BBC Discover Hidden Side of Tai Chi
BBC Sports presenter, Mike Bushell, recently visited the Hao Tai Chi Association based in Palmers Green, to experience this rarely seen style in action and to participate in self-defence demonstrations. He will be presenting his report on Saturday 10th April in his regular slot on the BBC1 Breakfast Programme. Ugur Osman, Head of the UK Hao Tai Chi Association said ‘People in the West generally understand that there are health benefits associated with practising Tai Chi, but Mike was surprised to learn that the soft flowing movements, actually have their true origins in an extremely effective martial art, which is rarely taught in the West’.
The Association hold regular FREE introductory sessions open to all, in St John’s Church Hall, Bourne Hill, Palmers Green. For those unable to attend this event, information on the Association’s other classes can be found at www.haotaiji.com or call Mario on 07846 655629. (Click here to view clip on BBC)
Tai Chi Chuan in particular Wu (Hao) style is one of the five main tai chi styles in China. It puts much emphasis on some torso and internal requirements. Some tai chi students might then have the misconception that only internal requirements are important, not the external forms. The truth is all tai chi study starts from external and works into internal requirements. Advanced study of tai chi requires not only much investment of time and energy, but also good understanding of certain requirements. Wu (Hao) style has well-documented theories and its teaching is based on these theories.
Wu (Hao) style tai chi has a set of strict requirements regarding its practice. From the external to the internal, each requirement is clearly stated.
Wu \ Hao style Taijiquan has had a history of more than one hundred years since it was founded by Wu Yu Xiang (1812-1880). Wu then passed on his skills to his nephew Li Yi Yu (1832 -1892), who in turn passed on his skills to Hao Wei Zhen (1849 - 1920). After three generations under Hao family, including Hao Yeuru (1877 -1935) and his son Hao Shao Ru (1908-1983), the art spread in China to Shanghai and Nanjing, and is recognised as one of the five major traditional styles of Taijiquan.
