This site features the Wu style of Tai Chi as taught and practiced by Master Stephen Yan of Wellington New Zealand. The site also features other arts taught by Stephen that both increase health and provide the skills needed for effective self defense.

Stephan learned Wu Chian Chuan Tai Chi Chuan directly under Grand Master Ma Yueh Liang and Grand Master Wu Ying Hua and in fact is one of only 3 students, including Ma Jiang Bao and Shi Mei Lin, who learnt the complete system.

The Wu system of Tai Chi Chuan includes empty-handed forms, Tui Shou (Push Hands), weaponry, Tai Chi Nei Kung, etc. He was also fortunate enough to be taught Er Shr Si Taiji Yin Yang Nei Kung (Taiji 12 segment Yin methods and 12 Yang methods, internal exercises) by Master Cheng Ting Hung, this Nei Kung had somehow been lost in mainland China and has now been preserved by Stephen.

Grand Master Ma Yueh Liang’s brother in law, Yu Shen also a disciple of Wu Chian Chuan (the founder of Wu Tai Chi )still remembered Er Shr Si Taiji and was asked by Grand Master Wu Ying Hua if he could teach it to her son, Ma Jiang Bao. Unfortunately Yu Shen passed away before he was able to pass this knowledge down to Ma Jiang Bao.

Stephen specializes in all aspects of Wu Tai Chi Chuan. Stephen teaches accurate empty-handed forms with applications, weaponry with applications, Tui Shou (Push Hands) and Lan Cai Hua (Tai Chi Free Sparring), theory, history and philosophy. Stephen concentrates his Wu Tai Chi instruction on practical application as he believes the well known health benefits are a natural consequence of proper use and practice of Wu Tai Chi.

Grand Master Ma was, until his recent death, one of the greatest recognised practicioners of Wu style Tai Chi in Mainland China and the World. His ultimate skill defeated all challengers from around the world and he accepted challenges well into his 90's. His reputation and skill in this regard is unsurpassed.

Master Ma 's excellence ranged from accuracy of the forms, to theory and applications in free sparring, and push hands. He remained unbeaten.

A brief note from Stephen.

"Thank you for visiting. It is difficult to find accurate tuition of the Wu style form in the world today. I have created this website to offer a resource for those seeking a true method of tuition as I believe my form is extremely authentic and accurate to the original Wu style.

I hope that Tai chi will give you the health, mental stability and balance that I have gained from this practice over the period of my 25 years of study. Tai Chi is also the ultimate martial art in self defence.Of course, there are different levels at which one can experience benefits but discipline and relaxation gained from doing the form can come very rapidly with diligent daily practice."

'Good luck with your study."

Yours truly,

Stephen Yan

The Wu style Long Form

The Wu style Long Form is one of the forms taught in Wu Tai Chi. The form contains 108 movements/postures, and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. This is the form taught in Stephen's classes.
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Stephen is also a disciple of Grand Master Cheng Tin-Hung who is the founder of the Hong Kong Tai Chi Association. Grand Master Cheng Tin-Hung participated in the 1957 Taiwan Martial Arts Tournament and became the middle weight champion using Tai Chi to defeat practitioners of many other styles of martial arts.

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The New Zealand Wu Tao Society
Wellington, New Zealand
Phone: Stephen Yan on (04) 471 1818
E-mail: NZ WU TAO

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