Presenter:
Bob Roth
Wu Style Background:
I began formal study of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan in October 1987 and have continued for nearly four decades. My practice has included form, push-hands, and teaching experience, always with an emphasis on making the art meaningful and accessible for a wide range of students.
Abstract / Description:
This two-hour active participant class is designed to prepare elderly students for the study of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan. It will emphasize practical ways to enter the art safely while developing confidence, awareness, and enjoyment.
Key areas of focus will include:
Song (鬆): Releasing unnecessary tension while maintaining energy and structure.
Ting (聽): Cultivating sensitivity—listening within the body and in interaction with others.
Frame Locking: Learning how to stabilize posture without rigidity, creating both support and freedom of movement.
Skeletal Awareness: Understanding how to align and use the skeleton properly so that movement is efficient and joints remain safe.
Head Voices & Energy Blocks: Recognizing the mental “voices” that inhibit learning and identifying what an energy block looks and feels like, giving students tools to work through them.
Format:
This will be an interactive two-hour class. Participants will be guided through explanation, demonstration, and partnered exercises. They will directly experience how Wu Style principles can be adapted for elderly learners, strengthening both body and mind.
Relevance to the 50th Anniversary:
As Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan continues to mature as a global tradition, it is vital to address how the art can be introduced to elderly students. This presentation highlights practical methods for teaching foundational principles in ways that are accessible, empowering, and true to the Wu Style lineage.