Wu-Hao Style Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi is divided into many styles but the five main ones are all named after families. Two of these families are the Wu and Wuu styles both of which are respected and practiced throughout the Tai Chi world. Here are a number of VCDs on these styles many of which conducted by teachers with much experience and insight. Wu style in particular is known for its logical and thorough application of Push Hands training.

Demonstrator : Zhai Wei Chuan 5th generation holder, student of Yao Ji Zu and president of the Yung Nian Wu style Tai Chi Association.

You may wish to see his Chinese text.

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A nice two VCD set outlining a fundamental form of the Wu style. This is a very good beginning level set or an abstracted form if you just want to get the essence of the Wu. This is a Double VCD set.

The art of Fa Jing and how to apply it to the forms. This is a Wu version of a combination of basic Chi Kung for Tai Chi and its manifestation of Fa Jing exercises. At the end a very interesting version of Wu Tai Chi with explosive fa ching manifested in the form. Wu is known generally as a smaller frame style so this enters into its speciality. The Standing practice can be beneficial both for health and power issuance. When applied to the form the Small Frame is also known as Kung Fu Frame.

Standard four hand push hands operations developed form fixed steps into formal moving and then free and circular steps one handed and two handed practice then a fairly long section on how to incorporate real off balancing and grappling applications - mild ones but effective - mixed into the practice. The teachers mechanics, though somewhat academic at times, is very good with force vectors and manipulations there for those who can see. Everything is based on the classic 8 Powers and 5 Steps.

Lives up to its name. 58 quick and direct self defense applications with Tai Chi's distinct tendency to push rather than strike. This San Shou form shows strength and power associated with this branch. Also someone got new editing equipment and there are some great Bull's-eye wipes!

The Wu 13 method spear set is practiced with a staff so it can double for either. This vcd is chock full of partner exercises and individual fa jing for these weapons. We are a little tough on spear training at Plum because we see so much incomplete and misrepresentative stuff so we're thrilled to see exercises about the actual usage of the spear and staff. Many "sticky stick" routines. Certainly not exhaustive about the staff and spear but a very good set of routines and very useful especially for teachers of any WuShu.

Instruction by an elderly teacher. A solid sword set with details such as wrist turning and every section shown a couple of times. Actually the saber instruction a little better, especially considering it is Tai Chi where saber is often a little weak.