The originator of the Yang-style Taiji boxing was Yang Luchan (1800-1873) from Yongnian in Hebei Province. Yang went to learn Taiji boxing from Chen Changxing in the Chenjia Valley as a boy. When grown up. he returned to his native town to teach the art. To suit the need of common people. Yang Luchan made some changes. and dropped some highly difficult moves. such as force irritating. broad jumps and foot thumping. His son shortened the routine which was further simplified by his grandson. The grandsonˋs form of the Yang-style Taiji boxing was later taken as the protocol of the Yang-style boxing. Because of its comfortable postures. simplicity and practisability. this form has become the most popular routine for exercise and practise (Fig. 4).
