Tai Chi Chuan consists of 124 movements performed in a perfectly balanced sequence. It requires no special equipment or clothing, takes twenty minutes to perform, and can be practiced anywhere at anytime, making it ideally suited to today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Tai Chi is valuable to health because it promotes blood circulation, stimulates thinking, improves memory, strengthens muscles and tendons, thickens bones, lubricates joints, invigorates the heart and lungs, which enables one to relieve fatigue, tension and stress.
The martial value in Tai Chi Chuan is rooted in the organs, the tendons and the mind. Energy and tenacious strength are applied practically. Opposing force is neutralized, diverted, and turned back upon itself.
Along with the physical aspect, Tai Chi is an internal discipline which challenges the individual spiritually, emotionally and mentally. With its depth of history and knowledge, this school offers a wide range of Tai Chi experiences and presents the dedicated student unlimited possibilities.
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The value of Tai Chi is universally acknowledged. It is based on the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang, which control all the changes of phenomena in the Universe.
Yin energy is soft and tranquil and Yang energy is strong and active. These energies are complementary. Aspects of each are contained in the other. Strength can be hidden in softness and activity can be camouflaged in inactivity.
Constant practice of Tai Chi Chuan will enable one to acquire peace of mind, relaxation of body, flexible muscles and an excellent physique regardless of one’s health at the start of practice. Its value has been proved by countless examples around the world regardless of age, background, or sex.
— Excerpted and paraphrased from
Practical Use of Tai Chi Chuan (Its Applications & Variations)
by Grandmaster Yeung (Yang) Sau Chung
Forms of Tai Chi
I have been asked to clarify whether there are different forms of Yeung’s style Tai Chi Chuan. There are actually three forms:
Crane Style – This form utilizes a high stance. It promotes balance and stimulates the body system moderately. This form allows those who are elderly or not so strong to gain health.
Tiger Style – This form utilizes a medium stance to create more power in the feet and the thighs and to strengthen the back. This type of stance is suitable for most people to learn and has become adopted as the common form.
Snake Style – This form utilizes a very low stance and a very powerful sucking action of the feet from the ground to bring the power into the thighs. There are stories about Great Master Yeung Lo Sim performing the snake form under a table and picking up coins from the ground with his mouth. Due to its low stance, this form is not a suitable practice for everyone, and it may cause irreparable injury if one is not very careful.
Anyone wishing to know more about the above forms can refer to Tai Chi Chuan Revelations: Principles and Concepts (p. 172) authored by Ip Tai Tak, disciple of Master Yeung Sau Chung.
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