Wu Style Tai Chi - Wilton

Wu-style Modifed 64 & Yang-style Partner Studies

This term we will continue our focus on the Wu style Modified 64 form, based on the traditional long form and designed by our teacher Brian Cooper. This class is only available to those who have studied Wu style before. Every other week we will also begin to explore partner connection work, which  helps us to develop greater sensitity to the subtle energies at play when we jion with the taiji process. None of our partner work is designed to be competitive. Beginners are welcome to these fortnightly sessions - please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested.

Cost: £10 

Led by Patrick Foley, Senior Instructor Tai Chi Union of Great Britain, indoor student of Master Sam Masich.
60 minutes of exercise.

We need to cut down on our admin time spent managing registrations, and so from Sept 2023, we cannot offer refunds for non-attendance under any circumstances; nor can we re-schedule classes for you at the last minute. We trust you will understand this is now a necessary step for us.

Switch to TABLE VIEW if you wish to register for several classes together.

 

The Modified 64 Wu Style Form

The form we currently teach at Longwater Tai Chi is based on the traditional long form, and has been modified by our teacher Brian Cooper to become more accessible to all abilities. Consisting of 64 moves, the Modified 64 form embraces every essential posture of the parent 108 long form, without the repetitions. It takes about 12 minutes to perform and is quite compact so can be practised even in restricted spaces. You still get a full workout that upgrades your body, energy levels, mind and spirit.

About Wu Style

A Tai Chi form can be either large, medium or small "frame", which dictates the amount of space required to perform it as well as the actual physical extensions involved. It can also be "short" or "long", which simply describes the number of individual movements the form contains. Where Yang-style forms are traditionally medium to large frame and develop very high quality martial skills and chi gung (internal subtle energy work), many of the Wu-style forms, and in particular the style Longwater Tai Chi teaches, are small frame and perfect containers for health chi gung and meditation. That is not say these small frame forms are not good for martial arts - simply that they are more condensed and obtaining a high level of skill requires greater dedication.

Wu-style Tai Chi is particularly beneficial for facilitating the healing of injuries, especially back problems, as well as stress and anxiety. 

What is Tai Chi Connection work?

Taijiquan, in its essence, is a partner activity. Traditionally speaking, solo forms and exercises are meant to prepare for two person work. While practitioners can learn and experience many positive results from solo work, far greater benefit comes from applying principles while in physical contact with another taiji player. It can fairly be said that without partner connection the essence of taiji is missing.

For various reasons partner work does not appeal to everyone and many enthusiasts have had unhappy experiences with taiji push-hands or martial applications work. The purpose of wuduan jue-shou or 'sensing-hands' is to open up a tactile dialogue which includes communication through touch, transformation of energy and movement through relaxation. By focusing attention on the basics of making and maintaining partner connection (rather than on competitive outcomes), jue-shou can help practitioners to transform what they have learned through solo work into a meaningful understanding of the art of taijiquan. Sensing-hands, as adopted by the 5 section program, is in fact authentic preparation for traditional taiji partner work.