Yang Chengfu in 1918 performing Single WhipIn the early part of the 20th century, Yang Chengfu (1883 – 1936) outlined a set of principles that he recorded as a commentary on correct Tai Chi practice. Yang Chengfu became the leading figure in the popularisation of Tai Chi as we know it today. He trained both family members and students in the martial aspects of the art, but perhaps more importantly modified the movements so that they would appeal to a wider audience. This modification was in essence a simplification of the external movements, but it succeeded in that it opened the health-giving properties of Tai Chi practise to many non-martial artists. Today Tai Chi is rightly respected for its ability to halt disease and prevent degeneration of the body and mind.
Yang Chengfu’s ten guiding principles are:
2. Sink the chest, pluck up the back
3. Relax the waist
4. Distinguish empty and full
5. Sink the shoulders and the elbows
6. Use the intention, not strength
7. Upper and lower coordinate
8. Unite the internal and external
9. Continuous without breaks
10. In movement, seek stillness]]>