In 1937, Grand Master Wu Chien Chuen came to Hong Kong from Shanghai together with his sons, Grand Masters Wu Kung Yi and Wu Kung Cho, and established the Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy Headquarters (the Academy) at No. 241, Hennessy Road, Wanchai. At the end of 1942, when Japan started the Pacific War and occupied Hong Kong, the Wu family moved to Macau and later Canton.
In 1948 after liberation, Grand Master Wu Kung Yi returned to Hong Kong and re-established the Academy at No.387, Lockhart Road, Wanchai.
In 1957, the Kowloon branch was established at No.745D, Nathan Road. Grand Master Wu Tai Kwei was the Supervising Instructor. Before long, both the Hong Kong and Kowloon locations were at full capacity. In 1962, the top floor of Po Man Mansion at Jordan Road was purchased and became the Academy's Headquarters. The Lockhart Road location was renamed the Hong Kong Branch, headed by Grand Master Wu Kung Yi's daughter, Grand Master Wu Yan Hsia and her husband, Master Kwok Hsia Jong.
Depending on the level of students, there was a Basic Class, Senior Class and Special Class. At the time, Hong Kong went through tough economic times. Grand Master Kung Yi would charge students based on their ability to pay. Some students went as far as lodging at the Academy as if it were their home.
Disciples remember that, Grand Master Kung Yi conducted classes very seriously. However, outside classes Grand Master Kung Yi was approachable and humorous and enjoyed socializing with his disciples.
Wu's Tai Chi Chuan had two significant impacts on the perception of Tai Chi. The first one was the charity fight between Grand Master Wu Kung Yi, at the age of 53, with Master Chan Hak Fu of the White Crane Style held at Macau New Garden on January 17, 1954. The event made headline news in Hong Kong and Macau.
The fight was sponsored by a well known businessman Mr. Ho Yin. Funds were raised for the benefit of Macau Hospital, Tung Sin Tong and the victims of the Hong Kong Shek Kip Mei fire disaster. The result of the fight was a draw. It was reported that both sides demonstrated good sportsmanship and ability. Both objectives of the fight were achieved: fund raising and martial arts promotion.
Though the Wu-Chan fight only lasted 2 rounds it received a remarkable amount of news coverage and generated considerable interest in martial arts. Newspapers began to publish martial arts fiction Series which helped to establish writers such as Leung Yu San and Kam Yung. The Fight helped to foster interest in Martial Arts for the next 20 years. The influence was deeper and more profound than the participants could possibly have appreciated at the time.
The second impact came in 1967. Rediffusion Television invited the Hong Kong Headquarters to demonstrate and teach Tai Chi Chuan on TV. Grand Master Wu Kung Yi and his students promoted Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Chi sword and push hands for 6 months. As a result, Tai Chi became so popular that the Academy's facilities were insufficient to cater for the demand for instruction.
Grand Master Wu Kung Yi passed away in 1970 and his eldest son Grand Master Wu Tai Kwei then became the 4th generation Gatekeeper.
Subsequently, the post of Gatekeeper was assumed by Garnd Master Wu Tai Chi, Grand Master Wu Yan Hsia and Grand Master Wu Tai Sin . When Grand Master Wu Tai Sin passed away in 2005, Grand Master Wu Tai Kwei's eldest son, Grand Master Wu Kwong Yu, became the 5th generation Gatekeeper as well as managing all Wu's Tai Chi Academies around the world.
In 2001, in order to meet the requirements of international competition, Grand Master Wu Kwong Yu together with Grand Master Wu Tai Sin and Grand Master Wu Yan Hsia, developed the Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan International Competition 54 Round Form. Six levels were also established:形(xing) 勢(shì)意(yi) 勁(jin) 氣(qi)神(shén).There is now also an assessment system detailing the requirements of each level. This enables students to develop their skills systematically.
Together with the Wushu Research Institute of the General Administration of Sport of China, Grand Master Wu Kwong Yu developed the Wu-Style Taijiquan Duanwei System. Through this standardized system, students are able to learn and appreciate Wu's Tai-chi incrementally.
Grand Master Wu Kwong Yu has also consolidated the 108 Standard Form. A DVD has been produced and with the help of his Hong Kong 1st Disciple, Mr. Eugene Heung Lap Chi, a corresponding manual was also produced. This Form provides a standard for students all over the world in learning Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan.
Grand Master Wu Kwong Yu has promoted Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan throughout Hong Kong, and held classes for the University of Hong Kong, IBM and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department. Grand Master Wu Kwong Yu developed the Seated Tai Chi 30 Form to help the handicapped and those with limited mobility so they can practise Tai Chi on a chair to improve their health and upper body strength.
Grand Master Wu Kwong Yu is also very active in the local Martial Arts scene with Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan. Students have participated in the Hong Kong Wushu Union's International Taijiquan Invitational Tournament, Push-Hand Competitions and the East Asian Games Demonstration in 2009. Excellent results were achieved. In 2011, the Academy sent a team of 70 to take part in the International Taijiquan Invitational and Push-Hands Competition, which was successful and a number of trophies were won.
In 2007, the Academy celebrated its 70th anniversary. Over 600 students, disciples and guests assembled. At the time, Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr. John Tsang Chun Wah, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tang King Shing, were guests of honor.
In 2010, Radio Television Hong Kong produced a documentary entitled “Kung Fu Quest“. Grand Master Wu Kwong Yu was featured in the Tai Chi episode. He highlighted the key features of Tai Chi giving instructions and demonstrations.