Yang Style Tai Chi

Yang style tai chi is the most popular form of tai chi practiced today. It was developed by the Yang family in the 19th century when skilled Chen style student Yang Lu-Ch'an began teaching the craft and developed his own unique style. He was the first person outside the Chen family to learn tai chi, and his skill in the craft earned him the nickname "Unbeatable Yang". It was when he was hired by the Chinese Imperial family in 1850 to teach tai chi to the Imperial Guard that his style became popular, eventually surpassing that of its predecessor.

When Yang became too old to continue as a teacher, he passed Yang style tai chi on to his sons and best students. In time, other tai chi styles were developed. Yang Pan-hao, his second eldest son, was retained as teacher for the Imperial Family. His first disciple, Wu Ch'uan-yu and his son Wu Chien-ch'uan went on to develop Wu style tai chi. He also passed the craft onto his Yang Chien-hao, who continued his father's teachings outside the palace.

Yang also taught his unique style to Wu Yu-hsiang, a student. He went on to develop his own style, Wu/Hao style, which eventually led to the development of Sun style tai chi in later generations.

Thanks to the persistence and discipline of Yang Lu-Ch'an, we now have several different and distinct types of tai chi that are practiced worldwide.