Someone from the Tai Chi “Circle of Disgust” said I copied his lineage chart. However when I did I.T. I made mine in MS Visio which is used to make network charts. I’ve also done them in MS Paint. I don’t know where this fool is getting his information other than when he posted his lineage chart, I shared mine and said I had made one years ago.

You have to understand, I trained at a time with no cell phones, no social media, we went to class and followed the instructors orders. We didn’t have youtube, videos, or video camera. We just had to memorize with body and mind. Rarely did we get a handout with the list of techniques or form names. I did regular training with many of these teachers for many years getting correction 3 to 4 times a week. I’m not a fool who travels far to a teacher, then came back home as the “local expert” who rarely gets corrected and has a big ego. My training has always been humble. We were taught to compete in forms, weapons, push hands, and full contact lei tai.

While I have been on the receiving end of great pushes, incredible jin techniques and mysterious occurrences, it was never the main focus. We all knew those things may work cooperatively in class and be part of training, but it wasn’t realistic to real violence which occurred daily on the streets in the city.

I am very serious about Tai Chi training and it is important after time for serious students to reflect on where their information is coming from. For me, I started with Cheng Man Ching’s Yang short form in 1990. Tidewater Tai Chi hosted Ben Lo every year. I went to 2 of those events. Sifu Wilson Pitts of the “Tao Experience Foundation” was my teacher who taught Chinese diet therapy, Tui-na, Qigong, neigong, Tai Chi, Bagua, and Hsingyi boxing, along with western boxing for lei tai fighting.

I later learned from Fu Zhongwen’s students Coach Weiqi He, Coach Xu Jengheng, later with Fu Shengyuan, James Fu and Sifu Damon Bramich. At the U.S. Yongnian Tai Chi association was Sifu Jonathan Shear who has previously studied Guang Ping Tai Chi in San Francisco with Sifu Kuo Lien-Ying. Sifu Shear would always show me the variations between Guang ping like the jump kicks, punches, variations of cloud hands, repulse monkey, etc. and push hands. Jonathan introduced me to Dr. Li Liqun who taught Wu fast form. Coach Weiqi also brought many of her friends to teach including Cai Hongxian (Long boxing), Xia Baihua (9th duan China, taught Chen Tai Chi.), Liang Shouyu and Sam Masich (Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, and Shuai Chiao), Madame Xu Ru (Chen Tai Chi), Nick Gracenin and Jose Johnson (Compulsory Tai Chi), and more.

When I moved to Norfolk Virginia I met Sifu Xianhao Cheng (student of Jiang Yukun and Zhu Lianfeng) and trained with him for a few years. He taught a rare neigong, saber form, and spear form i had not seen in Yang style. His branch was Yongnian Hangzhou. Hangzhou where Yang Shaohao and Yang Chengfu taught at the Zhejiang provincial college for a few years.

Madame Leanne Gehan was in Virginia Beach and taught at a church there. She did the Lian gong shi Ba fa warm ups (36 total exercises), 24 form 2x, 48 form 2x, and 42 sword form 2x. You were tired after 2 hours of straight up movement.

Later when I moved to Washington DC there were several teachers teaching Zhang Qinlin’s Michuan Yangjia Taijiquan and Jian Shan Pai Taoist neigong. I dabbled into this cause I read Cheng Man Ching was student in neigong of Zhang Qinlin. Mike Basvandanos, Scott Rodell, and Julia Fairchild, have been teachers of mine of that style.

Coach Lu Xiaolin of Omei wushu in Fairfax taught all the standard wushu for competition: 24 form, 42 form, 42 sword, 32 sword, 18 spear. I spent 4 years there and got a black sash level 3. Her testing and training was the hardest. I also did the compulsory wushu forms for long fist, sword, spear, and Shaolin.

There are some more Yang family people I trained with like Yang Zhenjie, Yang Zhenduo, and Yang Jun, through “A Taste of China Taijiquan Championships” hosted by Coach Pat Rice. I did the Yang Family Taijiquan Association for 25 years starting around 2004. Coach Chris Pei helped bring them her through his wife Zhang Guifeng, of the Beijing Wushu Team. I trained at United States Wushu Academy (USWA) for 2 years.

When I went to Omei Wushu school, Sifu Johnson Thomas taught me the Xiong Yanghe information from C.C. Liu of Taiwan who has a herb shop in Washington D.C.’s Chinatown. Sifu Thomas was born in Tsingtao and was a retired marine. He always felt he had a Chinese spirit and his enthusiasm in research of Chinese Martial arts took him to write articles for Inside Kung fu and Wushu Tai Chi magazines.

Qi elements teachers Sifu Nancy Bloomfield and Roger Blough were also of students of C.C. Liu, Yang Jwing-ming, and Yang Zhenduo. Since I had seen other things not in my lineage I sought out other missing parts. For example the 88 Two man “San shou” set, I learned from a Roger Blough who was a student of Yang Jwing-ming.

All-in-all I went to classes for many years with each teacher and getting correction. It was not a travel and seminar experience. I was welcomed into the home for discussion, training, tea, and food. I have long term relationships with people who can vouch for me.

What I teach is not pretty, it is hard work and that often turns students away, but I teach how I was taught and what I know. Mainly Fu Zhongwen’s material: 85 form, saber, sword, and long weapons, push hands, san shou (free fighting), neigong. Go deep in one! One Tai Chi.

Jiayo!

Dr. Matthew Stampe D.Ac, L.Ac.

Originally written in 2010 as an attempt to develop a structed course for Yang Taijiquan. 

 This is a personal layout after 20 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 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 Taiji-qigong 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 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 rejuvenate the bodies healing properties and dispel 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 achieved.

All classes would begin with salute and Wu De (martial virtue) motto: Diligence, Perseverance, Respect, and Sincerity. 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 part of the system is also Taiji Walking- front, sideways, and backward without 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.

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 Jin (forward), Hou Tui (backward), Zhou Gou (Left), Yo Pan (right), and Zhong Ding (center equilibrium). 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. Yang Lu Chan inspired form,13 movement form encompassing 13 powers- ward off, rollback, press, push, split, pull, elbow, shoulder, forward, back, left, right and center.

Yellow level: the student will learn a more complex basic form 13 Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan attributed from Yang Jianhuo lineage that incorporates 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 instructions 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.

Wang Yien Nian’s inspired 13 form based on Yangjia Michuan ‘secret yang’ Taijiquan from the lineage of Zhang Qinlin and Yang Jianhuo.

Gold level: is comprised ‘middle gate’ 37 Yang short form medium frame(Zhong jia). The emphasis is on relaxing (Sung). Instruction in this is on 5 basic principles- relaxing, separating weight, beautiful lady palm style, balance, and continuity. Postures will be held and ‘molded’ causing legs to become stronger through ‘burning’. Posture will have a squareness to them with testing structural integrity. The form taught will be Cheng Man Ching’s 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.

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 increasing Qi in the 8 Extraordinary channels as described in TCM. These channels are developed more deeply by the increased training time, further qigong training, stance work, and an increased range in body motions. Other supplementary training for rooting, loosening, and body strength are introduced.

Proper execution of the 85 Long form of Yongnian Taijiquan of Fu Zhongwen and 13 taijidao will result in Advance Level training.

Green level: student will begin to understand broadsword/saber.

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 encouraged to seek deeper understanding of this form through such teachers as: He Weiqi, Fu Sheng Yuan, James Fu, Xu Jenghung, or Damon Bramich. 13 Taijidao is done very consistent among these Yang masters.

Blue level: the student will begin to learn the first half of the 85 Yang Long Taiji form Large Gate (Da jia) of Yang Zhoupeng and Yang Chengfu from knowledge acquired by Yang Family and Fu Zhong Wen lineages.

1. Taiji walking exercises (Jou Lian)

2. Stance form: Ma bu, Gong bu, Shi Bu, Pu bu, etc.

3. Single movement (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. Its emphasis is the lotus leaf palm style. The emphasis is continuing to hide jin yet retain the calm martial readiness. Yang style two hand version of 4 corners, (Pung, Lu, Ji, and An), Grasp Bird tale two man set, and Da Lu.

Purple level: the student will learn second half of 85 Long form, more walking exercises (13 linear total and a few supplementary ones) and single movements. Freestyle Stationary Push Hands.

This set is consistent, but the details are what’s important.

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 and sensing hands) 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.

Red level: the student will start to have a more comprehensible understanding of Yang Taiji and now have completed the 85 Long form in which they need to practice 3 sets at 17 to 20 minutes per set. Introduction to more qigong concepts and the Yang qigong set. This would include neigong sitting meditation, lung exercises, and cultivation of the neidan (elixir). The student can begin to experiment with the palm striking that will be introduced, fa jing solo drills,

Brown level: the student will learn all the Taiji sword basics for Taiji straight sword and begin to learn the 54 yang Taiji jian (straight sword). The mental attitude or spirit of the sword is of a “Dragon Spirit” The movements of the spine are like unwinding and coiling, twisting and twining serpent. The student will experiment with two person sword- attack and defense concepts and sword sensing exercises.

Lineage Mastery and Disciple Courses

   There really are no secrets to art, but it takes responsibility and courage for perseverance in maintaining a tradition. The complete course is laid out for those willing to preserve a physical culture. Founded on respect and trust in the relationship between instructor and student. This level is a continuation of basics built off stretches, stances, long boxing ‘Chang Chuan’ methods. It also marks the beginning of deeper methods of meditation 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 initiation by ceremony into Yang Taiji kung fu.

Black Level 1: the student will begin to learn the 13 Taiji spear and Spear basic techniques, spear sensing drills, and partner routine Sticking spears. 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.

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. Students can begin teaching intermediate levels.

Black level 3: the student will be encouraged to learn the 36 Yang Saber Hangzhou Variation

Yang Taiji saber 36 form that is longer than the Yang Family 13 saber form. This form is in 36 movements. 88 two person san shou form.  Demonstration of the 88 two man attack and defense Taiji form, a two person straight sword form with a partner that trains various techniques. An emphasis on self defense: chi-na, boxing principles, multiple attacker, throwing, and groundwork is taught.

Palm striking for SanShou.

Two person Taiji Sword.

Black level 4: the student is encouraged to understand deeper taijiquan history. Chen taijiquan was studied for many years by Yang Luchan. The student will explore Chen Style: 2 dan Tien, 4 Kua, and 8 circles basics. 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 Yu, Chen Xiaowang, Chen Zhenlei, Xu Tien Cai, Ren Guangyi for details and corrections.

Black level 5: the student is encouraged to explore other aspects of older Yang style: Guang Ping form, Imperial Yang Form, Fajing Yang style, Old Yang Tai chi variation, Chen Paotui (cannon fist). 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. This includes fight conditioning, strength training circuits, San Shou and Shuai Chiao training.

Test Your skills! You should be going to competitions, taijiquan forums, grandmaster seminars. You should be encouraged to make commitment to Lifetime Membership and recognition into the International Yang Family Taijiquan and/or Yongnian Taijiquan Associations. Become a disciple to a famous master you feel is your true teacher. Become a Master and maintain Gong Fu Life!