Many of the offshoots such as Beijing 24 and modified Yang style are recent manifestations based on the traditional form. Yang Lu Chan (1799-1872), also known as Yang the Invincible was the founder of the Yang style. His art has been handed down for the past 160 years. Yang Cheng Fu (1883-1936, third generation of the Yang family), one of China’s great martial artists, standardized the 85 movement form. In the 1920s he was captured on photos performing each of the 85 postures. It is this form which is known as the authentic Yang style. Yang Cheng Fu’s nephew, great Grand Master Fu Zhong Wen, inherited leadership of Yang style, representing the fourth generation. He was still strong, healthy and practicing Tai Chi right up to his death at the age of 92. Yang Cheng Fu’s grand-nephew, Fu Sheng Yuan is the fifth generation to receive the entire transmission of the family art. He is the world’s foremost authority on Yang style Tai Chi , and has many followers throughout the world. Master Fu Sheng Yuan was recently awarded the 8th Dan grade by the Chinese Wu Shu Association in China. Grandmaster Fu’s son, Master Fu Qing Quan (James) is following in his ancestors’ footsteps. He is the sixth generation to inherit the full transmission of authentic Yang Family Tai Chi. Master James Fu was the national Chinese champion for Tai Chi weapon in 1988 and for Tai Chi form in 1989. He has now been awarded a 7th Dan grade by the Chinese Wu Shu Association. Under the auspices of Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan the Academy’s instructors are dedicated to passing the authentic Yang Style Tai Chi to the people of Perth and the world.
