Lay down your sword at the foot of The Imperial Emperor. Learn your lessons in Tai Chi and utilize them to master your Kung Fu and sword techniques. Then come to full realization that you yourself are the sword and pledge your allegiance to The Imperial Emperor, whom The Land itself has selected as its voice.
Take back the Art when it violates The Tao. If you encounter a martial artist who uses their art to selfish purpose that violates The Tao, you must allow your sword to disable or retire their ability to do so.
Since disciples of Wu-Tang believe that “The sword kills not the disciple” or that the pupil has surrendered himself and his steel to the judgment of The Way, they do not believe themselves responsible for the bad karma brought about by killing. Whereas a Shaolin monk must focus his energy on disarming his opponents to avoid unnecessary killing, the disciple of Wu-Tang is free to defend the weak and powerless with greater aggression and to greater effect.
Wu-Tang’s Kung Fu begins and ends with Tai Chi, the infinite contrast and harmony of Yin and Yang which creates a balanced system of offensive and defensive skills. The ultimate skill of their hand-to-hand combat system is called “Boundless Fist” and their ultimate Sword Art is called, ironically, “No-Sword.” Their training emphasizes that one learn to strike automatically, or mindlessly, according to the natural flow of universal energy or Chi, which seamlessly resides within both the disciple, and all other things.
Sound a bit like Star Wars? Well, now you know where George Lucas copped “The Force” from.
Wu-Tang’s role in The Land is one of enlightened governing force. It acts in defense of that which is righteous, and its disciples carry their honor as if it were a religious code. Whether or not the current Imperial Emperor or his Court, whom they have sworn to defend, are perceived as fair, Wu-Tang has always been revered by the commoners as a pillar of strength and as an arbiter for justice. Wu-Tang views Shaolin, the clan from which it sprang, as a brother and both Heavenly Demon and Sacred Flower clans as their mortal enemies.
Wu-Tang clan members are also perhaps the most dedicated of all disciples to their training, and the proudest clan. So it’s easy to understand why they are also the most difficult clan to join. While you can join The League of Beggars or Sacred Flower at Level Four, you’ll find yourself at Level Twenty before the master swordsman who guard Wu-Tang’s stronghold will do more than eye you with contempt.
- Ken Johnston and Steven Elliot-Altman, Acclaim
(based on The Lore created by Steven-Elliot Altman)
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