A Brief History of Tai Chi Chuan - Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan

Wu Jianquan, a native of Daxing, Hebei Province, saw his father Quan You learn Tai Chi when Yang Luchan came to Beijing to teach Tai Chi. Later, he became a disciple of Yang's second son, Yang Banhou. Based on the Yang-style small-frame Tai Chi, he gradually revised it and, after Wu Jianquan's improvement and refinement, it formed a school, namely "Wu-style Tai Chi". Wu-style Tai Chi is renowned for its softness and gentleness. Its movements are light, natural, continuous, regular, relaxed and natural, with a unique static charm. Although the boxing form is small and compact, it has the foundation of a large form. It starts from spreading out and becomes compact, and within the compactness, it naturally stretches out without appearing constrained. When pushing the hand, it should be upright, tight, delicate and smooth, remaining calm without rash movement, and is known for its kindness and influence.