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Our Yang-style Cheng Man-ch'ing Lineage
Yang Lu-ch'an (1800-1873) is considered the father of modern Tai Chi Chuan (tijiquan). He was the founder of the Yang style and first in this lineage. His teacher was the famed Chen Chiang-hsiang. By defeating many famous martial artists in China, Lu-Ch'an brought Tai Chi to the forefront of martial arts. He met all challenges from the boxing spectrum and was never defeated, gaining the title "Yang of no equal."
Lu-ch'an passed his art on to his two sons, Pan-hou (1838-1881) and Chien-hou (1843-1917). Both sons maintained their father's greatness and became famous masters in their own right. There are many legendary feats attributed to both brothers.
Chien-hou transmitted the family skills to his two sons, Shou-hou (1862-1929) and Ch'eng-fu (1883-1935). Ch'eng-fu inherited the great talent of his father and grandfather, becoming the greatest master of his era. His power was legendary throughout China.
Ch'eng-fu's last and most famous disciple was Cheng Man-ch'ing (Zheng Manqing, 1901-1975), referred to as the master of the "Five Excellences": painting, poetry, calligraphy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tai Chi Chuan. Professor Cheng was considered a genius and one of the top Tai Chi masters of his time. He envisioned Tai Chi as a bridge between East and West and was the first to bring Tai Chi to America.
Professor Cheng's senior student is Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo, an internationally renowned teacher, classic scholar and author. Master Lo has taught in Asia, the United States and Europe for over 50 years. A great teacher, Master Lo has always stressed the importance of good form and basic Tai Chi principles as a basis of further development in this art.
Master Lo's senior student, Terry Li, is a certified instructor. He has studied and taught Tai Chi for over 30 years. Mr. Li is recognized as a gifted practitioner and inspirational teacher of this art. He is the Founder/Director of the Universal Tai Chi Study Group and Universal Taoist Arts.
Beginning Level
- Introduction to Tai Chi Chuan (class orientation; basic Tai Chi chi gung [qi gong] exercises; first part of the form)—first 12-class session. This section is ongoing, and can be enrolled in at any time.
- Completion of Beginning Form (37 postures)—second 12-class session
- Beginning Form Correction (4 months of classes with Standing Meditation)
- Taoist Philosophy (Tao Te Ching [Dao De Jing] study session)
Intermediate Level
- Intermediate Form Correction (alignment & coordination - ongoing)
- Sitting Meditation (Meditation study session)
- Sensing Hands Practice (ongoing)
- Tai Chi Theory (Tai Chi Classics study session)
Advanced Level
- Advanced Form (circulation & function)
- Sitting Meditation (Meditation study session)
- Sensing Hands Practice (ongoing)
- Advanced Study Sessions (pre-requisites required)
Invitation-Only Classes
- Martial Arts Training (push hands, martial applications & conditioning)
- Da Lu (moving push hands)
- Tai Chi Sword (form & fencing)
- Teacher Training (UTCSG Teacher Certification Course)
Universal Tai Chi Study Group Objectives
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To disseminate the true art of Tai Chi Chuan and the philosophy which it represents, so that more people may experience, benefit from and enjoy its profound effects.
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To create a non-competitive atmosphere of sincerity, dedication and trust where the art of Tai Chi Chuan may be studied, practiced and realized.
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To offer the highest uncompromising quality instruction and training of qualified teachers in order to preserve this heritage for future generations.