Short Form

 The Wu-style Short Form is the ideal vehicle for anyone new to Tai Chi who wants an introduction to its principles without compromising the deeper benefits to health and vitality. Containing only 18 moves and lasting around four or five minutes, it is easy and quick enough for the busiest person to practice each day. The Long Form may take several years to learn, but you then have the ability to get a full workout that upgrades your body.

The Wu Short Form was created by Bruce Frantzis at the request of his teacher Liu Hung Chieh, in order that there was a simpler consequence to learn for beginners and those who could dedicate the time required to study the traditional Long Form.

The form originally has 18 postures, which in the 2011 Instructor Training in Brighton UK, Bruce re-numbered to 27 postures to make it simpler to understand the sequence of moves. This form is no longer taught in our regular classes, but you may study it with us in private lessons.

108 Long Form

Wu style is the most advanced hand form we teach, with many internal (Neigong) aspects included in the study. It requires resolve and dedication to complete the study, and to continue to practice, but it is an exhilarating experience and the health benefits are (dare we say) life changing. It is particularly beneficial for facilitating the healing of injuries, especially lower back problems. 

The founder of traditional Wu style Taijiquan is Wu Jian Quan's father Quan Yu (1834- 1902). Quan Yu was one of Yang Lu Chan's top students (even though he is recorded as a disciple of Lu Chan’s son Yang Ban Hou) and was said to have gained his master's skill in evasive techniques. It is likely the original Wu style form was developed from the Yang Small Frame that Lu Chan taught to the Imperial Court officials.

We learnt the long form from Master Bruce Frantzis and his senior instructor Brian Cooper, who developed the shorter Modified 64 form which we we now tend to focus on; using it as a stepping stone for beginners before they commit to the 108. This form is no longer taught in our regular classes, but you may study it with us in private lessons.