Main Features of Wu Style Taichi Chuan
(Wu Style Taichi Chuan by Grandmaster Wu Kung Cho)
Below is a brief summary of the main features of Wu style Taichi Chuan:
- The form is the essence. Regular practice strengthens bones and muscles, and moderates the circulatory system. This is confirmed by the principles of modern biology and pathology. Taichi Chuan not only prevents disease, but is an effective treatment for existing illness. Preventing disease and prolonging life, Taichi Chuan nourishes one’s vitality.
- Push Hands is the application. The methodology follows the Tai Chi principle of movement and stillness. Applications are expressed through the subtle transformations that occur between fullness and emptiness. Applications use the principles of psychology and physics . Softness overcomes hardness, and hardness reinforces softness. In these ways, Taichi Chuan is a practical, effective martial art.
- When responding to the opponent, closely follow as he contracts, and stay with him as he extends. Tenaciously stick without losing contact. During contact with your opponent, seize the opportunity and defeat the opponent by borrowing his force. This is to out-wit, not out muscle, the opponent.
- Taichi Chuan is a Taoist practice emphasizing cultivation of martial ethics. Each stance and posture is centred and comfortable. Every motion must be agile, with light circularity. Never harbour violent intentions that could cause the opponent ‘s harm.
- Nurture Qi and cultivate Jin energy. There is hard within soft. Let your mind concentrate inwards and intention be stored in the dantien. Then, by practicing and refining, you will gradually become more and more subtle, eventually reaching sublime levels and spiritual clarity. T hen mind and body act as one. You will attain the ultimate stage of courageousness and fearlessness. Do not use force because it is too crude and clumsy. Taichi Chuan does not employ techniques, for they have a beginning and an ending, with inevitable breaks in continuity. (Only beginners should focus on technique. They must know that they are initial rules; later, the square and circle will form. Eventually technique is transcended. This is to attain the highest level. The key skills of softness are studied in motion. In movement there is no part of the body not moving, in stillness, no part of the body not still. As well, in movement there is stillness, and in stillness there is movement. Avoid awkwardness while alternating between movement and stillness. Anyone can study Taichi Chuan. Movements of the form are purely natural. Respond to the opponent by moving with the flow of his incoming force. Taichi Chuan is not difficult to learn. Long-term perseverance eventually brings profound benefits.