Wu/Hao Style
Wu Yuxiang, the originator of Wu/Hao style Tai Chi Chuan, studied the art under three different masters including the originator of the Yang style, Yang Lu Chan and a member of the Chen family, Chen Ching Ping. The third master Wu learnt from, was a second generation Yang family member, Yang Banhou. As such, he was influenced by both the original martial style and its softer offspring.
Wu/Hao style Tai Chi must be differentiated from Wu style. It is the third oldest style after Yang. Wu Yuxiang, along with his nephew Li Yiyu, created the style in the 19th century in Guangfou, Longian province. They were both members of the scholarly class and, as the moral code of the time dictated, were prohibited (and prohibited their students) from earning a living from Tai Chi. Wu/Hao Style Tai Chi disciples were only allowed to practise and teach for the benefit of their health and personal self defence. It is perhaps a consequence of this strict code that Wu/ Hao Style is the least popular and rarest of all the Tai Chi styles.
Wu/Hao style Tai Chi concentrates on smaller movements and the building of internal chi. Being that it is born of a scholarly class, Wu/ Hao Style is perhaps the most meticulously documented and codified of the five major Tai Chi styles. A strict learning system has been in place since Wu/ Hao Style's inception and must be adhered to. Indeed, each and every principle from the position of the knees, to the required mental state for effective practice can be referenced from its creators' writings.