Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan

A number of different theories exist around the origin of Taijiquan but generally it is accepted by most that Chang San Feng, a Taoist monk, was the creator.

It is only during the 18th century that Taijiquan first emerges from the mists of folklore. The Chen village in the Henan province was home to the Chen clan who were at the time practicing a form of martial art, which could be closely compared to the Taijiquan we know today. Their style maintained some of the characteristics of the hard styles like jumps, changes in speed, etc.

There are again differing versions of how Yang Lu Chuan became involved with the Chen clan but if it had not been for him, Taijiquan would probably not be as popular as it is today. Regardless of which version we choose to believe, it is clear that Yang Lu Chuan developed into a highly skilled practitioner. During his life, Yang accepted many challenges but remained undefeated until his death.

One of Yang Lu Chuan's early students was Wu Yu Hsiang who went on to study with Chen Qingping and later developed his own style, which became known as the Wu Style.

Yang Lu Chuan's two sons were also prominent in the development of Taijiquan. While Yang Panhe did not have a huge following, Yang Qianhe was very popular and it is through him that the teachings of Yang Lu Chuan found a channel. Yang Qianhe had two sons, Shouhe and Chengfu, of which Chengfu became the most well known for his mastery of the Taijiquan. Chengfu's style was noted for its softness and relaxed postures, which were quite deceiving to challenges.

Yang Cheng fu died when he was 53 and is regarded as pivotal to the development of Taijiquan as we practice it today