Tai Chi Glossary > Wu Style (Wu Yuxiang)

Wu Style (武式)

Definition: The Wu Style founded by Wu Yuxiang (武禹襄): high stances, precise alignment, rigorous internal requirements, and a theory-heavy approach grounded in the Tai Chi Classics. It is not the same as the Wu Quanyou–Wu Jianquan 吴式 — see Wu Style (Wu Jianquan).

Characteristics

• Exceptionally high stances and precise alignment
• Rigorous internal requirements
• Strong grounding in classical theory; Wu Yuxiang’s writings and those of his nephew Li Yiyu form a significant part of the Tai Chi Classics
• Compact, internally focused mechanics

Lineage

Wu Yuxiang studied with both Yang Luchan and Chen Qingping. The style was later carried by the Hao family (Hao Weizhen and others), which is why it is also called 武式 / 郝架.

Distinction from 吴式

Both are romanized “Wu”, but they are different lineages: 武式 runs Wu Yuxiang → Hao family; 吴式 runs Wu Quanyou → Wu Jianquan. See Wu Style (Wu Jianquan).

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