Yang Chengfu Tai Chi: The Gentle Giant's Legacy

The art of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) is often called "moving meditation," a flowing system of slow, circular movements that connects mind, body, and breath. Yet, within this vast and ancient art, one man stands out as the architect of the style most widely practiced worldwide for health: Yang Chengfu.

Born in 1883, Yang Chengfu was the grandson of the original founder of the Yang family style. The Tai Chi practiced by his ancestors was often vigorous, including rapid movements, deep, low stances, and powerful martial applications. However, Yang Chengfu saw a greater purpose for the art in the rapidly changing world: longevity and well-being for the common person.

The Architect of Accessibility

A man of great physical stature, Yang Chengfu systematically refined and standardized the "Large Frame" (Dajia) of the Yang style. He intentionally removed the quick bursts of power (fa jin), smoothed out the deep, taxing stances, and ensured every movement was performed at a slow, even, and consistent pace.

His central teaching was simplicity itself: "Keep the posture open, the movements smooth, and the energy sinking." This transformation was radical. It shifted Tai Chi from a primarily martial art, accessible only to the strong and dedicated, into a universally accessible health discipline suitable for people of all ages and physical conditions—from the elderly to those recovering from illness. This gentle, flowing, and majestic form is the one we see practiced in parks and gyms across the globe today.

The Health Benefits of the Gentle Flow

The deliberate and non-strenuous nature of the Yang Chengfu style is exquisitely designed to cultivate both physical and mental resilience.

1. Enhanced Balance and Fall Prevention

Perhaps the most documented benefit is the dramatic improvement in balance and stability. The form requires slow, continuous weight shifts, where the body spends significant time balanced on one leg. This trains the proprioceptive system—the body’s sense of its position in space. The constant, mindful shifting strengthens the core, ankles, and legs, making it a powerful preventative measure against accidental falls, especially for older adults.

2. Joint Mobility and Pain Relief

Because the movements are circular, continuous, and performed without sharp stops or high impact, the Yang Chengfu style is incredibly therapeutic for the joints. The continuous, gliding motion helps to lubricate the joints by encouraging the production of synovial fluid. Practicing the form gently stretches the tendons and strengthens the smaller muscles surrounding the joints, which can significantly alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia without causing further strain.

3. Cardiopulmonary Conditioning

While the movements look effortless, the practice is a low-impact form of aerobic exercise. When synchronized with the deep, slow, diaphragmatic breathing taught in this style, Tai Chi efficiently oxygenates the blood and calms the nervous system. Regular practice has been shown to gently and effectively lower resting blood pressure and improve overall heart health.

4. Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity

Yang Chengfu’s focus on slowness demands mindfulness. By intensely concentrating on the feeling of the movement, the depth of the breath, and the subtle shifts in balance, the mind is entirely engaged in the present moment. This deliberate focus is the essence of moving meditation, leading to:

• Reduced Cortisol Levels: It actively calms the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight).

• Enhanced Concentration: The continuous practice of focus improves mental acuity and clarity.

Yang Chengfu’s legacy is a powerful one: the gift of a health system that is both simple and profound, proving that the most powerful forms of exercise don't require impact or intensity, but rather gentleness and persistence.

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 him 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