his training in 1915 at the age of six to improve his physique under the guidance of his family bodyguard. Later he learned his trademark of Bajiquan under the famous ‘God of Spear” Li Shu-Wen and studied with Li on a daily basis for almost fifteen years. With unique opportunities, Grandmaster Liu also studied with some of the top Grandmasters of the era in the disciplines of Liu He Praying Mantis, Tai Chi Quan, Bagua Zhang and many classical weapons, most famously the Da Qiang (grand spear). In 1968, General Kung Ling-Cheng recommended Grandmaster Liu to serve as the head trainer for President Chiang Kai-Shek’s bodyguards. In addition, Grandmaster Liu also trained members of the National Security and Intelligence, including the famous special force unit - The Night Eagle. All four presidents of Republic of China (Taiwan) respected Grandmaster Liu and treated him as a "Mentor" during the time of his service. Grandmaster Liu's training background, military career, his relationship with the presidents and the effort to expand Chinese martial arts world wide had made his life a truly unique experience that no others can match. A first generation disciple of Grandmaster Liu, Master Chen Chang-Lin studied with him for over twenty years and was in charge of the Wu Tan Chinese Martial Arts Center in Taiwan for years before he came to the United States pursuing his PHD.

In 1981, Master Chang-Lin Charles Chen (“Wu” Generation Disciple), established Wu Tan NY in Queens, New York. The school on Northern Blvd was introduced to potential martial artists in the east coast under the instruction of Master Chen.  Master Chen was a special teacher who stressed the typical slogan of “no pain, no gain”.  He promoted and taught the importance of the structure of the human body at the same time integrated the traditional ideologies to teaching martial arts.  He was a stalwart defender of traditional Chinese martial arts teachings and emphasized strictly on detail and the application of physics to martial arts.  It was a great step forward for Wu Tan and the beginning of an intense, prestigious, and honorable marital arts era for its students. 

Master Chen moved to Millburn, New Jersey in 1996, established Wu Tan NJ. Of all the students that Master Chen had carefully selected only 13 to be inducted as his “Tan” generation disciples.  Not only has Master Chen and his disciples maintained the authenticity of Chinese Martial Arts but has also developed and integrated a detailed curriculum that may challenge any martial artist that chooses to accept the journey.  

In close to thirty years of hard work by all of the people involved, the Wu Tang NJ not only has maintained the original spirit and style of martial arts training but also has devoted on developing and integrating training programs, standardizing form materials and establishing the Wu Tang ranking system.

Master Chen passed away due to sudden aneurysm in April 2005. His disciples continued the torch to carry on Wu Tan NJ’s teachings. In 2015, disciple and head coach Vincent Mei moved to New York City, and is currently continuing Wu Tan NJ in lower Manhattan.

Get in touch

We at Harris Ingram know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.

Book an appointment ▸