The following is an extraction from The International Magazine of Tai Chi Chuan, issue Vol. 33. No. 4 on the formation of this Simplified 24-Forms Taiji as stated by Master Li Deyin, professor of the Sport Department of People's University of China:
In 1954 the National Sports Commission shaped the course of "Researching, Sorting, Studying and Raising" of Wushu. And then a study of office was established for compiling a uniform and standardized teaching material for Taijiquan, which would create conditions for developing and spreading Wushu.
In 1955 the Simplified Taijiquan form was composed based on Yang Style Taijiquan which is the most popular and adaptable style and which has spread far and wide. In 1956 the 24 Form Taijiquan was issued.
In the book The Techniques of Taijiquan published in 1925, Yang Chengfu, the famous master of the Yang Style Taijiquan, tells us the ten main points of Taijiquan, which are the important norm for leading the development of the current techniques of Taijiquan.
They are:
1. Leading the power to the top emptily and agilely
2. Closing the chest slightly and drawing up the back
3. Relaxing the waist
4. Distinguishing emptiness from solidness
5. Sinking the elbows and shoulders
6. Using will instead of force
7. Harmonizing the upper and lower
8. Integrating the inside and outside
9. Being continuous
10. Seeking quietness in action
Simplified 24 - Forms
Taijiquan is called internal work boxing, because it emphasizes the role of the consciousness in guiding the actions. Taijiquan advocates "the mind is the first and the body is the second," the mind and will send an order first, and then it is taken to every part of the body through the blood and qi. Mr. Yang Chengfu emphasizes "using will instead of force.
The broadsword in Chinese is “Dao” . It is in the range of the Wushu –martial arts short weaponry category.
The Yang Dao is different in the make-up from the normal Wushu Dao. The Yang Dao is unique in that is shaped looking more of a sabre than that of a normal broadsword.
The characteristics of the Yang Dao are recognizable in its longer hilt to facilitate double hand grip. The guard at the hilt is “S” shaped. This pattern besides giving protection to the handler’s hand, it can also twist and wrench the opponents weapon in combat. The ring at the end of the hilt provides extra thrust. The blade tapers to a sharp tip which can pierce and thrust. The blade nearer to the hilt is blunt at both edges and then sharpens at the edges to the tip of the blade.
The skill play of the Dao follows that of Taiji Quan movements and technique. It is slow, controlled, rigorous and seamless. The application of Taiji fundaments of using soft inner energy to execute firm and hard blow is Yang Taiji Dao. The Yang Taiji Dao is also known as Yang Shi San Dao – Yang Thirteen Dao. The title takes after the Thirteen Symbolic Movements. But there are actually thirty forms and in total seventy-eight movements in the whole routine.
The Traditional Yang Style Taiji Broadsword 13-Movements
Sword in Chinese is “Jian” – it is one of the many ancient weaponry in China. It was named “ A Gentleman Amongst Thousands”.
This set of taiji swordplay was devised from the Traditional Yang Style Taiji Quan. It was also termed in the olden days as “Thirteen Sword” because it displayed the taiji Thirteen Symbolic Movements. This routine has 51 forms and about 15 different sword-play or technique.
Like taiji quan, the sword movements are both rigorous and amicable. The Yang Style Swordplay follows the principles of it’s school of taiji quan – powerful, dignified, agile and seamless in the movements.
The Traditional Yang Style Taiji Sword Long 51-Forms
Yang Style Taiji Quan was founded by Master Yang Lu Chan about 190 years ago in China. The form was practiced by his three sons and three grandsons. Throughout the generations of practices and refinements of the old form, one of his grandsons, Master Yang Cheng Pu, refined the form to the present traditional Yang Style Taiji Quan that is being taught and practiced in China and worldwide. He, Yang Cheng Pu was the person who stated the ten essential points for the development of good taiji practices.
The characteristics of Yang Style Taiji Quan are:
The 10 Essentials to observe when practicing taiqi quan as stated by Master Yan Cheng Pu :
1. Relax with torso and head held upright
2. Chest and shoulder relaxed
3. Loosen the waist for flexibility
4. Absolute weight transfer from one side to the other side of the body
5. Sink the shoulder and elbows
6. Channel thoughts to execute the movements instead of physical force
7. Co-ordination of upper limbs with lower limbs
8. Co-ordination of internal energy with external physical movements
9. Uninterrupted continuous flow of movements
10. Steadfast in movements through calmness of mind
Traditional Yang Style Taiji Quan Short 42 - Forms
Traditional Yang Style Taiji Quan Short 42 - Forms in segments
Traditional Yang Style Taiji Quan Long 85 - Forms 1 of 2
Traditional Yang Style Taiji Quan Long 85 - Forms 2 of 2