Welcome to our U3A Tai Chi & Shibashi website.

The History and Legends of Yang-Style Tai Chi.

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, although practised differently, follow the principles of yin and yang to use the body efficiently with the least effort. The Yang style is particularly known for its health benefits, meditation and self-defence, and is the most popular style of Tai Chi in the world today.

Yang Style was first developed by Yang Lu Chan 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 gets 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, 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 completed 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 travelled 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 Chengfu 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. 

Tai chi offers many health benefits, making it a valuable practice for people of all ages and fitness levels. Here are some of the key benefits:

 1)  Improved Balance: Tai chi helps enhance balance, promote better proprioception (awareness of body  position) and reduce the risk of falls in older adults

2)  Pain Management: Regular tai chi practice has been associated with reduced pain, particularly for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain. The gentle movements help alleviate discomfort and improve joint flexibility.

3)  Enhanced Sleep Quality: Tai chi promotes relaxation and stress reduction, which can lead to better sleep patterns. Practising tai chi regularly may help improve both the quality and duration of sleep.

4)  Improved Brain Function: The mind-body connection in tai chi involves focused attention and mindfulness. Research suggests that tai chi may enhance cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.

5)  Stress Reduction: Tai chi serves as a form of moving meditation. Its slow, deliberate movements, combined with deep breathing, help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s like a calming balm for the mind and body.

6)  Cardiovascular Fitness: Although tai chi is low-impact, it still provides cardiovascular benefits. The continuous flow of movements gently engages the heart and lungs, improving overall fitness.

7)  Muscle Strength and Flexibility: Tai chi involves controlled muscle movements, which contribute to better muscle strength and flexibility. It’s especially beneficial for maintaining joint health and preventing stiffness.

8)  Immune System Support: Some studies suggest tai chi enhances immune function. Combining movement, relaxation, and deep breathing may positively impact immune responses.

Remember, tai chi is adaptable and suitable for people of varying fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the gentle nature of tai chi makes it accessible to nearly everyone. So, consider giving it a try!

The Shibashi page includes 2 videos of Gary Khor teaching 18 movements of Shibashi each. Tai chi movements, practised at a slow and even speed, are widely acknowledged to help calm emotions, focus the mind, and strengthen the immune system. Tai Chi and Shibashi promote relaxation, proper breathing, straight posture, and balance. They help us stay more flexible as we grow older, thus making an outstanding contribution to our overall health and well-being.

Our Tai Chi and Shibashi classes are two of many courses held by U3A (university of the 3rd age) Bundaberg. The classes are held every Wednesday (except during the school holidays). Shibashi : 8.30 - 9.30 am, Tai Chi : 9.30 - 10.30am. and are free for U3A Bundaberg members. You are very welcome to see us at the Avenell Heights Hall. Have a go if you like. All information on how to join is on the Join Us page on this website. Please let us know if you have any questions or need help with internet stuff.                                                                                                                                                        Remember, every journey starts with the first step!