Next we will talk about qi. A common misconception about Taijiquan is that we have to work with our natural (lung) breathing (which is one meaning of qi in Chinese). In fact, Taijiquan qi refers to our internal qi (energy) flow, and our moves have to be coordinated (with this qi flow). In Wu (Hao) style Taiji breathing has to do with yi and qi - qi flows within the muscles and has to go downward (sink).

As we relax our muscles we can allow the qi between the muscles and bones to sink. Yi, on the other hand, resides in the bones and goes upward as we extend our bones.

To inhale in Taiji breathing refers to the sinking of the qi in the muscles and to exhale refers to the extending of the bones - Taiji breathing refers to these activities in our muscles and bones.

All our moves, such as hands moving forward, have to do with the bone's movement or extension, but the muscles don't move together with the bones. Rather, it has to relax and retract. This is he meaning of the "clear separation of substantiality and insubstantiality" and yin and yang.

Taiji is about yin and yang and is represented by these two main parts of our body (muscles and bones). Muscles have qi flowing in them and are ying. Bones are yang. Yang has to do with extension (of the bones) and is the exhale part of tai chi breathing. Note it well that the tai chi breathing as mentioned in the tai chi classics has nothing to do with our natural (lung) breathing.

Qi flows in our muscles. We use our mind to relax our muscles and sink the qi downwards. We should not relax the bones as we relax the muscles or else we miss the feeling of extension and, as such, are failing to observe the requirements of tai chi - bone extension is yang, and muscle relaxation (or contraction) is yin.

These principles are familiar to those of you who have been learning the Wu (Hao) style from me for some time. I'm elaborating here so that you know there are always these two internal and intertwined movements, or tai chi breathing, involved in every movement of the forms. Please keep them in mind as you practise tai chi and if you can practise with these principles, you'll reap great benefits for your health. One thing that is always very important for good health is good circulation of blood and qi.

As we reach higher levels of tai chi and learn to extend and open up our joints, we'll feel a sense of relief in our joints and no blockage of qi in our muscles. Modern life has put a lot of stress and pressure on our bodies and causes the tendons and bones to be very tense. This then adversely affects our health. A lot of my students have told me that after practicing tai chi for some time, their health has changed much for the better. This stems from the correct practice of tai chi - true relaxation of the body, improved qi and blood circulation.

Wu Yuxiang

One of the theories as to why Wu (Hao) style Taijiquan has not become as popular as its contemporaries, such as Yang Style or Chen Style, was that its founders, in keeping with their literati tradition, would only let descendents practice Taijiquan for their own health and self defence, but would not let them become professional Taijiquan teachers.

Wu Yiyu

Li Yiyu later adopted Hao Weizhen as his student. It was only after Hao Weizhen's rise to fame that he started teaching his style to the outside world.

In the 1930s, Hao Weizhen's son, Hao Yueru and grandson, Hao Shaoru went south to Shanghai, Changzhou and Najing, introducing this style of Taijiquan into southern China.

In northern China, the style was spread by Hao Weizhen's student Li Baoyu (also named Li Xiangyuan). Therefore, the Wu (Yu-Xiang) Style is also known in the north as the Wu (Li) Style and in the south as the Wu (Hao) Style.

It was during this time that Master Liu Jishun became one of Hao Shaoru's first two students.

Since the spread of Wu (Hao) Style Taijiquan, it has evolved into a northern style and a southern style. The northern style is represented by Li Baoyu (Li Xiangyuan), and the southern style by hao family's third generation master Hao Shaoru. Hao Shaoru himself has passed on the knowledge of this style to Masters Liu Jishun and Pu Gongda, who became the fourth generation lineage holders descendant from the first Hao and sixth generation from Wu Yuxiang.

Hao Shaoru

Hao Weizhen

In 1986, China held the first National Taijiquan Experts Exchange and Perfor-mance Meeting in Chengdu, Sicuan. Master Liu Jishun was invited by Gu Liuxing and named one of the representatives of the Wu (Hao) Style. The other representative was Master Liu's fellow disciple, Master Pu Gongda. In 1988 the second National Taijiquan Experts Exchange and Performance Meeting was held in Guangzhou and Master Liu was again representing this style.

By 1991, Master Liu had been nominated Honorary President of the Yongnian County Taijiquan Association, Hebei Province and represented that association at meetings and performances.