THE ROLE OF FORM

 

Masters Wu Chien Chuan, Wabu Young, Stephen Hwa with Sihing Jim Roach

"When you have something that works well, why complicate it?"

The study of Kata cuts across all martial arts, and Classical Wu Style Tai Chi is no exception.  In Tai Chi, of course, the term Form is most often used instead of Kata.  Prof. Geoff Lane of the Danzan Ryu JuJitsu system in Chico, California has written an article entitled "Back to Basics."

In the article, Lane pays tribute to Grandmaster Young Wabu's devotion and adherence to fundamental principles.  I include the excerpt here:

"Another martial artist I was very fortunate to meet with a similar quality was Linyi Maslin's father: 

Master Wabu Young, a Tai Chi master.  He studied in Hong Kong under Master Wu Chien Chuan in the 30's after he came to Hong Kong from Shanghai to escape the Japanese.  He spent his whole life perfecting one kata.  Doing it square, round, regular, and mirror image; fast and slow; large and small...the basics...doing the same Tai Chi form for 70 years.  

He passed away in 2004 (correction: note that Grand Master Young Wabu passed away on April 18, 2005, at the age of 101 in Rochester, NY), dying a "typical Zen Master's death (but that's another story), exuding power and grace to the end.  The basics served him well.  When you have something that works well, why complicate it?"

 Professor Geoff Lane teaches jujitsu at the Nibukikan in Chico, California.  Grand Master Young Wabu's daughter Lin-Yi Maslin also teaches Jujitsu and Wu Style Tai Chi at the Nibukikan in Chico, California.

You are exactly right. While Kata is the standard term in Japanese martial arts like Karate, Form (or Taolu in Chinese) is the preferred term in kung fu and tai chi. 

Despite the different names, both serve the same fundamental purpose: they are choreographed sequences of movements designed to preserve, practice, and transmit the core defensive and offensive techniques of the art. 

The Role of Form in Classical Wu Style Tai Chi:

In Classical Wu Style Tai Chi—which traces its lineage directly through the Wu style—the Form is unique because of its strict adherence to internal body mechanics.

Internal Discipline: The focus is entirely on Internal Movement (the rotation of the spine and hips) rather than External Movement (just moving the arms and legs).

Self-Defense Blueprint: 

Every slow, deliberate posture in the Form contains hidden applications for striking, joint locks, or throws. 

The "Square" Form: 

Beginners often learn the "Square Form," which breaks movements down into distinct, angular components to master precision, posture, and internal muscle activation.

The "Round" Form: 

Advanced practitioners transition to the "Round Form," where those distinct components fluidly blend, hiding the internal power generation from onlookers. Whether called Kata or Form, these sequences act as a living textbook.