In the Warrior’s Path Program, all training begins at the origin, what we refer to as the Wuji state. This isn’t a stance in the traditional sense. It’s not technique driven. It’s the intentional return to a place of zero, a neutral point where nothing is being forced, yet everything is possible.
Wuji is the state of pure potential. It’s the space before form, before thought, before movement. It’s not emptiness in the sense of lack, but in the sense of openness. It’s being present with everything and attached to nothing. In this state, the mind isn’t chasing outcomes. The body isn’t bracing. The breath isn’t forced. You are alert, grounded, and aware. And from that place, anything can emerge.
When we teach Wuji-standing, it’s not about stillness for stillness’ sake. It’s a physical reset. The body stands naturally, relaxed, aligned, and free of unnecessary tension. You’re not trying to clear the mind or control the breath. You’re not forcing stillness. You’re observing it. You’re letting the noise fall away on its own, and clarity remains—not because you chased it, but because you stopped chasing anything.
Your eyes see but don’t lock in. Your ears hear, but you don’t grasp. You’re present but not reactive. Your mind moves, but it doesn’t stick. It’s stillness in motion and motion in stillness. You exist in the moment with full awareness but zero attachment. That’s where we begin.
This is what we mean when we say the Wuji state is “non-doing.” Not laziness or passivity, but effortlessness rooted in total readiness. From here, all movement is available because none has yet been chosen. From this state, the warrior is free to act, adapt, and respond without hesitation or distortion.
Wuji is the root. It’s the foundation of presence. It’s where the path begins.
The Wuji stance is the foundation of presence, neutral, centered, and completely open to possibility. In the Warrior’s Path Program, this is where we begin. To assume the stance, start by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward and weight evenly distributed between both feet. The goal is to feel grounded, not rigid, but connected. Your knees should be slightly bent, just enough to maintain a relaxed, responsive posture. Tuck the tailbone gently under to align the pelvis, removing any unnecessary tension in the lower back and centering your base.
From there, elongate the spine by imagining a thread pulling upward from the crown of your head. Your chest stays neutral, neither puffed out nor collapsed, and your shoulders should hang naturally, relaxed and free of tension. Let your arms drop by your sides with a soft bend in the elbows. Your hands remain loose, fingers gently curved, as if holding a small, delicate object.
Your head stays level, chin slightly tucked to keep alignment with your spine. Soften your gaze, not focusing on anything specific, just allowing your eyes to take in the space before you. This promotes situational awareness without fixation. Breathe naturally through the nose, letting the abdomen expand and contract easily, with no forced rhythm or pattern. Most importantly, release any mental effort. You’re not trying to think or unthink. You’re simply observing, relaxed, aware, and unattached.
This is the Wuji state: a physical and mental space where nothing is forced and everything is possible. It’s a return to the origin point, a reset for the body and the mind. From here, every movement becomes a choice, every action intentional. It is the embodiment of readiness without tension and awareness without attachment. In this state, the warrior becomes fully present, capable of responding without hesitation or interference.
, In the Warrior’s Path Academy, we begin our study of physical culture from the Wuji stance, the place of stillness, awareness, and potential. It’s not just a physical posture; it’s the embodiment of presence. From this foundation, we explore the major pillars that form the core of the Warrior’s Path Physical Culture Method. These include Alignment and Posture, where we learn to organize the structure for strength, movement, and energy efficiency; Expansion, a process of reclaiming mobility and space within the body through breath and posture; and Tension, which focuses on understanding and controlling the body’s ability to generate or release force. We then move into Breath, the bridge between body and mindtraining it as a tool for regulation, focus, and recovery. From there, we enter Flow, which represents both the instinctual clarity of presence and the seamless transition between movements and tools. Finally, all of these principles converge in Warrior’s Tactics, the combative integration where the body becomes a functional, powerful unit in motion. From Wuji, we begin, centered, open, and ready to train each of these elements with intention and depth.
Sifu Alan Baker is a nationally respected authority in Defensive Tactics Program Development, High-Performance Coaching, and martial arts, with over 45 years of training experience across multiple systems. As a lifelong martial artist and tactical instructor, Alan has dedicated his career to creating practical, adaptable, and effective training systems for real-world application. He has worked extensively with law enforcement agencies, military units, and private security professionals, designing programs that emphasize scenario-based training, everyday carry (EDC) integration, and combative efficiency under pressure.
Alan’s client list includes elite organizations such as the Executive Protection Institute, Vehicle Dynamics Institute, The Warrior Poet Society, ALIVE Active Shooter Training, Tactical 21, and Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, among many others. He is the creator of both the C-Tac® (Civilian Tactical Training Association) and Protection Response Tactics (PRT) programs—two widely respected systems that provide realistic, principle-based training for civilians and professionals operating in high-risk environments.
In addition to his tactical and martial arts work, Alan is the founder of the Warrior’s Path Physical Culture Program, a holistic approach to strength, mobility, and long-term health rooted in traditional martial arts and the historic principles of physical culture. This program integrates breathwork, structural alignment, joint expansion, strength training, and mental discipline, offering a complete framework for building a resilient body and a powerful mindset. Drawing from his training in Chinese Kung Fu, Filipino Martial Arts, Indonesian Silat, Burmese systems, and more, Alan combines decades of experience into a method that is both modern and deeply rooted in timeless warrior traditions.
Alan is also the architect of multiple online video academies, giving students worldwide access to in-depth training in his systems, including Living Mechanics Jiu-Jitsu, C-Tac® Combatives, breathwork, functional mobility, and weapons integration. These platforms allow for structured, self-paced learning while connecting students to a growing global community of practitioners.
Beyond physical training, Alan is a sought-after Self-Leadership Coach, working with high performers, professionals, and individuals on personal growth journeys. His coaching emphasizes clarity, discipline, focus, and accountability, helping people break through mental limitations and align their daily actions with long-term goals. His work is built on the belief that true mastery begins with the ability to lead oneself first, and through that, to lead others more effectively.
Alan is also the author of three books that encapsulate his philosophy and approach: The Warrior’s Path, which outlines the mindset and habits necessary for self-leadership and personal mastery; The Universal Principles of Change, a practical guide for creating lasting transformation; and Morning Mastery, a structured approach to building a powerful daily routine grounded in physical culture and discipline.
To explore Alan’s books, digital academies, live training opportunities, or to inquire about seminars and speaking events, visit his official website and take the next step on your path toward strength, resilience, and mastery.