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More Applications - Single Whip

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Applications by Yang Zhenduo & Yang Jun - Diagonal Flying

Applications by Yang Zhenduo & Yang Jun - Fair Lady Works Shuttle

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Tung Ying Chieh - A student of Yang Cheng-Fu. You will notice it is a bit different from Fu Zhongwen's form (also a student of Cheng-Fu) or Yang Zhenduo's Yang family form. However, you can definitely also see many similarities in all of them. This is an example of how styles can vary, yet be derived from the same source. Time and an individual's focus and understanding of the form can have a definite impact on the development of an individual style. Even though it is often labeled "Tung Style" is still considered a traditional Yang Style. Additional forms were also introduced in Tung Style, such as the Tung Fast Form, etc.

                                 Tung Style Tai Chi Performance

         

                                 Tung Ying Chieh 1950 Slow Set

         

                Tung Ying Chieh (Dong Jing Jie) Performing in 1945

         

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Seminar with 6th Generation Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Master, Yang Jun

by Sifu David West

I was recently invited by one of my past instructors (Sifu Michael Coulon) to attend a two day seminar with Master Yang Jun.

At first I was hesitant, due to time constraints, etc, however after not too much contemplation, I made the decision to attend.

I knew from my former studies that the Yang Zhen Duo form, which Master Yang Jun's grandfather (Yang Zhen Duo) taught him, was somewhat different (mainly in the transitions) from the form that I normally practice (closer to Fu Zhongwen's form).

The seminar was covering the 3rd section of the Yang Family Long Form. I thought that by taking the seminar, I might just pick up a few little extras about the movements and be able to apply the teachings in some way to my existing form. Much to my surprise, I cannot believe how much more information I gleaned out of this seminar.

The first thing I will mention is the historic and theoretic detail that was presented by Master Yang was refreshing. Even with his self professed difficulty in the English language (which I thought was very good), it was great to see his concern for traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan literature and understanding. Many of the things he mentioned matched my thoughts and what I have learned exactly. Sometimes you think all of the reading and studying we do is only for westerners... however through his speaking, he did confirm that most of the information we are getting is what is what was meant to be transmitted. Master Yang Jun further confirmed and demonstrated Master Yang Cheng Fu's policy of spreading true Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, without withholding secrets.

Second, I would like to say that the transitions and postures taught by Master Yang Jun are very detailed and specific. Even though the transitions are in some ways slightly different than the way I have learned the movements, it brought to my attention that I need to pay more attention, and be more precise during the transitions, regardless of which method I use. I also picked up some ideas and details on the completed postures.

The third thing I would like to comment on is the application of Tai Chi Chuan principles within Master Yang Jun's form. Prior to this seminar, I had only seen videos of Master Yang Jun. During the seminar he presented all of the principles of alignment, stretching, bowing, sinking, full body movement, etc. that any Tai Chi Chuan practitioner would hold near and dear. It was quite pleasing to see that the principles we use are still taught by the Yang Family.

Lastly, I would like to comment on the effectiveness of the seminar in general. Most seminars I have attended, I have picked up a only a few things here and there. I usually only retain about 10-30 percent of any seminar. After this seminar with Master Yang Jun, I would say that I have retained about 80-90 percent of what he taught. I can now apply much of the teaching to enhance the quality of my form.

I highly recommend attending these seminars presented by the International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association, regardless of how different you might think someone teaches from your method of practice. It was truly an honor to meet and study with Master Yang Jun.

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Yang Shou Zhong, son of Yang Cheng Fu

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Tai Chi - A Martial Art - Many think that Tai Chi is just a way to relax and get magically healthy... however the relaxation and health that you achieve from practicing Tai Chi Chuan is best realized when the martial arts intent is maintained while learning the art. Here is another article from the web, that is pretty descriptive of this concept.

http://www.taichiaustralia.com/MartialArt.htm

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Combat Yang Tai Chi Chuan - An interesting article by Peter Lim Tian Tek, with many good points on Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan as a supreme martial art. The name Tai Chi Chuan stands for Supreme Ultimate Fist/Boxing. It could also be translated as Grand Ultimate Kung Fu. Many proponents of external martial arts have adopted the softer "cotton fist" concepts of Tai Chi Chuan into their systems due to the superior movement and skills that are developed. We do not need to be fighters to practice Taiji, however we must train with the martial skills intended to truly learn the art of Tai Chi Chuan.

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/combat.html

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Tui Shou (Push Hands) is one of Tai Chi Chuan's way of working applications and using the energies cultivated in the learning of the internal kung fu (taiji) form. This practice is something that develops over years. I believe it is why the best of the best in displaying this portion of the art are usually very old. Tui Shou must take place effortlessly. Do not use external force. Take a look at these masters applying their skills in the art of Tai Chi Chuan Tui Show.

Various Masters Demonstrate Tui Shou (Push Hands)

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Developing a Warm-up & Stretching Routine

Ideas for Warm-up & Stretching in the Martial Arts

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Classical Tai Chi Internal Discipline - Steven Hwa

Fajing One Inch Punch & Connecting to the Core Videos

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Another Interesting Shaolin Kung-Fu Documentary

Myths & Logic Of Shaolin Kung-Fu

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Wisdom and the Martial Arts - An article by David West

Wisdom and the Martial Arts

Code of Personal Improvement - Martial Arts have long been associated with wisdom and personal conduct codes. This is a code that we have developed from many sources that have stood the test of time. It should be reviewed from time to time to reflect on the areas in which you can develop and apply. Nobody will be perfect, however we should continue to strive towards improving these attributes.

Our Code - Develop Strength of Mind, Body & Spirit

Walking the narrow path to the Way of Truth!

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Martial Art's Animals - Many martial arts have techniques and concepts based upon the observation of animal movement as well as their characteristics. Some styles also incorporate insects as part of their animal studies. Even Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi) has many movements that are animal based techniques.

Here are some links to various sites, etc. with information on the subject. These are for reference only, and should be viewed with discernment.

http://www.shaolinkungfu.co.nz/page.php?p=animals

http://www.shaolin.com.au/animal.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Animals

http://www.shaolin-society.co.uk/Animal_Styles/animal_styles.php

http://www.ironcrane.com/html/animf.htm

Hung Kuen Video

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Rooting - An article written by David West covering some points about rooting in Tai Chi Chuan.

Rooting in Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi)

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333 For Internal Martial Arts - An article written by David West concerning three important concepts in the martial arts.

333 For Internal Martial Arts: Three Internal Unities, Three External Unities and the Three Bows

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Internal vs. External "What Sets Them Apart?" By Tim Cartmell

Internal_VS_External

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Some additional videos of Fu Zhongwen's Form

Fu Zhongwen Form Sections 1 & 2

Fu Zhongwen Form Section 3

Fu Zhongwen (1903- 1994) (1 of 2)

Fu Zhongwen (1903- 1994) (2 of 2)

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An interesting page with some useful Yang Cheng-Fu Style information. View photos of Yang Cheng-Fu in the Tai Chi Chuan Form Postures.

Yang Cheng-Fu Tai Chi Chuan.org

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A brief view at an early filming of the five animal form we teach.

Hung Sing CLF Ng Ying Kuen or Wu Xing Chuan (Shaolin 5 Animal Form)

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Tai Chi is not well known as a martial art, but rather a slow movement for health purposes. While Tai Chi (Tai Chi Chuan) is healthy to practice, it is actually one of the most effective styles of Kung Fu know to man... however, the martial applications are somewhat disguised by Tai Chi Chuan's slow and graceful practice methods. Here are some videos that attempt to represent martial applications of Tai Chi.

Master Wong - Tai Chi Combat

Master Wong - Tai Chi Combat 2

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An interesting documentary on Shaolin Kung Fu and the Shaolin Temple.

Shaolin - Discovery Channel

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Here are some videos by Tai Chi Chuan Masters closest to the style we teach. Our Tai Chi Chuan is closest to Fu Zongwen's form with some influences from Yang Zhenduo's form... also with additional principles as taught by Sifu Ron Mathews... emphasizing strong postures, sound movement and martial applications. Our students should view the videos only as additional reference. Students should not attempt to learn postures and movements from these videos. Remember that your form will be most graceful if each movement and posture contains strength, intention and correct alignment.

Fu Zhongwen Yang-style Form Part 1

Fu Zhongwen Yang-style Form Part 2

Yang Zhenduo Form 103, Part 1 of 4 ... Also Parts 2, 3, 4

Yang Taiji Master Yang Jun, Part 1 of 103 Form ... Also Parts 2, 3a, 3b

Yang Zhenji - Yang Form Traditional

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Applications of Grasping Sparrow's Tail
by Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit

White Snake Shoots Venom
by Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit

Six Step Process to Learning The Martial Arts
by Bruce R. Bethers

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Class Location: Sifu West's Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, 10 Northern Blvd. Unit 18B, Amherst, NH 03031... Directions

Close to these New Hampshire locations: Amherst, Nashua, Merrimack, Hollis, Milford, Mt. Vernon and many more NH towns. Also not far from many Massachusetts towns.