Wu's
Tai Chi has evolved from Yang's Big and Small Frames, and it also has
the influence of Chen's Big Frame, Zhao Bao Small Frame Tai Chi
and Wu Hao's Small Frame. As Grand Master Ma said, "Wu Style has
evolved from the essence of all Tai Chi Styles before it".
Quan Yu, the founder of Wu Style, was Yang Lu
Chan's top student, and also learned from Yang Pan Hou. This is why
Yang and Wu Style choreography is similar. The distinguishing mark of
Wu Style is the Plow Oxen posture. The upper body appears in a slanted
position, yet the internal spinal column from the tail bone to the top
of the head is in a straight line. The term for this is “slanted
erect”. This stance will give one extra stability and extra distance
and support in executing the Brush the Knee posture and in discharging
energy (Fa Ching). More importantly, Wu Style is more internal than
other Tai Chi styles because the Wu style frame externally appears as
small, yet internally the reach is wider. Because of the extreme
alignment, Wu Style gives the practitioner more connections with
center, rooting and the transportation of Qi through the meridians.
If you push hands with an accomplished Wu stylist,
it seems amazing, with such small circles and with the minute changes
from substantial to insubstantial, how you can lose your balance before
you know it.
In the South China Athletic Association, besides My
Jhong, they also offered a Wu Style Tai Chi class. This was where I was
first introduced to Wu Style Tai Chi, as a result of my own curiosity.
I also learned Wu Tai Chi from General Sun, who was my Sifu in Pa Kua
Chang [Ba Gua Zhang]. Finally, many years later, I began paying yearly
visits to Shanghai to study with Grand Master Ma Yue Liang, who was one
of the most knowledgeable Tai Chi teachers until he passed away shortly
before the turn of the millennium. He was the son-in-law of Wu Jian
Quan, who was the son of the founder of Wu Style, Wu Quan Yu. Grand
Master Ma was most famous in fast forms and push hands. While he was
teaching, he was ever cheerful, always smiling. Approachable and
friendly as he was, I was always comfortable in his presence.
In Shanghai, I went to the park and asked people
who the best push hands teacher in Shanghai was. Everyone I
encountered attributed this ability to Ma Yue Liang. They were amazed
at his skill and also highly respected his kindness. He taught me the
Fast Form, Wu's Tai Chi Sword, 24 Spear and 13 Spear. He corrected my
other forms, and, personally, I was also fortunate to experience the
guidance and amazing power of Ma's push hands.

Wu's Tai Chi –
Ma Yue Liang taught Grand Master Lee Tai Chi Sword
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