Chang Chuan Yang Tai Chi Chuan is the little known family style of Tai Chi Chuan learned and trained within the Yang family compound for the family's own personal development. Though not adopted by the entire Yang family, It's main proponent, Yang Ban-hou, developed the training to an extraordinarily functional degree. The style of training, called Chang Chuan, or Mi Chuan; 'Long River' boxing because of the extreme length of the forms training, or 'Hidden Fist' boxing, because it was considered the Yang family 'secret style'; focused on combat application, as compared with the popular Yang public style of training that is practiced by millions of people world-wide, for health purposes.
Though the long form training is the crux of Chang Chuan, included within this compendium are the ancillary exercises to Chang Chuan such as Chi Gung, Nei Gung, muscle change (basic movements), and breathing exercises. These are not necessary for a full understanding of Chang Chuan but act as aids to the beginner, to strengthen and prepare them physically for the arduous task of learning and practicing Chang Chuan itself. One of the unique features of Chang Chuan training is that it can be trained in a conditioning mode, similar to other types of Kung Fu training.
Chang Chuan harkens back to the ancient forms of training at Wudang Shan, before the 'Three Sisters', Tai Chi, Hsing I, and Pa Kua,, were separated into distinct forms of training. Similar to Water Boxing, Chang Chuan has all the separate elements of internal training consolidated into one package. Because both types of training are consolidated in this way, they make excellent training 'brothers' for each other, similar to other Kung Fu arts such as Pi Gua and Ba Ji, or even Pa Kua Chang and Hsing I.
With these things in mind, may you glean information regarding the beauty and nature of the Chang Chuan Tai Chi art form and may it be a map for your future progression in your training pursuits. All the best in training and in life.
Though the long form training is the crux of Chang Chuan, included within this compendium are the ancillary exercises to Chang Chuan such as Chi Gung, Nei Gung, muscle change (basic movements), and breathing exercises. These are not necessary for a full understanding of Chang Chuan but act as aids to the beginner, to strengthen and prepare them physically for the arduous task of learning and practicing Chang Chuan itself. One of the unique features of Chang Chuan training is that it can be trained in a conditioning mode, similar to other types of Kung Fu training.
Chang Chuan harkens back to the ancient forms of training at Wudang Shan, before the 'Three Sisters', Tai Chi, Hsing I, and Pa Kua,, were separated into distinct forms of training. Similar to Water Boxing, Chang Chuan has all the separate elements of internal training consolidated into one package. Because both types of training are consolidated in this way, they make excellent training 'brothers' for each other, similar to other Kung Fu arts such as Pi Gua and Ba Ji, or even Pa Kua Chang and Hsing I.
With these things in mind, may you glean information regarding the beauty and nature of the Chang Chuan Tai Chi art form and may it be a map for your future progression in your training pursuits. All the best in training and in life.
