I started learning Wu-style Tai Chi a few years ago, but it wasn’t until this year that I really started to feel I was getting the hang of it. I love it!

The Wu name comes from 吴全佑 Wú Quán yòu (1834–1902), who trained with Yang Luchan. Wu also studied with Yang Luchan’s oldest son, 杨班侯 Yáng Ban Bān Hóu (1837–1892).

The style is characterized by a leaning posture and unique footwork. The feet are parallel, both pointing straight to front. In bow stance, with the feet in this position, you naturally lean forward so your nose is above your knee.

However, the leaning posture is not maintained throughout. It alternates with an upright posture in sitting stance. This motion, alternating between leaning and upright posture, is captured by the lovely image of a willow tree blowing in the wind—leaning with the wind and rebounding. There are useful introductory remarks about Wu-style on the Ji Hong Tai Chi & Qi Gong Website (Mississauga, Ontario).

Amin Wu studied with Li Bingci, Chief Master of the 4th Generation of Wu-Style Tai Chi. She has a video on YouTube: An Introduction to Wu-Style Tai Chi with Sifu Amin Wu. The opening and closing are long; for the most important general instruction on Wu-style, watch from about 18:00 to 33:00.

吴鉴泉 Wú Jiànquán is the son of Wu Quanyou. Here he demonstrates Wu-style postures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1YZ0vRDklI&t=32s

Also characteristic of Wu-style is the flat circle with the palm in Lanquewei (Grasp the Bird’s tail). You can see that in this demo of elements of Wu-style, with explanations (in Chinese with subtitles):