Most of us are aware that there are many schools of Tai Chi Chuan in China and throughout the world. Let’s talk about one of the lessor known forms and schools in the United States. Even though it’s now taught in the US, there is little information regarding the form in print. My research mostly turned up history. I didn’t find out much more even when questioning a Wu Ji Jing Gong instructor and checking out the websites.
Wu Ji Jing Gong form (aka Wujijinggong or Wu Ji T'ai Chi) is derived from the Chen style. However, it incorporates elements of Qigong, Bagua, Xingyi, in addition to Wu, Yang and SUN style T'ai Chi. Wu Ji Jing Gong form emphasizes calmness, tranquility, and awareness and is performed throughout China. Unfortunately, it is relatively unknown in the US.
Master Chen Jisheng of Tangshan, Hebei Province in China is believed responsible for the foundation of WuJi Jing Gong. According to legend, Chen had learned martial arts during his childhood from a few famous martial artists. He continued to work on his art. He was fortunate to become a student of famous martial artist Master Zhao Qingchang(1830-1927). Chen became a professor of martial arts at Nanjing University. He and Master Zhao did extensive research into other schools. After learning the essence of Tai Chi from the many schools and his research, Master Chen went on to create Jinggong Circular Taijiquan.
Master Chen’s form was considered “better” than others and he taught Jinggong Circular Taijiquan in Shandong Province, Shanghai and Nanjing. While it’s true that circular form does require coordination of the body, this is believed to preserve health while it enhances attack and defense moves! It is often called a water form because the movements are seamless and fluid.
Master Lu Jitang was physically weak and was often ill even at his young age. Nothing seemed to help him and his life was in danger. He decided to try Jinggong Circular Taijiquan and Jinggong Health Preserving Exercises from Master Chen. Lu Ji-Tang became a closed-door student of Chen Jisheng. The forms had a positive effect on his health and he became interested in how to work out a system in order to preserve health.
Master Lu did extensive research and concluded that the key was tranquility. He felt that by understanding and mastering tranquility, you could make your entire body balanced and harmonious and, therefore, preserve health and cure disease! Master Lu completed Wujijinggong Health Preserving Twelve Forms as well as other exercises and became one of the most recognized T'ai Chi Grandmasters in China. Master Lu renamed the form: Wu Ji Jing Gong.
Master Lu appointed Master William Ting (Kuo Pao) as head of the system. It is believed that this Shanghai area form was brought to the US by Master Ting. There are branches in Shanghai, Tokyo, Australia, and New Jersey. (www.SilverTigerTaiChi.com). Master Ting’s students teach in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Virginia and in Paris France.
According to the “internet” instructors teach the philosophy of Wu Ji Jing Gong and work with hospitals researching how the form enhances health.
The school of Wu Ji Jing Gong states that they:
have preserved and developed the “essence” of Tai Chi,
believe that the skills of attack and defense are of great importance,
research the theories and philosophies of Tai Chi and Qigong for the purpose of unity and further development, and
consider “preserving health” as its foundation and purpose.
If any reader has further information they would like to add, please send me your comments.
Below are a few available sample videos from YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_IgeGPYQV0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRuF2jqdmuQ&t=18s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGp574fOsw0
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