How to Practice Wudan Tai Chi
The Wudan style of tai chi, a Chinese martial arts discipline that uses precise physical movement to create strength, differs from other forms in several aspects. Wudan tai chi, also known as Wu Family tai chi, uses different hand forms, stances and even weapons in its execution.
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Instructions
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Find a suitable tai chi instructor who specializes in the Wudan form to help you practice. Since the Wudan form of tai chi overlaps most of the principles taught in kung fu, you can find this discipline taught in many Chinese martial arts facilities. Wudan tai chi is also the second most widely taught form of tai chi in the world, after Yang style long form.
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Practice the proper stances. The Wu form, unlike other forms of tai chi, implements the horse stance, in which a fighter opens his legs and crouches slightly, as if he is riding a horse. Most movements in Wudan tai chi start off with this resting position.
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Learn to breathe properly. Inhaling and exhaling correspond to the opening and closing of each movement Inhale while stepping forward from a rest position and exhale as you complete the movement and return to rest. In tai chi, the inward breath gathers and stores your energy, and the outward breath creates your strength and power.
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Note the differences between the Wudan form and other, more docile types of tai chi. Wudan tai chi employs grappling techniques, foot sweeps, kicks, tumbling, jumping and throws within the set of movements, and concentrates more on sparring than on solo forms.
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Do not try to learn the Wudan form quickly, or become discouraged if you are slow to master the movements. You might devote your life to perfecting this art, and there are no short cuts. Practice a minimum of 3 to 4 times a week, or you will not reap the benefits of the discipline.
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Tips & Warnings
Many movements in Wudan tai chi involve standing on just one leg at a time. That one leg is absorbing all of your weight and is full (yin), while the other leg, which you held aloft, remains empty (yang).
