Wu 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: Gao Lian Cheng is a fourth generation inheritor of Wu (Hao) style Tai Chi. He is the president and a top level judge of the Chinese WuShu Association of Zheng Zhou.

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VCD#780 Wu Tai Chi Survey
Double VCDs , VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Includes performances of Wu Style First Road, Second Road, 108 Long Form, 18 posture Short Form, 184 move Long Set (with Fa Jing), 13 Method Saber, 13 Method Sword, Tai Chi Spear and Tai Chi Staff. Gao is particularly adept at his weapons sets showing some of the best renditions of Tai Chi weapons we have seen so far in the VCD world. This is a Double VCD.

This is a more explosive set that occupies about the same place in the Wu curriculum as Pao Chui in the Chen program. Nothing ridiculous but some jumps, explosive issuances and more complicated movements. Instructor Li shows many applications are the end which are very short and certainly not sweet. In fact they are rarely direct and abbreviated for Tai Chi and therefore somewhat refreshing.

The complete Long Form of the Wu style is shown here. Movements of this form are "small frame", very smooth and highly controlled. It is said to retain the martial spirit, bearing and charm of the style. Movements applicable to Push Hands are evident to those with trained eyes. The final VCD shows a demonstration of the entire 108 form. Not the same form as the following.
This is a set of Eight VCDs.

By historical necessity all forms of Wu Tai Chi bear some notable resemblances to Yang Family Tai Chi. But this form also shows the influence, it would appear, of the Wu association with Chen. This form is a faster paced, wider frame set with very definite Fa Ching actions, faster hand moves at times and some pronounced kicking motions. Another example of the depth of the Wu style. This a different form from the one listed above. This is a double VCD

Lives up to its name. 48 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 Bulls-eye wipes!
This is a Triple VCD.

The Wu equivalent of Yang Family Push Hands. Numerous Push Hands type patterns are shown with a special emphasis on Coiling energy. Included are moving and stationary Single and Double hand practice. Also there are a number of Coiling hands where a particular move such as Fairy Lady Works the Shuttle are interspersed then neutralized without stopping the pattern. Towards the end there are many applications within Push Hands and the student takes some hard falls. As in all Kung Fu the essence here is to allow intent to dictate response.

An energetic yet not frantic form. This Tai Chi staff is one of the better ones with a wide range of movements, some of them quite functional, without sacrificing the essence of the art. One idiosyncratic feature is the high amount of emphasis on one-handed techniques, almost strength demonstrating holds and stops. Overall the technique and performance are both of high caliber.
This is a double VCD.

What does one want to see in a spear set?First and foremost is an integrated and varied reliance and repetition of the three essential spear moves: Open, Close and Thrust ("Ghost Shakes Body"). Even a high level spear set should showcase these skills. Yet some don't. This Wu style set is firmly planted on these three legs and shows some of the other skills such as Jiao. There are some nice fancy moves but this is a bread and butter set.

In truth no one goes to a Tai Chi instructor to learn saber. Not only is the energy somewhat brusque for the style but there is a dearth of great saber sets in this branch of Kung Fu. This is one of the exceptions because Gao's saber work is refined and informed. This is the set standardized by official Wu Wen-Han in his attempt to make practice beautiful and truthful at the same time.
This is a double VCD.

A very nice rendition of what is normally called the "13 Method Sword" and is traditional ascribed to Emperor Yu, creator of the Xia Dynasty. The basic difference between this and other versions is that certain footwork is introduced more conducive to Wu style. Also, movement are shown with a somewhat more complex usage in mind including more sophistication in angle of execution and follow up. A good performance.
This is a double VCD.

One word rules here: RELAXATION. The basics of Tai Chi should, of course, be relaxed. This is a series of single movements and cyclical routines that emphasized loose and refined actions. Good to start a class with, set up on the TV and follow or just to improve the general level of your Tai Chi skills. Probably pretty important if you want to study this form of Wu style.