Wu/Hao Tai Chi is a separate family style from the more popular Wu style of Wu Chien-ch’uan, and ranks third in seniority and fifth in popularity among major Tai Chi styles. For clarity, I will use Hao for this style so as not to confuse it with Wu.
Wu Xuxiang (1812-1880), a scholar and member of an influential family, created the Hao style during the Qing Dynasty. He devoted his entire life to the study of Tai Chi, and sought to combine its training with Confucianism, Taoism, and philosophies from Sun Tzu’s Art of War. He and his nephew, who gave up his career to work with Wu, concentrated on theories and the martial aspects of their Tai Chi system. Wu was reluctant to take students, but one of their rare students was Hao Wei-Zheng. In time, Hao would popularize the system and become a respected teacher throughout China, and the resulting style is referred to as the Wu/Hao style to credit both men.
Hao is a very internal system with a clear understanding and explanation. It’s rare in China and almost non-existent in the West. Hao is considered an advanced style, which is hard to appreciate unless you have a significant background and knowledge of Tai Chi.
Some characteristics of the Hao style include:
Simple postures and complicated techniques - The postures and actions are brisk and compact, yet practical.
Strict demands of an upright body and relaxed postures - “As firm as a tree and as flexible as a wheel.” Protect the crotch, straighten the spine, control the mind and let the qi (vital energy) sink to the Dantian. Two palms protect the front and do not stretch beyond the foot and toes.
Control the qi with the mind - “Use the mind, not muscle.” Let the qi flow around the body.
Consistency - “To gather strength is to draw a bow, to let out the energy is to shoot the arrow.” Movements must be consistent and you must be aware of the body and ready at all times.
Depending on the form, there are 96-108 postures from Commencing Form to the Closing Form. In the external forms, emphasis is placed on correct anatomical alignment and integrated movement. Focus must remain on balance, sensitivity, and internal qi development.
In order for the practitioner to fully access the body’s power, he or she must ensure that:
The shoulders are loosened and the elbows are dropped.
The wrists are not flat nor bent inwards.
The palms face upward and are hollow at the center (not flat).
The fingers are comfortably stretched open, with the fingertips pointed upward.
Each hand protects half of the body and does not cross the median.
Hao Tai Chi teaching is based on some well-documented, key theories, such as:
Jing (calmness or stillness)- Only when you are calm, can you focus. This is necessary in order to be aware of your entire body and to know if you have full control over all your moves.
Qi and Yin/Yang - Inhale to sink the qi to the muscles and exhale to extend the bones. Muscle relaxation and contraction is yin. Use your mind to extend and move the bones, which is yang.
Sinking qi to the Dantian - Start by relaxing the muscles around the collar bones, direct the qi to sink through the ribs and downward to the Dantian and extend the bones. Be careful not to shrink your frame.
In Hao martial applications, partner exercises teach and fine tune directing your awareness, sensitivity, and structure at your opponent. Martial skills are developed by contesting balance and control.
Tai Chi practice, for health or martial purposes, is not only about external movements and principles. Internal principles and awareness, both of the body, the mind, and the environment are essential in order to reach a higher level of skill. So, no matter what form you practice, be sure to practice in a quiet place, without distractions, to make it easier to build sensitivity, not only to your body, but also to the surroundings.