Classes

 

Yang Style Long Form Tai Chi

 

Of the five main styles of Tai Chi (Yang, Chen, Sun, Wu, and Wu) the Yang family style is the most widely practiced and there are many variations to it. This class will teach the Long Form as taught by Master Chu Chu-Fang (1913-1988). Master Chu studied Tai Chi initially with Chen Wei Ming for five years and then studied another five years with Yang Cheng Fu. Master Chu also studied with Xiong Yangho (Hsiung Yang Hou) who learned from Yang Shao Hou - the brother of Yang Cheng Fu. Master Chu came to California in the early 1970's and taught Tai Chi in the San Francisco Bay Area. One of Master Chu's students, Paul Pitchford, was the instructor of Michel Czehatowski.

 

A notable difference between the Yang form taught by Master Chu and other Yang forms is the Rising and Sinking with each movement. This up and down movement occurs throughout the entire sequence of the form and facilitates proper rhythmic breathing which is essential for relaxation, mindfulness, and generating Qi flow. It also helps with balance and strengthening the legs.

 

The Long form contains three sections which is taught over approximately six to eight months. Once the whole form is learned it takes from 30-40 minutes to practice the form.

 

Why the Long Form? At one time Tai Chi was called Long Boxing. This was because the form seemed to go on and on. Some teachers such as Cheng Man Ching thought it was too long to teach and shortened the form to 37 movements. There are also Yang Style 16, 24, and 42 movement forms commissioned by the Chinese government to promote health and which are used in Tai Chi Forms Competition. The Yang Style Long form taught at Redding Tai Chi is not a competition form. It is true to the original Tai Chi form.