Yang Family Tai Chi - Chicagoland

08/26/2026

🥋Group picture from Hands Form seminar with Master Yang Jun
🙏 Many thanks to Michigan Tai Chi Center for organizing it

08/25/2026

⭐️It was great to see again Master Yang Jun at his Seminar in Troy, Michigan
🙏As always it was an unforgettable experience of his teaching and guiding us through our journey of learning the amazing art of Tai Chi
👊👍We had fun practicing with our Tai Chi brothers and sisters and were happy to meet agin our old friends
🙏 Manny thanks to Michigan Tai Chi Center and personally to Han Hoong Wang for organizing it

07/14/2026

06/29/2026

05/12/2026

The body shape of Traditional Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan II --------
In the Hand Form, Body Shape is closely linked to Footwork. The different stances have corresponding body shapes. Please note that no matter what footwork is used, the body shape must follow the Principles directing us to maintain the proper alignment resulting in smooth, easy movement and natural breathing. With three exceptions, when performing movements using the Bow Stance, the upper body inclines slightly forward, lining up the back with the angle of the back leg. Additionally, the upper body will either face forward or open to the side, depending on the requirements of the particular movement.
For example, in Push, the upper body inclines in the forward direction and also faces the forward direction. In Bend Bow Shoot Tiger the upper body inclines in the forward direction and is open toward the left.The three exceptions mentioned above are Left Ward Off, Single Whip and Fan Through the Back. In these three movements the upper body does not incline in the forward direction but remains upright, straight up and down.
When performing an Empty Stance, the body should lean slightly forward so that the Kua of the weighted leg is nearly over the Yong Chuan, Bubbling Well. Be sure to line up the back knee with the back toe direction, keeping the tail bone centered. With Empty Stances using the ball touch, the body faces forward. White Crane Spread It’s Wings and High Pat on Horse are examples. With Empty Stances using the heel touch, the body opens toward the side. Raise Hands and Step Forward and Fist Under the Elbow are examples.
When using the One Leg Standing Stance, Du Li, the standing leg is naturally straight with a slight bend, not locked. In this stance the body opens to the standing leg’s direction. The body maintains the alignment described in the Principles and is therefore natural, relaxed and expanded, with the head lifting up and the hip dropping down. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg is an example.
In the Hand Form there is only one movement, Snake Creeps Down, that....
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05/01/2026

⭐️Tai Chi demonstration at NIU during Word Tai Chi Day
🥋Tai chi serves both as a health-promoting exercise and a traditional Martial Art.
☝️This ancient practice emphasizes slow, deliberate movements and deep breathing, which contribute to improved physical fitness, flexibility, and mental clarity.
👊Additionally, its martial arts roots provide practitioners with self-defense techniques, fostering a sense of confidence and discipline.
🙏Through its dual focus on health and martial skill, tai chi offers a holistic approach to personal development.

04/27/2026

⭐️We we’re honored to present Yang Family Tai chi during the Word Tai Chi Day at the NIU !
🥋That was a great opportunity to celebrate the art of Tai Chi promoting it to a broader audience and emphasizing on its health benefits and cultural heritage
👍Manny thanks to Professor Dr. Paul Wright from Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education for organizing the event

01/29/2026

⭐️Tai chi is for everyone!

👍Tai Chi is accessible to individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
☝️This gentle form of exercise promotes physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being, making it suitable for everyone, regardless of their prior experience or physical condition.
🙏Its slow, deliberate movements encourage relaxation and mindfulness, fostering a sense of balance and harmony within the body and mind.

01/01/2026

🥋Practicing Tai Chi slowly provides a unique set of physical and mental health benefits by emphasizing mindfulness, control, and deep breathing. This deliberate pace, often called "meditation in motion," is critical for achieving the following results:

⭐️Physical Stability and Injury Prevention
Enhanced Balance: The slow, intentional footwork increases awareness of weight distribution and ankle angles. This can reduce the risk of falls by up to 50% in older adults.
Joint Support: Moving slowly creates "motion as lotion," lubricating joints and strengthening small stabilizing muscles in the ankles, knees, and hips.
Low Impact Strengthening: The pace forces muscles to work harder through resistance from your own body weight without the strain or impact caused by jerky movements.

⭐️Cognitive and Mental Health
Sharpens the Mind: The deliberate speed requires intense focus and memory of complex sequences, which can boost brain volume, improve concentration, and slow the progression of dementia.
Stress Reduction: Slow movement paired with rhythmic breathing triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the body from "fight-or-flight" to a calm, meditative state.
Emotional Regulation: Practicing slowly is linked to significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and confusion by keeping the mind anchored in the present moment.

⭐️Cardiovascular and Internal Health
Blood Pressure Management: 2024 research suggests Tai Chi may be more effective than vigorous aerobic exercise at lowering systolic blood pressure because it emphasizes relaxation over high heart rates.
Improved Lung Function: The slow pace encourages deeper, more controlled breaths, which enhances oxygen intake and benefits individuals with conditions like COPD.
Better Sleep: Regular slow practice can help individuals fall asleep significantly faster (up to 17 minutes sooner) and sleep longer (up to 42 minutes).

⭐️👊Martial Arts and Performance
Muscle Memory: In traditional Tai Chi Chuan, practicing slowly allows for "perfect" movement, sealing any weak points in structure. This builds deep muscle memory so that movements can be executed with speed and power when needed.
Agility: Developing coordination at a slow speed makes future fast movements easier and more fluid