Wu Style Hao Family Taijiquan ©®

A Brief History on Hao Taiji

Wu \ Hao style Taijiquan has had a history of more than one hundred years since it was founded by Wu Yu Xiang (1812-1880). Wu then passed on his skills to his nephew Li Yi Yu (1832 -1892), who in turn passed on his skills to Hao Wei Zhen (1849 - 1920). After three generations under Hao family, including Hao Yeuru (1877 -1935) and his son Hao Shao Ru (1908-1983), the art spread in China to Shanghai and Nanjing, and is recognised as one of the five major traditional styles of Taijiquan.

Wu Yu Xiang by practising constantly and using the "Manual of Taijiquan" written by Wong Zhongyue as a guide, Wu obtained a deep understanding regarding the intricacies of Taijiquan and finally achieved the ultimate skill of Taijiquan. Wu later taught his nephew LiYi Yu, both Wu and Li came from families of scholars. They spent time researching, discovering and documenting their theories systematically, including the essential principles regarding the practice and the martial applications of Taijiquan. Hao Yeuru in turn inherited a copy of their work. Their theories and discoveries later became what is known today among Taijiquan practitioners as the "Taijiquan Classics".

A Couple of old pictures above from our archives

	The history of Taiji because of different reasons very few people can understand and handle the theory and practise of Taiji. The classics passed down to to younger generations dwindled and were even fewer. In the past it was only taught verbally and physcally. Its called to be let indoor and led by the oral teaching. The classic theory are highest understanding of an accomplished master transferring his understanding onto paper. Therefore there are many conclusions written in the classics, which can result in beginners misinterpreting these writings. Unless the beginner is shown phsically and taught verbally it is very difficult to understand.
Hao Wei Zhen

In 1852 Wu Yu Xiang was taught by Chen Qin Ping to understand the classics he then learnt to differentiate between what he had known before. Later on he got the ancient and oldest theory from his brother, this books name was"Taiji illustration by Wang Tsung Yeuh" he was very delighted with this. When he got home he told his nephew Li Yi She (Li Yi Yu) abou the book. Wu Yu Xiang read this book carefully and understood and developed the meaning. He created Wu Style Taiji from this Taiji theory. As it passed four generations it became known for it's deep theory and classic practise. Wu Yu Xiang, Li yi Yu, Hao Yue Ru works or writings and Wang Tsung Yeuh writings are regarded as the classics of the different modern Taiji Systems.
		Pu Gonda