Wu (Hao) Style 武式太極拳
Small, compact, upright frame with subtle internal opening and closing. Wu Yuxiang studied with Yang Luchan and Chen Qingping (Zhaobao). Transmitted through Li Yiyu and Hao Weizhen, so often called Hao style.
Lineage
Wu Yuxiang → Li Yiyu → Hao Weizhen → Hao Yueru → Hao Shaoru; Hao Weizhen also taught Sun Lutang.
For health & mobility
Compact stance, little stress on knees; suits small spaces.
Forms
- Form lists coming soon – see the comparison page.
Quick facts
| Founder | Wu Yuxiang (1812–1880) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Yongnian, Hebei |
| Era | Mid-1800s |
Where to learn
- Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy – Eddie Wu Kwong-yu – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Shanghai Jianquan Taijiquan Association – Shanghai, China
- Yongnian Wu (Hao) Style Association – Yongnian, Hebei, China
- Zhong Yunlong – Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China
- Yuan Xiugang – Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China
- Tagou Martial Arts School – Dengfeng, Henan, China
- Purple Cloud Palace (Zixiao Gong), Wudang – Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China
- Five Immortals Temple (Wuxian Guan), Wudang – Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China
- Golden Summit (Jinding) & Purple Heaven Palace, Wudang – Wudang Mountains, Hubei, China
How Wu (Hao) Style performs key movements
| Movement | Wu (Hao) Style version |
|---|---|
| Preparation / Wuji Stance | Feet parallel, natural upright posture. |
| Commencing Form (Raise Hands) | Smaller rise; feet stay parallel. |
| Grasp the Bird's Tail | Body forms a straight forward-leaning line in bow stance; hands closer to the body. |
| Single Whip | Leaning straight line; narrower stance. |
| White Crane Spreads Its Wings | Smaller, hands closer to body. |
| Brush Knee and Push (Twist Step) | Straight leaning line; push comes from the back heel. |
| Play the Lute (Hand Strums the Pipa) | Appears many times between postures as a transition. |
| Step Forward, Deflect, Parry and Punch | Fist punches in straight body line. |
| Apparent Close Up (Withdraw and Push) | 'As If Seemingly Sealed Shut'. |
| Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain | 'Carry Tiger to the Mountain'. |
| Fist Under Elbow | 'Fist Under Elbow Punch'. |
| Step Back and Repulse Monkey | Narrower stance, more upright. |
| Diagonal Flying (Slant Flying) | 'Slant Flying Posture'. |
| Raise Hands and Step Up | 'Raise Hands Above Posture'. |
| Needle at Sea Bottom | Deeper incline. |
| Turn Body and Chop with Fist | 'Rotate Body Away Body Punch'. |
| Cloud Hands (Wave Hands Like Clouds) | Smaller circles near the body. |
| High Pat on Horse | Appears many times; left and right versions. |
| Separate Foot (Toe Kick) | 'Separate Foot Kick'. |
| Heel Kick (Kick with Heel) | 'Turn body kick with heel'. |
| Strike Opponent's Ears with Both Fists | 'Double Peaks Pierce Ears'. |
| Step Forward and Punch Down | 'Step Forward Punch Down'. |
| Strike the Tiger | 'Step Back Hit Tiger Posture'. |
| Part the Wild Horse's Mane | Interleaved with Play the Lute. |
| Fair Lady Works the Shuttles | 'Jade Lady Works Shuttles'. |
| Snake Creeps Down (Single Whip Squat) | 'Downward Posture'. |
| Step Forward to Seven Stars | Also has 'Step Back Seven Stars'. |
| Turn Body and Sweep Lotus | 'Swing Lotus' single and double. |
| Bend the Bow to Shoot the Tiger | Same idea, straight-line lean. |
| Jumping / Double Kick | 'Second Raise Foot Kick'. |
| Step Forward and Punch Groin | 'Step Up Finger Stop Punch'. |
| Slap Face Palm | Several times in the 108 form. |
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