Many different styles of yang tai chi

[billtay32]

Yes I am wondering how there are so many different styles of yang Tai chi. For example the yang tai chi 6 form never heard of it but it exists. Also the traditional 24 step form. ive heard of and seen it but looks nothing like what im studying. Also i have heard about the 36 and 72 movement form are those real or just forms people make up.
Please let me know the answer.

[billtay32]

also how can you find real yang arts

[Audi]

Hi billtay32,

According to what I understand, the Yang family has taught various variations of posture sequences over the last century or two. Various disciples and students of the Yang family have also taught further variations of posture sequences. In my opinion, all Yang Style forms share a certain core floavor; however, what someone defines as "Yang Style" may often be more of a political statement than a factual statement. If you have questions about a particular form, you will probably get better information asking about the history of its transmission than asking whether or not it is "real" or "authentic," which are subjective terms.

This associations has taught four Yang Style forms that could be described as having 108, 49, 16, and 13 postures. We consider only the 108 as being "traditional" and, all things being equal, prefer to use it as the basis for our regular practice. The other forms are merely shortened version of the traditional form and exist to satisfy particular needs. There are others that practice a form that is virtually identical to our 108, but who count the same postures in a different manner, for example arriving at a total of 85. This is more a matter of naming conventions than of substance. The number of the postures does not dictate the quality of the postures or the fidelity to the Yang Style flavor and Tai Chi principles.

I have heard of the 24-form, but not of the others you mention. The history of the 24 form is well known. Whether or not you should practice it is a matter of preference. It was not created by a Yang family member, but that can be said of many Tai Chi forms that are well recognized and respected. I personally think that the 24 has some aspects that are quite like our form and some aspects that are quite different. Generally, the differences are sufficient that the postures are instantly distinguishable by someone with familiarity. How important that might be is again a matter of opinion and perspective.

I hope this helps.

Take care,
Audi

[billtay32]

Thanks Audi That was very Informative. I beleive the people i spoke with really havent learned tai chi they just ask like they did and pass it off as traditional. The person i spoke to has his own school but no lineage, also there seems to be no fundamentals involved just movement. So again thanks for the info and have a great day. P.s. i am a new member to the association, i hope i can find many friends here and classmates.