As we have seen while recounting the history of Tai Chi and the Chen Family Form, there are several variations of the stories passed down throughout the years. The Yang Family Form is no different.
The major styles of Tai Chi, even though they are practiced differently, follow the principles of yin and yang to use the body efficiently with the least amount of effort. The Yang style, in particular, is known for its health benefits, meditation and self-defense, and is the most popular style of Tai Chi in the world today.
Yang Style was first developed by Yang Lu Chan (aka Yan Fu-k’ui) in the early-1800s. Yang loved martial arts and trained with several masters. However, after being defeated by a descendant of the Chen village, he was eager to learn this softer style. Here is where the story get a bit murky. One interpretation has him going to the Chen Village in 1820 to learn under Chen Chang-xing, but not being treated fairly because he was not a member of the family. Another version has him pretending to be a beggar and fainting at a Chen Elder’s door, in order to be rescued and accepted as a servant.
Both versions claim that he heard sounds during the night and peeked through a broken wall to see Master Chen teaching his disciples. Yang watched nightly, then returned to his room to study and practice. One version says that this went on until one day, Chen ordered him to spar with the other disciples, none of whom could defeat him. In an alternate version of this story, Yang was discovered peeking through the wall, but not executed because Chen realized that he had great potential, and subsequently decided to teach him the Chen family secrets.
When Yang completely his study, he returned home and began teaching. People called the style Yang Style, meaning Soft or Neutralizing Style, because his motions were soft, but yet able to neutralize an opponent’s power. He traveled around the country, challenging and defeating well-known martial artists, eventually becoming known as Yang the Invincible or Unbeatable Yang. Yang Style ultimately rose to prominence as a result of Yang being hired by the Chinese Imperial family to teach Tai Chi to the Elite Palace Battalion of the Imperial Guards in 1850, a position he likely held until his death.
In the early 1900s, Yang’s grandson, Yang Cheng Fu, began modifying the family style. He preferred large postures, which were more conducive to health applications than the smaller, more martial-appropriate postures. He believed stances could be high, medium or low, but should always be extended, open and relaxed. The resulting Yang Long Form consists of 108 movements and is characterized by an even tempo and slow, graceful, circular movements. Yang Cheng Fu also developed an abridged version to make it easier to teach modern students with busy lives.
Yang Cheng Fu was the first Tai Chi Master willing to share family secrets with the public, and because of his gentle nature, he attracted many students and made the style popular throughout China. Many of Yang’s descendants continue to teach to this day. In fact, his third son, Yang Zhen Duo founded the International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association in October 1998, and in July 2009, Grandmaster Yang Zang Duo officially named his grandson, Yang Jun as the Fifth Lineage Holder of the Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan.
Given the history of the various Tai Chi styles, it is easier to understand why there are so many variations within any given style. After numerous years and generations, many practitioners have made modifications based on their research, experiences and needs. Subsequently, it is impossible to say which family or form is most effective. It comes down to choosing the one that meets your goals and that you enjoy.
Chen and Yang are just two of the five major styles of Tai Chi. In future blogs we will take a look at Wu, Hao, and Sun. Check out our schedule of classes to give one a try!