Yang (Yeung Family) Tai Ji Kung Fu

Alan teaches Yang (Yeung Family) Tai Ji

Tai Ji builds great balance and internal strength at all ages.

Alan teaches the Martial and Internal system of Yang Tai Ji as taught by his teacher Jim Uglow Sifu.

Much has been written about “Yang style” Tai Chi Chuan. Yang style is perhaps the most popular style of Tai Chi Chuan in the world. Of course, “Yang style” refers to an exceptionally sophisticated and effective martial art named eponymously after the “Yang” family, or more properly, according to the correct pronunciation of the family’s name, the “Yeung” family.
There is a substantial difference between the popular art called “Yang style” Tai Chi Chuan and what is meant when we refer to “Yeung Family” Tai Chi Chuan.

Jim Uglow is a Direct Student of Yeung Ma Lee (Mary) Sifu, in turn, passed down from her father Yeung Sau Chung

Training Includes

Training in the Yang/Yeung family tradition typically involves several core components:

Solo Forms

• Long forms (often 88–108 movements) that connect continuous, slow motions with deep breathing and structural alignment.
• Solo practices build balance, coordination, relaxation, and internal connectivity.

Partner Training

• Push hands (Tui Shou): A cooperative drill that trains sensitivity, timing, balance, and energy redirection.
• These exercises help translate solo form skills into responsive, interactive movement.

Principles & Martial Applications

• Training emphasizes the internal core (Peng Jing), rooted stance, and intentional movement rather than muscular strength.
• Martial applications are explored within the forms and partner drills — focusing on redirecting force rather than meeting it head-on

Teaching Style & Methodology

• The Yeung family traditionally teaches with a personalized, individualized approach, adapting instruction to each student’s level and body mechanics.
• There’s an emphasis on precise fundamentals, correct alignment, and slowly building skill rather than rushed progression.

Training Goals

Practitioners of Yang/Yeung Family Tai Chi often work toward:

• Physical health & balance: joint stability, relaxation, posture, low-impact movement.
• Internal connection: developing coordinated movement rather than isolated muscle effort.
• Martial sensitivity: learning principles of balance, timing, and yielding that underlie Tai Chi’s combat effectiveness.
• Mind–body integration: using focused intent with movement to cultivate calm, centered awareness.

Style Characteristics

Compared with some other Tai Chi lineages, the Yang (Yeung) family style is known for:

• Large, open, smooth movements with relaxed pace.
• Emphasis on internal power and connection (“steel wrapped in cotton” quality).
• A full system of forms, drills, partner exercises, and principles aimed at both health and martial depth.