Wu-style t'ai chi ch'uan

Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan (Wu Shi Taijiquan) is one of the five major styles of Tai Chi Chuan, a form of traditional Chinese martial arts that emphasizes softness and internal power. It is named after its founder, Wu Quanyou, a student of Yang Luchan, the founder of Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan. Wu Quanyou's son, Wu Jianquan, popularized the style and made significant contributions to its development. Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan is characterized by a focus on smaller movements, a higher stance, and a greater emphasis on the "silk-reeling" energy (chan si jin) than other Tai Chi styles.

History

Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan originated in the late 19th century. Wu Quanyou was a military officer in the Qing Dynasty and a disciple of Yang Luchan and his son, Yang Banhou. After mastering the Yang style, Wu Quanyou developed his own interpretation, which emphasized subtlety and internal strength. His son, Wu Jianquan, further refined the style and introduced it to a broader audience, establishing the Wu family's legacy in Tai Chi Chuan.

Principles

The core principles of Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan include relaxation (song), sensitivity (ting), internal power (jin), and the use of the mind (yi) to direct movement. Practitioners focus on maintaining a straight spine, using the waist to initiate movements, and keeping the body relaxed to facilitate the flow of Qi. The style is known for its smooth, flowing movements and for promoting health and longevity.

Techniques

Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan features a comprehensive system of techniques, including hand forms, weapon forms, and push hands (tui shou). The hand form, which is the most widely practiced component, consists of slow, continuous movements that are performed in a specific sequence. The weapon forms include the Tai Chi sword (jian), saber (dao), and spear (qiang). Push hands practice allows students to apply the principles of Tai Chi in a controlled, cooperative manner with a partner.

Health Benefits

Practicing Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan offers numerous health benefits. It can improve balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. The gentle, low-impact movements make it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Comparison with Other Styles

While all styles of Tai Chi Chuan share common principles, each has its unique characteristics. Compared to the Chen style, Wu style has more subtle movements and a higher stance. It is less physically demanding than the Yang style, making it more accessible to beginners and those with physical limitations.

Prominent Practitioners

Prominent practitioners of Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan include Wu Jianquan, the son of the founder, and his descendants, such as Wu Yinghua and Ma Yueliang, who played significant roles in promoting the style worldwide.

See Also

• Tai Chi Chuan
• Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan
• Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan
• Sun-style Tai Chi Chuan
• Qi

External Links

• [Official Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan Federation website]