All of the Daoist arts are wellness arts. The first question Daoists ask themselves about their habits is, "Is this healthy for me?" which I think is a question that all of us, in our modern society, could be asking more frequently. Many of the basic philosophical concepts behind these arts, the taiji (yin-yang), five elements, and other Daoist beliefs, can be applied to martial arts, medicine, diet, interpersonal relations, and much more.
Many of the modern arts are very superficial. The traditional arts are very deep, the more you practice, the more the art has to offer. Within the traditional martial arts is a soul that transcends the realm of fighting and self-defense and can be any part of your life.
Preserving Wudang Arts
To preserve the Wudang arts means not just learning the movements of the forms, but also understanding the theory and philosophy behind the movements. So, an element of study is also required. We also should try to record the arts as technology evolves, so that there is a reference that later generations of students can refer back to. It is also important to remember that the arts are living arts, not something fixed, like a painting. Even those who master the Wudang arts, all master them differently. For the Wudang arts, a way to check for accuracy is to constantly ask yourself if your practice manifests the underlying principles. The underlying principle is the Dao--compassion moderation, and humility.