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, even though they are practised differently, follow the principles of yin and yang to use the body efficiently with the least amount of 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. His third son, Yang Zhen Duo founded the International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association in October 1998. 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.

In our U3A Tai Chi class, we teach and practice the Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan the way it was taught by Yang Chengfu. We think it is important to preserve the authenticity of this art in its originality out of respect for Master Yang Chengfu and the benefit of future generations. We use the videos of Master Zhao Youbin to learn from. On the Tai Chi page of this website, you can find his videos and other information relevant to the YCF style Tai Chi.

              The Shibashi page includes 2 videos of Gary Khor teaching 18 movements of Shibashi each. Practised at a slow and even speed Tai chi movements 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. It helps us to 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 meet us in the Avenell Heights Hall. We'll try to answer any questions you may have. Remember, every journey starts with the first step.