This is a personal layout after 15 years of exploration into Traditional Yang Taijiquan , and personalized system and collection of knowledge from my Taijiquan journey. We know that there are public, private, traveling masters, regional, local, and so far away masters, and just as many experts of taijiquan. It is most important to find a generation teacher with the "Essence" of the Martial Art, close to the source of the Yang Taijiquan Grandmasters. It is not interested to include any Modern forms such as 24 form, 48 form, 32 sword, 42 sword, 40 yang, 18 Taijiqigong or 36 Liang Gong Shir Ba Fa, or any other P.R.C China government standardized forms of taiji exercise.

Level 1 Beginner

Foundation

The Beginner is not first introduced to the higher levels of kung fu. The purpose is to be sure they are at the full mental and physical health. This is understood as the current health of the 12 organs and meridian system used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). These exercises restore and rejuvinate the bodies healing properties and dispell unhealthy pathogens. Those that are prone to illness and aches will take slower to the training and will need time to build athletic stamina and endurance. After building a healthy and athletic practice as resulted by this instruction and passing the 3 beginner level tests will the Intermediate level be acheived.

All classes would being with salute and Wu De (martial virtue) motto: Diligence, Perseverance, Respect, and Sincereity. Begin into Yang Chen Fu's joint opening exercises, relaxation drill, Wuji Standing (centering and grounding), and 8 special yang style flexibility exercises. 80% of class time is spent on basics of Solo Form , Short weapon, Long Weapon and Two person application training. An integral parts of the system is also Taiji Walking- front, sideways, and backward wihout hand movement, with hand movement, and later combinations. Class ends with special warm down drills- self massage or 'Qi Packing' with gliding and percussion techniques. Yang Qigong is slowly introduced as well. 8 Yang Taiji Warm-up: #2. Flex the back and #1. Open the arms front, left, and Right.
8 Yang Taiji Warm-up: #4.Drop stance and #5. circle leg
Warm Down- Patting Self Massage to Legs, Arms, Face

White Level: student will learn the 13 wudang-yang Taijiquan form (attributed to Yang Lu chan) which comprises of the 13 powers or energies inherit in all taiji systems. The student will learn the taiji classics, and 10 Essential points as prescribed by the taiji masters. Pung (ward off), lu (roll back), ji (press), an (push) , tsai (yank) , lieh (split), kou (shoulder), tsou (elbow), chang in (forward), hou tui (backward), zhou gou (Left), yo pan (right), and zhong ding (center equalibrium). The student will learn a simple single hand push hand partner routine that balances left and right side of the body, forward and backwards stepping, a basic "fa jing" (power explosion) movement , jump-stepping, pushing and yielding concepts. The student is suggested to get deeper understanding through Xianhao Cheng for this form.13 Wudang-Yang Video

Yang Lu Chan inspired form. This is a section for a 13 movement form encompassing 13 powers- ward off, rollback, press, push, split, pull, elbow, shoulder, forward, back, left, right and center. shown are the last 6.

Yellow level: the student will learn a more complex basic form 13 Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan attributed from Yang Jian Hao lineage that incoporates a more complex arrangement of the 13 energies in the 8 directions of the bagua. This form balances both left and right side of the body equally. Further instruction on fajing explored: kick, elbow, and shoulder. The student will learn to add more single hand pushing variations, and begin incorporating simple two handed pushing drills. 13 Michuan Yang section 1 video
13 Michuan Yang section 2
13 Michuan Yang section 3

Wang Yien Nian's inspired 13 form based on Yangjia Michuan 'secret yang' taijiquan from the lineage of Zhang Qilin and Yang Jianhao. shown are section 1 west, section 2 north direction, and section 3 northwest direction.

Gold level: is comprised 'middle gate' 37 Yang short form (zhong jia). The emphasis is on relaxing and learning more postures in a yang short form. Instruction in this is on 5 basic principles- relaxing, seperating weight, beautiful palm style, balance, and continuity. Posture will be held and 'molded' causing legs to become stronger through 'burning'. Posture will have a squareness to them. The form taught will be Cheng Man Chings 37 Yang Short form which encourages middle postures, neither to compact nor long. i-Ching Style Key Terms to use for this form: "stillness", "relax", "squareness in the circle","emptiness","middle". The Cheng Man Ching push hands version of pung, lu, ji,and an will also be introduced. The student is encouraged to do seminars with Ben Lo and Willian C.C. Chen for deeper guidance. Cheng Man ching's Yang Short form- Peng, Lu, Ji, An
Cheng Man ching's Yang Short form- single whip, lift hands, shoulder strike, White Crane spreads wing.
Cheng Man ching's Yang Short form- Brush knee-Pipa- Brush Knee
Cheng Man ching's Yang Short form-Punch- apparent Close-up, Carry tiger back to Mountain-Cross Arms.

Level 2 Intermediate

Pathway

The next Level the student will begin to deepen knowledge of their mind and body by enduring more stretching, flexibility, wushu basics of kicks, stances, jumping
, exploration of Chang Chuan (Tai Chi Longfist). The body will increase in strength by increased Qi in the 8 Extrodinary channels as described in TCM. These channels are developed more deeper by the increased training time, further qigong training, stance work, and an increased range in body motions. Other supplementary trainings for rooting, loosening, and body strength are introduced- TaiChi Body Conditioning Proper execution of the Long form and 13 taijidao will result in Advance Level training.

Green level: student will begin to understand broadsword Taiji broadsword- brush knee, push boat, fairmaiden plays shuttles sequence
Saber basics and learn the 13 Yang Saber. understanding the usage and two person techniques as well. The mental attitude or spirit of the Broadsword is of a "Tiger ready to pounce." The study of the form is first introduced fast like a tiger, then the student will practice slower at Taiji speed. More push hands and applications of yang taijiquan will be introduced. The student is enouraged to seek deeper understanding of this form through such teachers as: He Weiqi, Fu Sheng Yuan, James Fu, Xu Jenghung, Tung family,Yang Zhendou , or Yang Jun. 13 taijidao is done very consistant amoung these Yang masters.

Blue level: the student will begin to learn the first half of the Yang Long Taiji form Large Gate (Da jia) of Yang chen Fu from the Fu Zhong Wen lineage, walking exercises (jou lian), stance form, single movements (tan xing) exercises. The style of this form will be performed more rounded, lower stance, longer postures, softer and more continual than the previous forms. It emphasis is the lotus leaf palm style. The emphasis is continue to hide jing yet retain the martial readiness. Yang style two hand version of pung, lu, ji, and an introduced and da lu. Yang taijiquan- Crane Spreads Wings to Turn and chop With fist
Yang taijiquan- Part Horse Mane

Purple level: the student will learn second half of Long form, more walking exercises and single movements. Freestyle Stationary Push Hands-
Push Hands- Sensing,Push Hands-Yield/Push,Push hands- neutralize-push,Push Hands- redirect-push,Push hands- chi-na control,Push hands-Roll Back Moving step push hands will be introduced.Yang Moving push hands:Pung-lu ji-an pattern.The student is encouraged to study deeper and more details with Xianhao Cheng, He Weiqi, Xu JenHeng, Yang Zhen Dou, Fu Sheng Wan, Tung family. This set is consistant, but the details are whats important. Yang Taijiquan Long form videoShown is the last section of Yang Family 'Dai jia'of Large frame. 'Snake Creeps Down' to 'Seven Stars', 'Ride Tiger','Sweep Lotus to Bend Bow Shoot Tiger'. Yang Taijijian- Sword videoShown is a section from the Yang Traditional Sword. Taiji Sword Basics- Taiji Jian -back step
Taiji jian- combination
Taiji jian- basic line

Level 3 Advanced

Fruition

The fruition stage ends with the student refines and embodies the kung fu body, mind, and spirit after demonstrating sword, tui shou sets(sensing hands)Yin Yang Push Hands Ying Yang Circle Pushing
Yang Taiji Da Lu and martial knowledge of Fighting Applications and Qin-Na (Seize and grappling) . This would include a comprehensive understanding of philosophy, principles, history, and physical education.Taijiquan Moving Step Push Hands- Freestyle- Short clips of moving step push hands free pushing. moving step push hands freestyle,moving step push hands freestyle 2

Red level: the student will start to have a more comprehensible understanding of Yang Taiji and now have completed the Long form in which they need to practice 3 sets at 20 minutes per set. Introduction to more qigong concepts and the Yang qigong set. This would include sitting meditation, lung exercises. the student can begin to experiment with the palm striking that will be introduced, fa jing solo drills, Yang fajing- jump step, Peng jin (ward off),Fajing- lu,ji,an (rollback, press,push) and da lu solo drill. Completion of the Yang Qigong exercises by this point. Student can begin teaching Beginner level.

Brown level: the student will learn all the Taiji sword basics for taiji straight sword and begin to learn the 54 yang Taijijian (straight sword). The mental attitude or spirit of the sword is of a "Dragon or snake rising from the sea." The movements of the spine are like a unwinding and coiling, twisting and twining serpent. The student will experiment with two person sword- attack and defense concepts and sword sensing exercises.time: 50 hours.

Lineage Mastery and Disciple Courses

There really are no secrets to the art, but it takes responsibility and courage for perseverance in maintaining a tradition. The complete course is layed out for those willing to preserve a physical culture. Established on respect and trust in the relationship between instructor and student. This level is a continuation of difficult stretches, newer stances, wushu 'Chang Chuan' methods. It is also marks the beginning of deeper methods of meditiations to open special channels like the "Chong Mei",or central channel in TCM and eastern spiritual traditions. Here we begin the true transmission and family inititation by ceremony into yang taiji kung fu.

Black Level 1: the student will begin to learn the 13 Taiji spear and Spear basic techniques,
Taiji spear 1
Taiji spear 4,Taiji spear 5 spear sensing drills, and double person routine Sticky spear. The student can begin to freeplay in push hands and is encouraged to play with students of many styles. Small circle two hand push hands from Yang/Wu style introduced. Two man Spear Video-Taiji Spear- Two man Basic Sticking set
Taiji Spear- Two man Basic Sticking set

Black level 2: the student will learn the Yang/Wu small circle fast frame form (quai jia) and a 37 Small circle high frame slow form (Gao jia) which looks like the "Wu style" of Wu Chien Chuan. The student is encouraged to compete/demo in tournaments, travel to china (Yongnian, Chenjougo, and Taiwan), continue visit teachers, masters, and seminars. Student can begin teaching intermediate levels.

Black level 3: the student will be encouraged to learn the Advanced Advanced Yang Saber Long form form. Yang Saber Hangzhou Variation
Yang Saber Hangzhou Variation
Yang style Broadswordplay cont.
Yang Style Saber Hangzhou variation A clip on a Yang taiji saber form that is longer than the Yang Family 13 saber form. This form is in 36 movements.Also important is timing: 88 two person san shou form video- Yang Taiji 88 Two Man fighting setThis clip shows a demonstration of the 88 two man attack and defense taiji form section 1. and two person sword routine, a two person straight sword form with a partner that trains various techniques. Sword demo- Taiji Sword- Two man Basic Sticking set
Taiji Sword- Two man Basic Sticking set
An emphasis on self defense: chi-na, boxing principles, multiple attacker, throwing, and groundwork is taught.

Black level 4: the student is encouraged to understand deeper taijiquan history. Introduction to Yang Spear Yang 24 spear and Basic techniques and Solo form Yang Spear Hangzhou variation
More SpearplayThe clip shows parts of the 24 Yang style spear form movements. Chen taijiquan was studied for many years by Yang Lu Chan. The student will learn Chen Style: Chan su chin (Silk reeling), Chen Lao jia Yi Lu (first routine). The emphasis is on making power more obvious than Yang style, learn jumping, stomping, jump kicks, fa jing (power emission), power kicks. the students are encouraged to seek Grandmasters Chen Xiaowang, Chen Zhenlei, Xu Tien Cai, Ren Guangyi for details and corrections.

Black level 5: the student is encouraged to learn other aspects of Yang style: Guang Ping form, Imperial Yang Form, Fajing Yang style Old Yang Tai chi variation Chen Paotui (cannon fist)Chen Tai Chi Laojia Paochui (cannon fist)part 1
Chen Taiji Cannon fist part 3b
Chen Tai Chi(cannon fist) part 4,Tung Family style. Begin condensing areas of your research. Teaching publicly and privately the Intermediate and Advanced levels. Continuing sparring, applications, chi-na, tui shou, two person sets, two person weapon sets. Tai chi San Shou, Lei Tai, Full Combat fighting and MMA competitions. Tai Chi San Shou, Tai Chi San Shou, Tai Chi San Shou, Tai Chi San Shou 29, Tai Chi San Shou 30, Tai Chi San Shou 31
You should be going to competitions, taijiquan forums, grandmaster seminars. You should be encouraged to make committment to Lifetime Membership and recongnition into the International Yang Family Taijiquan and/or Yongnian Taijiquan Associations. Become a disciple to a famous master you feel is your true teacher.