If you are new to Tai Chi, you may not be aware that there are different styles of this ancient martial art. One of the most popular styles is Yang-style Tai Chi, which has gained widespread recognition and is commonly practiced in parks and studios.
What sets Yang-style Tai Chi apart is its elegant and flowing movements. The slow and graceful nature of the form makes it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you can easily start practicing Yang-style Tai Chi and continue to improve your health and well-being.
For those interested in the martial arts aspect of Tai Chi, Yang-style offers a unique opportunity to focus on the internal aspects of the practice. Unlike other styles that incorporate flashy jumps and fast movements, Yang-style Tai Chi emphasizes internal energy cultivation and balance. This allows martial artists to delve deeper into the meditative and self-defense aspects of Tai Chi without distractions.
Overall, the appeal of Yang-style Tai Chi lies in its accessibility, gentle movements, and focus on internal energy cultivation. Whether you are seeking health benefits or martial arts training, Yang-style Tai Chi offers a fulfilling and enriching practice.
The Origins of Yang Style Tai Chi can be traced back to the Yang family, hence its name. It is the second style of Tai Chi to be developed, following the original Chen style. Yang Luchan(楊露禪, 1799–1872), a student of Chen style Tai Chi, eventually became a master in his own right and created his own expression of the martial art, which later became known as Yang style Tai Chi.
Yang Luchan passed down his knowledge to his disciples, who played a significant role in the development of the other three major family styles: Wu, Hao, and Sun.
However, it was Yang Chengfu (楊澄甫, 1883–1936) who made significant modifications to Yang style Tai Chi as we know it today. He removed the explosive power, jumps, and foot stomps, and instead emphasized maintaining a large frame and incorporating a series of expansive opening and closing movements. This resulted in the slow, expansive, and soft movements that are characteristic of Yang style Tai Chi.
Due to the popularity and widespread practice of Yang style Tai Chi, there are numerous schools and teachers that offer their own variations of the form and different ways of counting the number of moves. The number of moves can range from 85, 88, 103 to 108, depending on the counting method used. Therefore, it is more appropriate to refer to the form as “Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi” or the “Long Form,” rather than using a specific number of moves.
The traditional Yang style form was designed to improve both health and martial arts skills. When practiced at the correct pace, it takes approximately 25-30 minutes to complete the entire set. The sequence of moves is structured to gradually challenge the practitioner, starting with easier moves and progressing to more difficult ones. Kicks and moves that require low stretches or spins are introduced later in the form, allowing the practitioner to warm up adequately with the easier moves before attempting the more challenging ones.
The traditional Yang style Tai Chi form effectively enhances flexibility, strength, balance, and internal energy in a safe manner. Remembering and executing the moves of the full 25-30 minute form provides a beneficial mental and cardiovascular workout.