The Yang Style Of Tai Chi

Yang Style is the most popular form of Tai Chi. It is widely practiced and is extremely popular across the globe. In chronological order it comes second among the five family styles. It was the first martial art to be taught publicly. While originally a highly effective self-defense based martial art, its current popularity is due to its perceived health benefits – and the martial aspects are largely ignored. The Yang Style was developed in the early 18th century by the Yang family. Yang Lu-ch’an was the founder of this style. He was a student of Ch’en Chang-hsing, a popular Tai Chi master.

History of Yang Style Tai Chi

In the early ages the knowledge of Tai Chi was passed on from father to son only, and not revealed to outsiders. Legend has it that Yang, the son of a farmer showed a keen interest in martial arts at a young age. Noticing his enthusiasm for martial arts his father enrolled him under an instructor named Liu. Liu on seeing the extra ordinary ability and enthusiasm for martial arts referred Yang to the Chen family. Liu warned Yang that it is almost impossible for an outsider to gain acceptance. Yang was discouraged by these words and set out to seek the knowledge. He gained access to the Chen family by enrolling himself as a savant in the household. Yang gleaned information by spying on the Chen family. He would slyly watch them in action and at night he would discretely practice the forms. In this manner Yang perfected his technique. After sometime Ch’en Chang-hsing, happened to chance upon Yang practicing Tai Chi. So impressed was Ch’en Chang-hsing with Yang’s excellent and flawless technique that he immediately inducted him in to his school, thus breaking a very old tradition. After being inducted in to the exclusive school of Tai Chi, Yang began his study with renewed vigor and his mastery over the art grew to such an extent that Chen was forced to dismiss him. Yang then went to set up his own school of Tai Chi. from the Yang style of Tai Chi three more styles sprung up. Yang was also commissioned by the Imperial Family of Beijing to teach Tai Chi to the elite imperial guards of the palace. This coveted position was held by Yang until his death. The Yang style of Tai Chi was developed and worked on by descendants of Yang. The most notable among them being:

Wu Yu-hsiang, he was responsible for the development of the Wu style of Tai Chi.
and

The second son of Yang, Yang Pan-hou. He inherited the post of trainer of elite palace guards from his father.

Yang Ch’eng-fu later modified the Yang style to the present one in practice today.

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