Cheng Man-Ching Simplified Yang Style Tai Chi |
Cheng Man-ch'ing is best known for his "Simplified" 37 Posture Yang Style T'ai Chi Chuan. *Simplified* does not mean easier. It was simplified in it's length and complexity but not the quality or difficulty of the postures. Cheng Man-Ching developed lung disease in his twenties which is believed to have been tuberculosis. He was coughing up blood and began to practice taijiquan diligently to aid in his recovery. He met the well-known master Yang Chengfu in 1928 and began to study his Yang style T'ai Chi Ch'uan until 1935. Cheng Man-Ching's changes to the Yang style form were done with the permission of his teacher, Yang Cheng Fu. The changes allowed Cheng Man-Ching to teach larger numbers of students in less time. Unfortunately they are sometimes considered controversial by some second and third generation practitioners. .
The document also includes other principles. You may Click Here to Download the Principles Handout. Cheng Man-Ching's Form was renowned for its soft and relatively small movements, compared to the larger movements of previous styles. This "Soft" touch is especially evident in the push hands techniques passed down from Cheng Man-Ching. The Cheng Man-Ching touch is something that feels different. Other practioners are amazed by the lightness. This is in keeping with the Tai Chi teachings to be 'empty' and to neutralize 1,000 lbs of force with four ounces. It is also in keeping with the counsel for the arms to appear like iron bars wrapped in soft cotton. |