My interest in martial arts started over 35 years ago, a journey that has ultimately led me to the study of taiji quan (tai chi chuan) - more specifically, the Wu style Hao family art, a style rarely seen even in China and which until comparatively recently was only taught behind closed doors.
My passion for taiji has seen me travel to China with my teacher to study directly with the current head of Hao style taiji in Shanghai. In 2008 I attended the 11th World Taiji Conference in Handan, Hebei province, in Northern China, where I was honoured to be asked to demonstrate my taiji form in front of the top Hao style masters from across South-East Asia.
The first taiji class I attended was taught by Sifu Ugur Osman and I was completely hooked from the first session. After a short while, as the subtle physical and mental changes began to make themselves felt, I realised that taiji was something I wanted to make a permanent part of my life. Even after several years studying with Sifu Osman, I am still unable to believe my good fortune at having found him. As the art slowly reveals itself to me through continued practise and the theory and practical knowledge held by the association is passed on, I remain totally transfixed by this wonderful art. The progressive curriculum utilised enables sincere students to learn traditional taiji quan in achievable, logical steps. Despite the general perception of taiji as being solely a health practise, all facets of traditional taiji can be taught by the Associations’ instructors. Regardless of whether your primary motivation in studying taiji quan is to experience the physical and mental health benefits, the spiritual aspects, martial application and practise, or all of these – this knowledge is freely available within the association to be passed on progressively to individuals of good character who are genuinely interested in learning.
Having now had the opportunity to research what else is on offer both in the U.K and China; I honestly believe that this is the purest form of taiji available anywhere, completely untainted by modern “revisions” and commercial pressures. So, if you’ve ever been curious about taiji and would like to experience this form of meditation in movement, I would love to have the opportunity to share this wonderful art with you.
