What Is Traditional Yang Tai Chi Chuan?

Traditional Yang Tai Chi Chuan is a classical Chinese internal martial art founded by Yang Luchan in the 19th century, known for its slow, expansive movements, deep internal power, and emphasis on relaxation, balance, and whole‑body integration. It is the most widely practised Tai Chi style in the world and forms the basis of many modern variations.
What Traditional Yang Tai Chi Chuan Is
•     A traditional internal martial art
•     Originates from Yang Luchan, who learned Chen-style Tai Chi and adapted it into a softer, more open, and accessible system.
•     Characterised by large, graceful, slow movements
•     Movements are rounded, continuous, and relaxed, promoting balance, coordination, and internal energy flow.
•     Yang Chengfu, the founder’s grandson, further refined the style into the widely practised slow, open form used today.
•     A complete martial system
•     Despite its gentle appearance, every movement has martial applications, including strikes, joint controls, and throws.
•     Practitioners train intent, posture, and internal force—often described as “a needle hidden in cotton.”
•     A health and longevity practice
•     The slow pace supports relaxation, breath regulation, joint health, and stress reduction.
•     Its meditative quality makes it accessible to all ages.
Key Features of Traditional Yang Style
•     The 108‑movement Long Form
•     The classical sequence most associated with the traditional lineage.
•     Practised slowly to cultivate internal awareness and whole‑body connection.
•     Steady, even tempo
•     Movements flow without abrupt changes, encouraging calmness and mental focus.
•     Emphasis on posture and alignment
•     Proper structure allows internal force (peng jin) to develop.
•     Internal energy development
•     Practitioners cultivate peng, lu, ji, an, and other core Tai Chi energies.