“Tai Ji Quan, also known as Tai Chi, is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes the cultivation of internal power. Internal power, also known as "neijin," is the energy that is generated from within the body and used to execute Tai Ji Quan techniques with precision and efficiency. Developing internal power in Tai Ji Quan requires consistent practice and a deep understanding of the principles that underlie this martial art. In this essay, we will discuss how to develop internal power in Tai Ji Quan.

The first step in developing internal power in Tai Ji Quan is to relax the body and mind. The practice of Tai Ji Quan involves slow, deliberate movements that require a high level of concentration. By relaxing the body and mind, practitioners can focus their energy on the movements and develop a deeper awareness of their own body. This awareness is essential for developing internal power, as it allows practitioners to feel the flow of energy in their bodies and direct it to the appropriate areas.

The next step in developing internal power in Tai Ji Quan is to practice proper breathing techniques. Proper breathing is essential for generating and directing internal power. Practitioners should inhale deeply through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth, focusing on expanding and contracting the diaphragm. This type of breathing helps to oxygenate the blood and increase the flow of energy throughout the body. It also helps to calm the mind and reduce stress, which can inhibit the development of internal power.

Another important aspect of developing internal power in Tai Ji Quan is to practice correct posture. Proper posture is essential for maintaining the flow of energy in the body. Practitioners should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and spine straight. The shoulders should be relaxed, and the arms should be held loosely at the sides. This posture allows for the smooth flow of energy through the body, which enhances the practitioner's ability to generate and direct internal power.

In addition to relaxation, breathing, and posture, developing internal power in Tai Ji Quan also requires a deep understanding of the principles that underlie this martial art. These principles include yin and yang. Practitioners must understand how these principles relate to the movements and techniques of Tai Ji Quan in order to harness and direct their internal power effectively.

Finally, developing internal power in Tai Ji Quan requires consistent practice. Practitioners should strive to practice Tai Ji Quan regularly, focusing on the development of internal power through relaxation, breathing, posture, and the principles of this martial art. As they progress in their practice, they will develop a deeper understanding of their own bodies and the flow of energy within them, allowing them to generate and direct internal power with greater efficiency and precision.

In conclusion, developing internal power in Tai Ji Quan requires a combination of relaxation, breathing, posture, an understanding of the principles of this martial art, and consistent practice. By focusing on these key areas, practitioners can cultivate their internal power and enhance their ability to execute Tai Ji Quan techniques with precision and efficiency.”

In our U3A Tai Chi class, we teach and practise the Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan the way Yang Chengfu taught it. (Some teachers made changes to the original YCF style and still call it Yang Chengfu Style.) We believe 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.  

There are no videos available of Yang Chengfu performing Tai Chi. However, there are photos of YCF in all the tai-chi poses. 

There are videos available of Master Fu Zhongwen. Fu Zhongwen had been training with YCF since he was 9 years old and he was 33 when YCF died. Fu Zhongwen's dedication to Yang Chengfu's Tai Chi Chuan is evident in his videos. His meticulous movements showcase his lifelong commitment to preserving the authentic Yang style. Despite his advanced age and the poor quality of the videos, you can see the precision and essence of Yang Chengfu's teachings in his practice.  

Because of the poor quality of Fu Zhongwen's videos, we have decided to use the videos of Master Youbin for our classes and this website.

Click on the buttons below to access Master Youbin's videos and other information relevant to the YCF style of Tai Chi.
There is also a Tai Chi naming button for a quick reference to the individual moves.                                

19 min. Zhao Youbin video + Voice                                                                                    23 min.Zhao Youbin video + Voice