There are many styles of Tai Chi nowadays, with each generation adding variations, innovations or perhaps regressions.
Master Cheng Tin Hung learned Tai Chi from a young age directly from his uncle who was an ‘inside the door’ disciple of the illustrious Wu Chien Chuan, who spread the modern Wu style of Tai Chi extensively. Cheng Tin Hung also learned variations and martial methods from Qi Min Xuan, who had a different lineage and understood things quite differently.
Above we can see a Cheng Tin Hung performing most of the long hand form of what subsequently became known as the Wudang/Wutan/Wutang style of Tai Chi.
To the untrained eye it is difficult to understand the skill being shown in the performance, however anyone who has a decent level of experience in the art will be able to see the exquisite balance between, structure and fluidity. Sifu Cheng shows excellent extension, shape, accuracy and softness. It’s interesting to contrast this approach to modern Wu style practitioners, who in the main use the square form predominantly, as well as Sifu Cheng’s own uncle, Cheng Wing Kwong.
If the hand form becomes skilful then all other aspects of the art have a good chance of becoming well developed.
Cheng Tin Hung
In order to achieve such a skillful level a practitioner needs disciple, focus, coordination, expert timing and great physical and mental awareness and relaxation.
