. Wu Dang
Taijiquan
A traditional system with a lineage
linking back to the genesis of Taijiquan
From the Immortal Chang San Feng, to the first officially recorded practitioners in the 16th century, from the great Yang Lu Chan, and his son Yang Ban Hou to the Imperial Guards Wu Quan Yu and his son Wu Jian Quan, to Cheng Wing Kwong.
Taijiquan
A traditional system with a lineage
linking back to the genesis of Taijiquan
From the Immortal Chang San Feng, to the first officially recorded practitioners in the 16th century, from the great Yang Lu Chan, and his son Yang Ban Hou to the Imperial Guards Wu Quan Yu and his son Wu Jian Quan, to Cheng Wing Kwong.
The style developed under Grandmaster Cheng Tin Hung
(1930-2005) who preserved traditional aspects lost in many other styles.
He developed a reputation upheld by his students, for Tai Chi as an
effective fighting art, frequently winning tournaments against hard
style opponents in full and semi
contact.
The largest organisation for this style of Wu Dang in Europe, is Practical Tai Chi Chuan International, run by Master Dan Docherty 1980 S.E.Asia Heavyweight Champion in Full Contact. Dan is an active international teacher, and has written a number of authoritative books including original research on Tai Chi Chuan. He is a founder member and active promoter of the TCUGB and TCFE , as well as serving as either Chairman or on the committees.
At the Golden Rooster Institute of Chinese Internal Arts, our WuDang Tai Chi Chuan Syllabus and grading closely align with that of PTCCI. We require our teacher candidates to submit written research and theory papers once they have passed the initial grades.
The largest organisation for this style of Wu Dang in Europe, is Practical Tai Chi Chuan International, run by Master Dan Docherty 1980 S.E.Asia Heavyweight Champion in Full Contact. Dan is an active international teacher, and has written a number of authoritative books including original research on Tai Chi Chuan. He is a founder member and active promoter of the TCUGB and TCFE , as well as serving as either Chairman or on the committees.
At the Golden Rooster Institute of Chinese Internal Arts, our WuDang Tai Chi Chuan Syllabus and grading closely align with that of PTCCI. We require our teacher candidates to submit written research and theory papers once they have passed the initial grades.
The five aspects of Wu Dang Tai Chi Chuan Training:
Class practice of Brush knee twist step
Hand Forms (Tao Chuan)
Pushing Hands (Tui Shou)
Self Defence (San Shou)
Weapons forms and application
Internal skill and power (Nei Gung)
In this system it is customary to train pushing hands and self defence alongside form from the early or indeed first classes. We teach predominantly from a martial perspective because it is precise; a student can understand raising an arm and turning the body to defend the chest, more easily than “raise the spirit and extend the Chi”. The martial practices also demonstrate the inescapable changes of Yin and Yang in terms of dynamic forces, momentum, even psychological attitudes, and how they are reflected physically through posture and response. Understanding energy results from thoughtful observed practice and internal observation (Inward Looking)
Not all of our students practice self defence, but all should train with a genuine open attitude, with concentration and respect.
Training in this traditional manner ensures the many health benefits Tai Chi provides, are available to all students regardless of ability or understanding.
Pushing Hands (Tui Shou)
Self Defence (San Shou)
Weapons forms and application
Internal skill and power (Nei Gung)
In this system it is customary to train pushing hands and self defence alongside form from the early or indeed first classes. We teach predominantly from a martial perspective because it is precise; a student can understand raising an arm and turning the body to defend the chest, more easily than “raise the spirit and extend the Chi”. The martial practices also demonstrate the inescapable changes of Yin and Yang in terms of dynamic forces, momentum, even psychological attitudes, and how they are reflected physically through posture and response. Understanding energy results from thoughtful observed practice and internal observation (Inward Looking)
Not all of our students practice self defence, but all should train with a genuine open attitude, with concentration and respect.
Training in this traditional manner ensures the many health benefits Tai Chi provides, are available to all students regardless of ability or understanding.
Pushing Hands - Tui Shou
Keith and Neil practice Seven Star Step pushing hands
The various pushing hand drills
train sensitivity, timing, footwork and an appreciation of distance and angle
combinations. They can be sensitive and slow, or vigorous, deep and faster.
Applications - self defence techniques for Tai Chi Chuan
GM Cheng Ting Hung- Single whip. Courtesy of GM Wong Kew Kit
The standard 48 applications of Wu Dang Tai Chi Chuan introduce and train the main concepts and techniques of Tai Chi Chuan combat. Ultimately we aim to transcend routine and respond spontaneously completing the cycle of Yin and Yang.
In the pictures opposite Cheng Ting Hung demonstrates both the form version of single Whip, and one of the various uses of it in counter attack.
Below is a trailer for the film Shadow Boxer made by Shaw Brothers studio, featuring Cheng Ting Hung, uploaded by our colleague Gert Van Loo at the Chinese Boxing Club, in Belgium.
Weapons Forms - Sabre, Sword, Spear.
Keith Roost Wu Dang Tai Chi Chuan Sabre form. Searching the bottom of the sea.
The weapon forms progressively
introduce more demanding and sophisticated ways of using the mind and body in
Wu Dang Tai Chi Chuan. They are gymnastic, introducing a cardiovascular
element, and include weapon against weapon applications practice. Each weapon
imparts a different quality to the practitioners overall development as an all
round Tai Chi Chuan practitioner.
Nei Gung - Internal strength
Drawings show the testing of internal strength, do not emulate this without proper training and supervision.
24 techniques, 12 yin, 12 yang train
the breath, body and mind, to deliver enlightened or skilful power, it is
through this training that health is improved, technique internalised, and the ability to withstand impact is generated.
