Overview of the Yang Style 24 Movement Form

The Yang Style 24 Movement Form is practiced widely throughout the world. I originally taught myself the form from a Chinese manuscript with line drawings in the early 1970s. The routine was surprisingly easy to learn by following the line patterns of the form. Since I could not read Chinese, I could derive nothing more from the book.

In 1976 I obtained another book, which I still treasure, written by Yang Ming-Shi, Illustrated Tai -Chi Chuan, published in Japan by the Bunka Publishing Bureau. The book introduced basic Tai Chi principles, Zhan Zhuang (referred to as Lieh Chuan – Standing Zen), Sowai Shou (a loosening exercise), Shi Zi Shou (a warm-up exercise), and the 24 Movement Yang Style Tai Chi Form broken down into 8 sections and featured the Pinyin names for each movement. The book also featured Pa Tuan Chin (Ba Tuan Jin), which was new to me. Yang Ming-Shi was said to be a descendant of the Yang Taiji Quan Family.  

After obtaining this book, I thought that I no longer had any use for the first Chinese book, which, regrettably, I discarded.

I applied the knowledge from these two books and practiced the 24 Taiji Quan Form regularly. Years later, although I was obviously lacking some foundational skills, when I worked with teachers who knew the form, I was pleased to see that I was not far off.

I went on to learn Yang Style Tai Chi from William C. C. Chen (陳至誠, 1933 – ), and Tao Pingxiang (陶炳祥, 1919-2006), both disciples of Zheng Manqing (郑曼青, 1902-1975). And I received a brief introduction to Dong Style Tai Chi from Bun Piac Chan (1922-2002, commonly known as B. P. Chan). My Eagle Claw teacher, Shum Yee Leung (岑譽亮, 1937-2025), also knew the Yang Style 24,although his primary style was Wu Tai Chi and I felt that his movements had a Wu Tai Chi influence. With these teachers, my knowledge of the principles and practice of Taiji Quan was deeply influenced.

Professor Li Deyin (李德印)

Since my students competed widely, and the Yang Style 24 Form was one of the compulsory forms in many Chinese martial arts competitions in the 1990s, I wanted to learn the intricacies Yang Style 24 form and other Tai Chi compulsory routines that were becoming popular at the time.

I first met Li Deyin at a Chinese Martial Arts tournament hosted by the Wah Lum Temple in July of 2000 at the UCF Arena in Orlando. I was Chief Judge in a Tai Chi ring and Li Deyin was a Side Judge in my ring. The following year I published an article by Siu-Fong Evans featuring Li Deyin in the Winter 2001 issue of the first edition of the Journal of Chinese Martial Arts, which I published and edited. Through these interactions I learned much about his background; Professor Li came from an illustrious martial arts family and his uncle was the famed Li Tianji (李天骥,1915-1996). I decided to bring Li Deyin to my school to learn the Yang Style Taijiquan 24 directly from him. This was as close as I could get to the source of the form.

Li Deyin is a gracious, knowledgeable, and generous teacher. He was keen and thorough on details, and I and my students learned much from his teaching. He was accompanied by his wife, Fang Mishou (who passed away in January of 2026),who was also quite skilled and worked with my students on the Tai Chi Fan routine.

This first visit resulted in two additional visits where Professor Li taught the 32 Yang Style Sword Form, and the 42 Tajiquan Compulsory form which he had compiled. We also practiced Xingyi Quan with him.

The First Effort to Create a Simplified Taiji Quan Routine

In 1954, the Guo Jia Tiwei (国家体委) – State Sports Commission, was intent on transforming traditional Chinese martial arts towards sports for health. It established a Martial Arts Research Office to compile standard martial arts routines and popularize martial arts training.

The commission decided to start with Tai Chi Chuan and so approached the Wushu Research Institute (武术研究院) about the possibility of creating a shortened Taiji routine suitable for the general public. Wu Tunan (吴图南, 1884-1989), Chen Fake (陳發科,1887-1957), Gao Ruizhou (高瑞周, 1900-1958), Tang Hao (唐豪, 1897-1959), Tian Zhenfeng (田镇峰), Li Tianji (李天骥,1915-1996), and other renowned masters took part in this project. Their efforts resulted in a combined Taiji Quan form comprised of 30 movements from various Tai Chi styles. Finally, what was essentially a “Simplified Taiji Routine” was published in the Xin Ti Yu (新体育) – New Sports Magazine.

This form was not simple, and it soon became apparent that its complexity made it difficult for beginners to learn, which failed the original objective.

Research and Development

The following year, the head of the Sports Commission, He Long​yuan (贺龙元)​, stated that their goal would be to create a form suitable for the general population at the beginner level. He said,” Don’t complicate something that should be simple.”

At that time, the Wushu Research Institute panel tasked with this project included Mao Bohao (毛伯浩), who was the department head, as well as Tang Hao (唐豪), Wu Gouming (​吴高明), and Li Tianji. They set the following goals:

1. They would use Yang Style Taiji as the framework of the new routine since it was the most widespread style of Taiji Quan.
2. The new routine should maintain the characteristics of the Traditional Yang Style Routine.
3. The new routine should be void of combative elements and be suitable for the population at large.
4. The routine should not contain repetitive movements and should be easy to learn.
5. The completion of the routine should not take longer than 5 minutes.

Li Tianji, because of his proficiency and experience in Yang Styel Taiji Quan, was tasked by the group with compiling the new routine.

The Yang Style Taiji 24 Movements

The routine adhered to the characteristics of Traditional Yang Style Taiji Quan, which emphasized smooth and gentle movement; an upright and expansive posture; connected and continuous movements; cohesiveness and relaxation.

Although the development of a simplified Taiji Quan Routine was first begun in the early 1950s, the Yang Shi Taijiquan Er Shi Sz Shi (楊氏太極拳二十四式), Yang Style 24 Form, was officially brought to light in 1956.

The new routine became popularly known as Jian Hua Taijiquan (簡化太極拳) – Simplified Taijiquan and also the Beijing Er Shi Sz (北京二十四) – the Beijing 24 because it was developed and spread from Beijing. Today, this remains the most widely practiced Taijiquan routine, and Li Tianji is recognized as its composer. (Note that some practitioners in the West still refer to the form as the Peking 24.).

The Yang Style Simplified 24 Form has been spread worldwide for 70 years now, yet there are still misconceptions about who created the form.

Note: The Li Tianji photo above was provided by Li Deyin

A word about Cui Zhongsan

I was fortunate to meet Cui Zhongsan (崔仲三, 1948- ) at the 2000 Third International Chinese Martial Arts Championship in Clearwater, Florida. He attended several ICMAC tournaments and twice taught seminars at my school. On one of his visits, he taught the Taiji Quan 24 Simplified Form. Although Li Deyin had already taught the form, it was useful to see its presentation from another high-level master. It is said that an apple can look different when viewed from different sides.

Dispelling Myths

Contrary to what is stated in various articles, books, and online, Fu Zongwen (傅钟文, 1903-1994), Chu Guiting (褚桂亭,1892-1977), Zhang Yu (张宇, 1909-1988), and Cai Longyun (蔡龙云,1928-2015) are often credited in many sources as having been part of the panel charged with creating the Simplified Yang Style Taiji Quan routine. While these were all accomplished masters, it discredits the group that actually worked on developing the first Simplified Form, the one that did not fulfill its objective. It also discredits the second group of masters, in particular the impact of Li Tianji for compiling the routine. Further, it does not honor the memory of the masters, cited above, who have ample accolades to their credit.

Brief Biographies of the Masters

I am including brief biographies of the masters cited in this post. Some have little to do with the Simplified 24 Tai Chi Form, but it is important to preserve their legacy and impact on Chinese martial arts. They are listed here in the approximate order in which they are mentioned.

Yang Ming-Shi (楊名時, 1924-2005) was born in Shanxi Province, China, and moved to Japan in the 1950s after studying at Beijing Normal University. He was instrumental in popularizing Taiji Quan in Japan where he founded the Japan Taijiquan Association. His book, Illustrated Tai -Chi Chuan, had a positive impact on my early training in the art.

William C. C. Chen (Chen Zhicheng 陳至誠, 1933- ) was born in Wenzhou, China. He is renowned worldwide as amaster of Taiji Quan, and an innovative teacher who emphasizes proper body mechanics and the practical application of Taiji Quan. He started training with Zheng Manqing at a young age, becoming one of his top indoor disciples. William Chen’s teaching career began in the early 1950s, and he has taught in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, and throughout North America and Europe

Tao Pingxiang (陶炳祥, 1919 -2006), was born in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China. He began martial arts training in his youth, training first in Tan Tui; he also studied Xingyi Quan and Bagua Zhang. He eventually became an indoor disciple of Zheng Manqing. Tao Pingxiang was referred to as “Song Rou Da Shi (松柔大师) – Master of Relaxation and Softness, Tao Pingxiang was also a mechanical and aeronautical engineer and served in the Chinese Air Force. In addition, he was a Doctor of Acupuncture and affectionately known as “Dr. Tao.”

Zheng Manqing (郑曼青, 1902-1975) was born in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. A child of fragile health, he first studied Shaolin Boxing before turning to poetry and art. By age 19, he was already a professor of poetry at a Beijing art school. He became a student of Yang Chengfu (杨澄甫, 1883-1936), grandson of the Yang Shi Taiji Quan founder Yang Luchan (杨露禅, 1799-1872). After successfully treating the wife of Yang Chengfu for an illness, Zheng Manqing gained special trust and favor from the master. Zheng Manqing was known as the Master of the Five Excellences: Chinese Medicine, Painting, Calligraphy, Poetry, and Taiji Quan. He was an innovative teacher and shortened the Yang Style 108 Posture into what has become known as Professor Zheng’s 37 Posture Form. He published many books and his disciples have spread the art worldwide

Bun Piac Chan, commonly known as B. P. Chan (1922–2002), was born in Fujian. He moved first to the Philippines and in 1974 relocated in New York City. He taught at William C. C. Chen’s school and was also a regular teacher at the Taste of China annual events in Virginia. B. P. Chan taught Xingyi, Bagua, Dong and Chen Style Taiji, Qi Gong, and Taiji Ruler.

Shum Yee Leung (岑譽亮, 1937-2025) began his martial arts training at the age of 8 under Wu Huinong (吳惠農). He trained in Ying Zhao Fan Zi and Wu Style Tai Chi. He helped his Shifu operate the school in Hong Kong until he moved to New York City in 1971. Shum Leung opened his first school on 28^th Street in 1974 and quickly built a following. He published several books on the Eagle Claw System, and his training videos made Eagle Claw Gong Fu available to practitioners worldwide. His students carry on his legacy in the Americas and Europe

Li Deyin (李德印, 1938- ) was born in Hebei Province. He comes from an illustrious martial arts family. His grandfather was Li Yulin (李玉琳, 1885-1965), who had trained with some of the most prominent masters of the time. Li Deyin has carried on his family tradition of promoting Chinese martial arts. He composed many standardized Taiji Quan routines such the 42-Step Taijiquan and the 48-Step Taijiquan. He has also produced many Taiji champions.

Fang Mishou (方弥寿, 1942-2026), Li Deyin’s wife, accompanied and assisted him in his teaching. She was an accomplished practitioner with forms and weapons. She taught the Taiji Kung Fu Fan during a visit to my school.

Wu Tunan (吴图南, 1884-1989), was born in Beijing and lived to the age of 105. He began the practice of Taiji Quan at age 9 to improve his health and strengthen his fragile body. His teacher was Wu Jianquan (吳鑑泉, 1870-1942), who later introduced him to Yang Shaohou (楊少侯, 1862-1930). Under these teachers, Wu Tunan achieved mastery of both Wu Style and Yang Style Taijiquan. He participated in the first National Martial Arts Examination at the Nanjing Central Martial Arts Academy in1928 and wrote many books that are now considered classics. In 1954, the State Sports Commission organized the compilation of a simplified version of Tai Chi Chuan (the predecessor of the 24 Simplified Tai Chi Chuan). Wu Tunan was one of the experts invited to participate in the proceedings.

Chen Fake (陳發科,1887-1957) was born in Chen Village, Wen County, in Henan Province. He came from a family of Tai Chi practitioners and was a ninth-generation Chen Style Taiji Quan inheritor. In the early 1920s he went to Beijing to teach. His sons, Chen Zhaoxu (陈照旭,1912-1959) and Chen Zhaokui (陈照奎, 1928-1981) continued to spread the family tradition and spread the art of Chen Taiji.

Gao Ruizhou (,1900-1958), was a native of Wuqing, Hebei Province, and a disciple of Li Ruidong (李瑞东, 1851-1917), a renowned martial arts master. In 1947, Gao Ruizhou, and other masters, established the Huitong Martial Arts Research Society; he served as the president. The society taught many styles of Chinese martial arts, including Taiji Quan, Bagua Zhang, Baji Quan, and Fanzi Quan, as well as traditional Chinese weaponry. In 1954, when the State Sports Commission organized the compilation of a simplified version of Tai Chi Chuan (the predecessor of the 24 Simplified Tai Chi Chuan), Gao Ruizhou was one of the masters invited to consult.

Tang Hao (唐豪, 1897-1959), was born in Wuxian County, Jiangsu Province. He was a martial artist and an outstanding historian who wrote many important books. They include A Study of Shaolin and Wudang, A Study of Internal Martial Arts, Taiji Quan and Internal Martial Arts, and A Study of Illustrated Books on Chinese Martial Arts. Many of these works remain a source of information for the current generation of martial arts. In 1954, when the State Sports Commission organized the compilation of a simplified version of Tai Chi Chuan (the predecessor of the 24 Simplified Tai Chi Chuan), Tang Hao was included in the panel. That same year, he was elected as a representative to the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress.

Tian Zhenfeng (田镇峰) served as Dean of the Shandong Guo Shu Guan when it was established in 1929. He was the author of Lectures on Tai Chi Chuan and founded the monthly magazine Seeking Truth. He was a disciple of Xingyi Quan masters Song Shirong (宋世榮,1849–1927) and Guo Yunshen (郭雲深,1820–1901), and is said to have learned Taiji Quan from Li Jinglin (李景林,1885-1931). Tian Zhenfeng was highly skilled in martial arts and known to be outspoken. He was both eloquent and capable in combat. After the liberation, he served as the head of martial arts at the State Sports Commission.

Mao Bohao (毛伯浩,1917-1995), was native of Jimo, Shandong Province. He served as head of the Wushu Department of the State Sports Commission from 1950 to 1980. Mao Bohao was instrumental in proposing technical standards for the development of Wushu that emphasized quality, difficulty, and poise. He recommended including Wushu as a core course in Sports Colleges, where standardized teaching methods and curriculum were being developed. He supervised Tang Hao, Wu Guoming, and Li Tianji in their work to compile the 24 Simplified Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Form

Wu Gouming (​吴高明). Unfortunately, I have been able to gather little information on Wu Gouming from English-language or Chinese sources. I am continuing the search and hope to update his biography soon.

Li Tianji (李天骥, 1915-1996), was a native of Anxin County, Hebei Province. He learned martial arts from his father, Li Yulin (李玉琳,1883-1965), and from such outstanding masters as Zhang Zhaodong (张兆东, 1859-1940), Li Jinglin (李景林 1885-1931), and Sun Lutang (孫祿堂,1860-1933). Li Tianji excelled in Shaolin Gong Fu, Taiji Quan, Xingyi Quan, and Bagua Zhang, and was highly skilled in Tui Shou. In 1931 he graduated with top honors from the Shandong Provincial Martial Arts Academy, and in 1932 became a martial arts instructor there. Four years later he was named director of the Lingxian County Martial Arts Academy. He is credited as the composer of the Simplified 24 Taiji Quan Form and the 32 Taiji Sword Form. Both are now practiced worldwide. His books include The Essence of Taiji Quan, Skill in Xing Yi Quan, and Wudang Sword Techniques. He visited the Shaolin Temple four times and Wudang Mountain twice. He was known as Li Long Fei (李龍飛) – Li the Flying Dragon, reflecting his contributions and impact on Chinese martial arts.

Cui Zhongsan (崔仲三, 1948- ), a native of Beijing with ancestral roots in Hebei Province, holds a degree from Beijing Sport University. He is a 7th Duan in Chinese Wushu and is a National First-Class Wushu Referee. He comes from a family with a long tradition in Tai Chi. His grandfather, Cui Yishi (崔毅士, 1892–1970), with whom he practiced Taiji since childhood, was a direct disciple of Yang Chengfu. Cui Zhongsan is the president of the Beijing Yongnian Taijiquan Society and a 5^th Generation Inheritor of Yang Style Taiji Quan.

A brief biography is provided for the following masters as they are mentioned here.

Fu Zongwen (傅钟文, 1903-1994), was a relative and direct disciple of Yang Chengfu (杨澄甫, 1883-1936). Fu Zongwen closely followed Yang Chengfu and received privileged instruction. He can be seen in many old photos accompanying the master.

Chu Guiting (褚桂亭,1892-1977) studied from illustrious masters such as Li Cunyi, Yang Banhou, and Yang Chengfu. He was proficient in Xing Yi Quan, Bagua Zhang, and Yang Style Taijiquan.

Zhang Yu (張玉,1909-1988) was the first disciple of Wu Huichuan and was known for his outstanding martial arts skills. He was especially renowned for his expertise at Push Hands.

Cai Longyun (蔡龙云,1928-2015) was born into a family of martial artists. His father, Cai Guiqin (1877-1956), was proficient in Hua Quan, operated the Xiqing Escort Agency, and served as instructor at the Shanghai Jingwu Association. Cai Longyun became renowned for defeating a Russian strongman in a widely publicized contest in Shanghai.

Note: Contrary to what is stated in various articles, books, and online, Fu Zongwen, Chu Guiting, Zhang Yu, and Cai Longyun, were not part of the group of masters gathered by the State Sports Commission to compile the Simplified 24 Form. This was confirmed by Li Deyin.