Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, Second Section

 Second Section of the Yang Style of Taijiquan

Tradition Yang Tai Chi Chuan, Long Form, 2nd Section

Second Section,  Movements 56-82,  List of Movements

 

Second Section List,  Movements 18-55,  Yang Long Form 108

    Provides a list with the number of the movement and the name of movement.  In the PDF format (print only), 1 page, 16Kb.  

Second Section List,  Part I,  Movements 18 - 37,  Yang Long Form 108 

    Provides a list with the number of the movement, the direction one is facing at the end of that movement, the name of the movement, and a brief description or notes about the movement.  In the PDF format (print only), 1 page, 53Kb.  In the HTML format provided below in this document.  

Seond Section List,  Part II,  Movements 38 - 55,  Yang Long Form 108

    Provides a list with the number of the movement, the direction one is facing at the end of that movement, the name of the movement, and a brief description or notes about the movement.  In the PDF format (print only), 1 page, 48Kb.  In the HTML format provided below in this document.  

Comparison of 108 Long Yang with 88 Long Yang - Chart

  

 Long Form, 108 Movements, Second Section 18. Carry Tiger to the Mountain 19. Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail 20. Fist Under Elbow 21. Repulse Monkey – Right 22. Repulse Monkey – Left 23. Repulse Monkey – Right 24. Diagonal Slant Flying 25. Raise Hands, Shoulder Stroke 26. White Crane Spreads Its Wings 27. Brush Left Knee, Push 28. Needle at Sea Bottom 29. Fan Through the Back 30. Turn, Chop with Fist 31. Step Forward, Parry, Punch 32. Ward-Off Left 33. Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail 34. Single Whip 35. Wave Hands Like Clouds 36. Single Whip 37. High Pat on Horse 38. Kick with Right Toe 39. Kick with Left Toe 40. Turn, Kick with Left Sole 41. Brush Left Knee, Push 42. Brush Right Knee, Push 43. Step Up, Punch Downward 44. Turn, Chop with Fist 45. Step Forward, Parry, Punch 46. Kick with Right Sole 47. Strike Tiger, Left Side 48. Strike Tiger, Right Side 49. Kick with Right Sole 50. Box Ears with Fists 51. Kick with Left Sole 52. Pivot, Kick with Right Sole 53. Deflect, Parry and Punch 54. Apparent Withdraw  Cross Hands

Yang Style Taijiquan Long Form Section I

 Yang Style Taijiquan Long Form Section I

First Section,  Movements 1-17,  List of Movements

First Section List,  Movements 1-17,  Yang Long Form 108   

    Provides a list with the number of the movement and the name of movement. In the PDF format (print only), 1 page, 16Kb.  

First Section List,  Part I,  Movements 1 - 17,  Yang Long Form 108 

    Provides a list with the number of the movement, the direction one is facing at the end of that movement, the name of the movement, and a brief description or notes about the movement.  In the PDF format (print only), 1 page, 48Kb. 

Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan, Standard 24 Form

My webpage on the Standard 24 Taijiquan Form has been a very popular webpage on the Cloud Hands Tai Chi Chuan Website since 2001.  In the sidebar of this blog, you will find a quick index to this webpage.   

Standard Simplified Taijiquan 24 Form. Research by Michael P. Garofalo, M.S. This webpage includes a detailed bibliography of books, media, links, online videos, articles, and resources. It provides a list of the 24 movement names in English, Chinese, French, German and Spanish, with citations for sources of the movement names. It provides detailed descriptions of each movement with black and white line illustrations and photographs. It includes relevant quotations, notes, performance times, section breakdowns, basic Tai Chi principles, and strategies for learning the form. This hypertext document was last last updated in December of 2017.  

The Peking (Bejing) Chinese National orthodox standard simplified 24 movement T'ai Chi Ch'uan form, created in 1956, is the most popular form practiced all around the world. This form uses the Yang Style of Taijiquan.  

There is also a famous short Tai Chi Chuan form, created by Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing in the 1940's.  It has 37 movements in the Yang Style of Taijiquan.

My 24 Form webpage provides many good suggestions for a person learning this basic Tai Chi Chuan Form of 24 movements on their own if there is no Tai Chi class in their area.

I started learning Taijiquan in 1986.  I was taught the Standard 24 Movement T'ai Chi Ch'uan Form in the Yang Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan.  I learned it from Aikido Sensei Frank McGourick in Whittier, California.  

In 1986, were no books or instructional videotapes on this popular form.  In 2019, there are dozens of books and instructional DVDs, videotapes, UTube demonstrations by women and men, streaming content, and scores of webpages on the subject of the 24 Taijiquan Form.  

Sensei McGourick also taught me the standard Long Form of the Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan.  You hit the floor a lot in Aikido, it is vigorous, and it is very challenging for anyone, and it was too hard for me.  So, being a man in his 40's, and working 50 hours a week as a library administrator of 22 libraries in the busy and growing San Gabriel Valley, I practiced only Taijiquan and Qigong at the Aikido Ai Dojo in Whittier with Dr. Robert Moore and Sensei McGourick.

The most detailed book that I have seen on the subject of the 24 Form is:
The Yang Taiji 24 Step Short Form: A Step by Step Guide for All Levels
By James Drewe.  London, Singing Dragon Press, 2011.  382 pages, black and white photographs, charts, detailed descriptions, training tips. 

I give information on many other fine books by other good authors on the Basic 24 Tai Chi Chuan Form in my webpage.  Find books by Andrew Townsend, Cheng Zhao, Foen Tjoeng Lie, Eric Chaline, Le Deyin, etc.

Many persons have told me that their favorite instructional DVD on the 24 Form is: Tai Chi - The 24 Forms  By Dr. Paul Lam.  I attended Dr. Lam's Tai Chi for Arthritis workshop in Monterey, California; and  later workshops on Sun Tai Chi with other Bay Area teachers.  I am also quite fond of using instructional DVDs by Master Jessie Tsao from San Diego.  


I have played and practiced this form with many different persons and groups over three decades.  The many slight variations are fun to play and observe.  Taijiquan is a very pleasant and satisfying group exercise, dance, marital arts, and choreographed body-mind movements class.  Taijiquan and Qigong provide an excellent fitness class for seniors to help them with aging well.  I have practiced this Basic 24 Form with different groups in the Vancouver and Portland areas, and for many years around Red Bluff, CA.  

At age 79, I can do quite a few repetitions of the form during any day.  I warm up with Qigong and limbering up movements, if needed, before practicing the 24 Form.  I make adjustments necessitated because of my former injuries, falls, surgeries, and decreasing balance skills.  I like to play with the named movement sequences in ways outside of the 24 form choreography, e.g., HsingI type forward drills using Yang postures, changing directions to accommodate indoor practice near furniture, faster movements with intermittent fajing, etc.  I also think about the martial applications of defense or offense, following the Teacher and group members so to achieve a coordinated beauty in the performance style desired, the courtesies and comradeship of the practice team, Taijiquan principles, etc. 

I try my best to try to learn, and relearn, and unlearn.   

"At this period of wushu, the Nanking Central Kuoshu Institute in 1956 tasked the choreography of a Taijiquan routine what would be more suitable for popular dissemination among the masses, in keeping with the government's egalitarian agenda.  The traditional forms were just too long and time consuming to practice, and the traditional methods too arcane and demanding for mass propagation.  The challenge was to reduce the one hundred-odd movements of the traditional Yang Style Taijiquan, prevalent then, to its core, by removing the many repetitive movements as well as the less essential ones.  Thus, the 24-Form Taijiquan set was created.  Instrumental in this simplification effort was Li Tianji (1913-1996) who had been appointed a wushu research fellow at the Institute.  Under official auspices, the 24-Form Taijiquan quickly became the standard form, taught throughout China as part of physical education curriculum in schools and colleges.  It is perhaps the best know Taijiquan form in the world today.  As widespread as it is, the 24-Form is at best an abridged version of the traditional Yang form, a synopsis of the art."
-  C. P. Ong, Taijiquan: Cultivating Inner Strength, 2013, p. 7.  


Lift the head, stand strong and balanced, move gracefully.
Imagine resistance, water boxing, dealing with an opponent, pushing hands.
Be loose and relaxed, avoid over-exertion, use coiling energy.
Keep moving, flowing, shaping yourself in body-mind.
Shoulders down, gentle breathing, dignified bearing.
Stylish, artistic, beautiful, sensuous, dancing, formal.
Yin more than Yang, soft over hard, water over stone, gentle over muscular.
Follow the Teacher, coordinate, create unity, act as one. 

Tai Chi Chuan Instruction in Vancouver, Clark County, WA

 Tai Chi Chuan Instruction in 2025-

The Yang Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Private or Group Lessons

Instructor: Mike Garofalo, M.S., B.A.

Instructor's Qualifications

In Clark County, Washington State:
Vancouver, Battleground, Camas,
Orchards, Salmon Creek, Minnehaha,
Prairie Creek, Five Corners, Felida,
Sunnyside, City Center, Mill Plain

Contact Mike Garofalo by Email or Phone

Teaching and practicing the Yang Style
Taijiquan Short 24 Movements Form,
the Standard Long 108 Movements Form,
Cane, and Qigong

 

Cost for Lessons:
$20 per hour for one person
$30 per hour for two persons
Senior Citizen Discounts
Large Group Discounts
Long Time Student Discounts
Gratuities Always Welcome

 

Location of Lessons:
9102 NE 100th Street
Vancouver, WA 98662
Also at Nearby Locations

 

Websites: Cloud Hands Tai Chi Chuan

Blog: Cloud Hands Blog

Qigong (Chi Kung), Longevity Practice

 

 

Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo
Qualifications and Experience

I began learning Yang Style Taijiquan and
Qigong in 1986, and have taught these
Body-Mind Somatic Arts since 2000.
I also taught Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga
in Red Bluff, CA, from 2003-2016.

All of my Yoga and T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Classes Include Some Qigong
(Chinese Yoga) Practices

In 2025, I am 79 years of age.

 

I began learning Yang Style Taijiquan and Qigong from
1986-1990 with Sensei Frank McGourick in Whittier, California.
I studied Lui Ho Ba Fa and Qigong with Sifu Robert Moore from 1987-1990 in Whittier, California.
I studied Red Dragon Kung Fu from 1991-1993 with Sensei Tony Ippolito in Hacienda Heights, California.

I taught over 950 one hour classes of Taijiquan and Qigong in Red Bluff, California, from 2000-2017.
I also practice the Chen 18 Style of Taijiquan and Sun 73 Style
of Taijiquan, the cane weapon, and many Qigong forms.

Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Trained and Certified by Dr. Paul Lam in 2003.
Tai Chi for Arthritis Level 2 Instructor (Sun Style) Trained and Certified by Troyce Thome in 2006.
Advanced Tai Chi and Qigong training at workshops or classes led by Robert Moore, Paul Lam, Ken Cohen,
Patricia Long, George Xu, Elaine Waters,
Bill Helm, Doc Fai-Wong, Sher K. Lew,
Kevin Weaver, Troyce Thome, Yang Jun,
David Fetyko, and Brian Knack.

I taught Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga in Red Bluff from 2003 to 2016 for over 1,460 hours of one hour classes.
YogaFit Level IV Certified Yoga Instructor (Standard 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Curriculum Completed) in 2004.
Over 100 hours of additional yoga training with Dr. Paula Barros, Desiree Rambaugh, and at the Ananda Yoga Center.
All of my Yoga Classes include some Qigong (Chinese Yoga).

Personal Fitness Trainer Certified by AFAA 2007
Mat Pilates AFAA Certified 2005
Spin Cycling AFAA Certified 2005
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certifications
SilverSneakers Trained Instructor 2012
CPR and AED certified from 1999-2017, 2024-.

Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, 4/1999-4/2017
Certified by the State of California Commission
on Teacher Credentialing.
M.A. Education, 40 units, CSU Chico.
M.A., Philosophy, 30 units at CSU Los Angeles.
M.S., Library and Information Science,
University of Southern California, 1968
B.A. Philosophy, CSU Los Angeles, 1967

Brief Biography

My telephone number in 2025 is 530-200-0750.

 

Qigong
(Chinese Warm-up Exercises, Chinese Yoga,
Chi Kung, Energy Development, Energy Work)

Eight Section Brocade Qigong (Ba Duan Gin)

Five Animal Frolics Qigong (Wu Qin Xi)

The Magic Pearl Medicine Ball Qigong

Ba Gua Circle Walking Eight Mother Palms

Entering Tranquility: Standing Meditation

Silk Reeling and Circles in Taijiquan

Temple Qigong

Dragon Qigong

Muscle-Tendon Changing Qigong (Yi Jin Jing)

Cloud Hands Website

Cloud Hands Blog

25 Steps and Beyond: Collected Works

 

Updated on April 12, 2025

 

Standard Taijiquan 32 Sword Form

32 Sword Form, Simplified, Yang Style, Taijiquan Jian.

A webpage by Michael P. Garofalo. 

This popular webpage includes a comprehensive bibliography, scores of links to webpages; an extensive listing of the names and name variations for each movement in English, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish; a detailed analysis of each posture and movement sequence with explanations and numbered illustrations and detailed instructions; selected quotations; comments on 20 Taijiquan sword techniques; a comprehensive media bibliography; a chart of performance times; recommendations for starting to learn this form at home one your own with instructional DVDs, books and practice methods; and, a comparison of the 32 and 55 sword forms in the Yang style. 

This is the standard, simplified, orthodox, 1957, 32 Taiji Sword Form, in the Yang Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. 

32 Sword Form Pamphlet by Geoffrey Hugh Miller.  Adapted from information and graphics found on the 32 Sword Form webpage by Michael P. Garofalo.  22 pages, 9/7/2015, PDF Format.  Excellent job by Mr. Miller.  This is a handy practice tool.  

Read about the Taoist magical sword finger hand sign:
"The sword finger hand sign is to draw your own magic power to the fingers and output a beam of energy for doing Taoist magic.  This beam of magical power isn’t just an imaginary thing, it’s a real visible beam if you can see it. Some of my students can see the beam of energy beams out like a long laser from the tip of the finger and extend all the way to the wall or somewhere far away. The beam is a beam a the magic power from one doing the handsign. This beam of power can be used for drawing FUs in the air, killing evils, doing magic in magic battles, healing or even saving lives!  This is like a multi-usage tool, which can be a pen, a chisel, a phone, or even a drill, it all depends on how you use it and what adaptor you put on it to make it function differently. The most commonly seen usage of this handsign in Tin Yat Lineage is by drawing Taoism FU in the air or on the incense. This allow you to “carve” the Taoism FU into the object or in the air to perform magic." 

32 Taijiquan Simplified Sword Form

20 T'ai Chi Ch'uan Sword Techniques

55 Classical Yang Taiji Sword

Cloud Hands Taijiquan



 

The Wild Horse Jumps Over the Mountain Stream 



  "Mike, I wonder if you could give your thoughts on something.  For years I’ve been practicing 3. The Swallow Skims Across the Water with the left hand moving in a similar fashion to 5. Block and Sweep to the Left i.e. the little finger side of the hand brushing the left hip before raising above the head.  I’ve recently got a book by Li Deyin which has his daughter Faye Yip performing it slightly differently.  She points her fingers backwards with the back of the hand brushing the hip and mentions it in the essential points for the movement.  Looking at videos on the internet they all seem to be similar to Faye Yip.  Would you mind if I asked how you practice?"
-  A question from Simon Ellis, UK, 9/2/2015


Simon, I have found that the details of bodily positions for any Taijiquan movement vary somewhat according to the following standards: 

1.  Competition standards.  If you are preparing to compete in a Taijiquan event, then carefully study the standards for the forms you are performing.  In the case of the 32 sword form, check out books and DVDs by Li Deyin or his heirs. 
2.  Your teacher's standards.  If you are working closely with a Taijiquan teacher, then follow their instructions.  This simplifies your learning, and shows respect for the teacher.  Since I learned the 32 sword from Dr. Paul Lam, I practice this form in a manner fairly close to his instructions.   
3.  Your personal standards.  If you have been practicing for many years, mostly alone, then more variations in bodily positions will likely emerge.  Sensibly, as we age, we make adaptations in our Taijiquan form work to safely accommodate our declining physical abilities. 

As for how I practice, I'm rather unconcerned about details, a bit careless, playful, free, and seldom do things exactly the same way.  I just like skimming across the water, and leave the details about how to flap my wings to others.  Call me a lazy dilettante Daoist, with a penchant for ziran.  I don't even practice with a sword or saber anymore─ I only wield my sturdy cane.  As I recall, the front of my left hand crosses my waist while going to 3c; and, more important, I still make that magical Taoist sword finger hand sign with my left hand while doing this form. 

I think that modeling your performance on the standards set by Master Faye Yip's 32 Sword form instructions and demonstration would result in much grace, improved strength, and a beautiful style.   
Best wishes!  Mike.  9/8/2015 

 

Yang Taijiquan Long Form Third Section

For Tai Chi Chuan players: I often take a section of a long Taijiquan form and restudy and carefully practice only that section many times. I look up that section in books to learn more from master teachers. I also use instructional DVDs and UTube for sectional reviews. Smaller bites assists with better chewing and digestion.

I use the fine books by Fu Zhongwen, Li Deyin, T.T. Liang/Stuart Olson, and Gordon Muir for review. All have photographs or line illustrations of the movements and much commentary.

Here are some UTube demonstrations of the Third Section (Movements 56-108) of the Traditional Long Form of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan:

In 2023, my Daily Body-Mind-Spirit Practices include: 

Yang Style Taijiquan - Traditional 108 Movements T'ai Chi Ch'uan Long Form

Standard Simplified Yang Style Taijiquan 24 Movements Short Form

Eight Immortals Cane Routine #1, Yang Style

Wudang Qigong , Warmups, Exercises, Ideals, Meditation

Daoism: Principles and Practices

 

Third Section,  Movements 55-108,  List of Movements

Third Section List ,  Movements 55-108,  Yang Long Form 108 

    Provides a list with the number of the movement and the name of movement.  In the PDF format (print only), 1 page, 26Kb.

Third Section List,  Part I,  Movements 56 - 82,  Yang Long Form 108   

    Provides a list with the number of the movement, the direction one is facing at the end of that movement, the name of the movement, and a brief description or notes about the movement.  In the PDF format (print only), 1 page, 65Kb.  In the HTML format provided below in this document.  

Third Section List,  Part II,  Movements 83 - 108,  Yang Long Form 108.   

    Provides a list with the number of the movement, the direction one is facing at the end of that movement, the name of the movement, and a brief description or notes about the movement.  In the PDF format (print only), 1 page, 63Kb.  In the HTML format provided below in this document.  

Comparison of 108 Long Yang with 88 Long Yang - Chart

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan 108 Long Form

Yang Family Style Tai Chi Chuan Traditional 108 Long Form
By Michael P. Garofalo.

This webpage provides a list and brief description of the 108 movements of the Yang Style Taijiquan Long Form divided into five sections for teaching (.html and .pdf versions available). The webpage includes an extensive bibliography on the subject, scores of Internet links, historical notes, and quotations. 

The Yang Long Form discussed on this webpage conforms to the form developed by Yang Cheng-Fu (1883-1936) and documented in books by Bu Fu Zongwen (1903-1994) and Yang Zhenduo. The numbering of the movements varies from author to author, but the essential sequence and moves remains the same.

Doing some research on the Yang style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan (85 and 24). Two books have caught me eye:

Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan.  Bu Fu Zongwen (1903-1994).  Translated by Louis Swaim.  Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 1999.  Glossary, bibliography, 226 pages.  Translations of many Tai Chi classics are included.  A list of the 85 movement long form and detailed notes and descriptions of each movement are provided.  251 movement analysis illustrations.  Over 76 of the illustrations are traced and drawn from photographs of Yang Cheng-Fu.  Detailed descriptions of the long form, pp. 26-162.  Push hands information.  Yang Tai Chi essentials.  ISBN: 1556433182.  I have found this to be an excellent book!  This book was first published in 1963 in China as "Yang Shi Taijiquan".  An informative introduction and good translation by Louis Swaim.  VSCL.    

Taijiquan.  By Li Deyin.  London, Singing Dragon, 2004, 2008.  In English.  402 pages.  ISBN: 9781848190047, 1848190042.  Includes a complimentary DVD.  Includes descriptions, with photographs, of the 81 Yang Taijiquan form, Simplified 24 Taijiquan, Competition 42 Taijiquan, Competition 42 Taiji Sword, and the 32 Taiji Sword.  The Yang long form (81 Steps) includes photographs of Li Yulin performing the Yang long form in 1931.  Li Yulin and Li Jinglin, under the supervision of Yang Chengfu, were preparing a book on the subject later published under the title "Textbook of Taijiquan."  The 81 form is described in detail in this new book by Li Deyin.  

Yang Style Traditional Long Form T'ai Chi Ch'uan; As Taught by Master T. T. Liang.  By Gordon Muir.  Berkeley, California, Blue Snake Books, 2008.  225 pages.  150 numbered postures.  VSCL. 

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Instruction in Vancouver WA

 

Michael P. Garofalo teaches Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan in Vancouver, Washington.

He teaches in the Orchard's Five Corners area of northeast Vancouver, Clark County, WA.

He teaches at his home.  He is retired.

Mike's Qualifications

Fees: $20.00 per hour per person

From 2000-2023 he has taught:

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Traditional 108 Long Form

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Standard 24 Short Form

Yang Style Eight Immortals Cane Form

Various Chi Kung and Warmup Sets

E-Mail for Mike Garofalo

Phone for Mike Garofalo: 530-200-3546

Daily Somatic Practices in 2023

 In 2023, my Daily Body-Mind-Spirit Practices include: 

the Yang Style Traditional T'ai Chi Ch'uan 108 Movements Long Form;

the Yang Style Taijiquan Standard 24 Movements Short Form;

the Eight Immortals Cane Form Yang Style;

Wudang Chi Kung, Warmups, Exercises, Ideals;

and Daoism: Principles and Practices.

Yang Style Taijiquan - Traditional 108 Movements T'ai Chi Ch'uan Long Form

Standard Simplified Yang Style Taijiquan 24 Movements Short Form

Eight Immortals Cane Routine #1, Yang Style

Wudang Qigong , Warmups, Exercises, Ideals, Meditation

Daoism: Principles and Practices

 

 Today, January 23rd, is my birthday.  I am 77 years old today.  

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan - Third Section

A Repost form 2020!

Yesterday, because of wildfire smoke and ashes and low clouds in Vancouver, WA, the visibility out my front door was less than 100 feet.  The hazardous air quality was dangerous to anyone's health.  I practiced my Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong indoors, in a 20’x6” area.  This is sufficient space to practice the Yang Style Taijiquan Long 108 and Short 24 forms, and any qigong form.  

The practice of Tai Chi Chuan or Chi Kung can be done indoors or outdoors.  The only equipment needed is your body. 

I move a little furniture and practice indoors quite often.    

These are wonderful movement arts for better health.  Try them yourself!

Currently, I am reviewing the 3^rd Section of the Yang Taijiquan Long 108 Form.  

Hypertext Notebooks by Michael Garofalo:

Grandmaster Yang Chen Fu's Taijiquan 94 Movements Long Form  1920's

List of All the Movements in Third Section of Yang Style Long Form  1 page

Third Section, Part 1, List of Movements and brief instructions  1 page

Third Section, Part 2, List of Movements and brief instructions  1 page 

Cloud Hands Tai Chi Chuan Website

 

Tai Chi Chuan Class in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington

Tai Chi Classes in 2021-2022

Would anyone like to study and learn with me, for free,
the Chen Taijiquan Lao Jia Yi Lu, First Form?
We would use the instructional DVD by Master Ken Gullette as our teacher.

The Yang Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Instructor:  Mike Garofalo, M.S.   

In Vancouver, Clark County, Washington, USA

Contact Mike by Email (gwr2013a@gmail.com) or Phone: 530-200-3546

 
Practicing and teaching the Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan 
The Standard Long 108 Movements Yang Taijiquan Form,
The Short 24 Movements Yang Taijiquan Form,
Cane Drills,

Website:  Cloud Hands Tai Chi Chuan     Blog:  Cloud Hands Blog

  Qigong

Instructor 
Michael P. Garofalo
M.S., B.A. Philosophy

I began learning Yang Style Taijiquan and Qigong in 1986, and have taught 
Taijiquan and Qigong since 2000.  I also taught Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga from 2003-2016. 

All of my Yoga and T'ai Chi Ch'uan Classes Include Some Qigong (Chinese Yoga) Practices

 In 2021, I am 75 years of age.

 

I began learning Yang Style Taijiquan and Qigong from 1986-1990 with Sensei Frank McGourick in Whittier, California.
I studied Lui Ho Ba Fa and Qigong with Sifu Robert Moore from 1987-1990 in Whittier, California.
I studied Red Dragon Kung Fu from 1991-1993 with Sensei Tony Ippolito in Hacienda Heights, California.

I taught over 950 one hour classes of Taijiquan and Qigong in Red Bluff, California, from 2000-2017. 
I also practice the Chen 18 Style of Taijiquan and Sun 73 Style of Taijiquan, the cane weapon, and many Qigong forms. 

Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Trained and Certified by Dr. Paul Lam in 2003. 
Tai Chi for Arthritis Level 2 Instructor (Sun Style) Trained and Certified by Troyce Thome in 2006. 
Advanced Tai Chi and Qigong training at workshops or classes led by Robert Moore, Paul Lam, Ken Cohen, Yang Jun, Patricia Long, George Xu, Elaine Waters, Bill Helm, Doc Fai-Wong, Sher K. Lew, Kevin Weaver, Troyce Thome, Brian Knack, and Ken Gullette.

I taught Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga in Red Bluff from 2003 to 2016 for over 1,460 hours of one hour classes. 
YogaFit® Level IV Certified Yoga Instructor (Standard 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Curriculum Completed) in 2004
Over 100 hours of additional yoga training with Dr. Paula Barros, Desiree Rambaugh, and at the Ananda Yoga Center.
All of my Yoga Classes Include Some Qigong (Chinese Yoga) Practices

Personal Fitness Trainer Certified by AFAA 2007
Mat Pilates AFAA Certified 2005
Spin Cycling AFAA Certified 2005
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certifications
SilverSneakers® Trained Instructor 2012
CPR and AED certified from 1999-2017. 

Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, 4/1999 - 4/2017
Certified by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
M.A. Education, 40 units, CSU Chico; M.A., Philosophy, 30 units at CSU Los Angeles. 
M.S., Library and Information Science, University of Southern California, 1968
B.A. Philosophy, CSU Los Angeles, 1967 
  

Brief Biography

 

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Review

 

I have enjoyed my thorough September review of the Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan, both the Long 108 and Short 24 Forms. I did many repetitions of specific movement sequences, made some adjustments due to recent injuries, emphasized hand moves, altered the pace, reread some favorite authors, used some Chen style Fa Jin strikes on Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail or Parry and Punch, and created special drills.  Learning and Fun! 

I first learned the 24 and 108 Yang Taijiquan forms in 1985-1986 from Sensei Frank McGourick at the Aikido Ai Dojo in Whittier, California.  

Taijiquan can really free the mind of over-thinking and worries.  

New Taijiquan learners might get confused by how different authors count the moves in the Yang Long Form.  For example, the most frequently occurring movement is Grasping the Sparrow's Tail.  Do you count it as one move, or four moves (Ward Off, Rollback, Press, and Push)?  

Accepting and enjoying variations in how people practice these forms, or in how they name or number the movement sequences, is just part of Taijiquan learning.  I recommend you focus on your daily private practice!  

In October, I plan to review the Chen Style Taijiquan 18 Form.   

Cloud Hands Taijiquan by Mike Garofalo 

Yang Style Taijiquan Long 108 Form

Yang Style Taijiquan Short 24 Form 

Yang Style Taijiquan Resources, Recent Blog Posts, September 2020

Yang Style Taijiquan - Second Section

The practice of Tai Chi Chuan or Chi Kung can be done indoors or outdoors.  The only equipment needed is your body. 

I move a little furniture and practice indoors quite often.   Lately, I use commercial breaks on TV to practice the Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan, Section Two.  

These are wonderful movement arts for better health.  Try them yourself!

Hypertext Notebooks by Michael Garofalo:

Grandmaster Yang Chen Fu's Taijiquan 94 Movements Long Form  1920's

List of Movements in Second Section of Yang Style Long Form  (1 page)

Second Section, Part 1, List of Movements and brief instructions

Second Section, Part 2, List of Movements and brief instructions 

Cloud Hands Tai Chi Chuan Website

Learning the 32 Sword Form

Numbered lists, names, illustrations, pictures, books, DVDs, practice ...
all aides to memorizing.  

List of Standard 32 Movements Taijiquan Sword Form
One Page, 2007
By Mike Garofalo
Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California

Taijiquan Standard 32 Double Edged Sword Form
Hypertext Document
By Mike Garofalo

I also practice the 32 Sword Form with my martial arts cane.  

Yang Taijiquan Long Form

Yang Family Style Tai Chi Chuan Traditional Long Form
By Michael P. Garofalo.
This webpage provides a list and brief descriptions of the 108 movements of the Yang Style Taijiquan Long Form divided into five sections for teaching (.html and .pdf versions available). The webpage includes an extensive bibliography on the subject, scores of Internet links, historical notes, and quotations. 

I try to practice this Yang form as described in this and many other Yang family books and DVDs.  

The Yang Long Form discussed on this webpage conforms to the form developed by Yang Cheng-Fu (1883-1936) and documented in books by Fu Zongwen (1903-1994), and Yang Zhenduo. The numbering of the movements varies from author to author, but the essential sequence and moves remains the same.

Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan.  Fu Zongwen (1903-1994).  Translated by Louis Swaim.  Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 1999.  Glossary, bibliography, 226 pages.  Translations of many Tai Chi classics are included.  A list of the 85 movement long form and detailed notes and descriptions of each movement are provided.  251 movement analysis illustrations.  Over 76 of the illustrations are traced and drawn from photographs of Yang Cheng-Fu.  Detailed descriptions of the long form, pp. 26-162.  Push hands information.  Yang Tai Chi essentials.  ISBN: 1556433182.  I have found this to be an excellent book!  This book was first published in 1963 in China as "Yang Shi Taijiquan".  An informative introduction and good translation by Louis Swaim.  VSCL.    

Waving Hands Like Clouds

Cloud Hands is a common movement sequence in Tai Chi Chuan.
It is called "Yun Shou."

Your arms move in soft flowing motions from side to side across the body.  One hand is higher than the other.  The feet move gracefully and deliberately, mostly to the left.  The patterns repeat three or four times.

Some of these same movements are executed in more forceful and much faster kung fu styles as back fists, blocks, elbow strikes, slaps, diversions, grabs, joint locks, bagua spins, etc.

Just as there are slow quiet songs, there are fast loud songs.  Both are music.

Whole books, articles, and videotaped lectures and demonstrations about Moving Hands Like Clouds or Cloud Hands are available for further study on the subject.

Delightfully, Cloud Hands can be practiced while you are seated.  It gently stretches the waist, shoulders, back, and neck.  It is simple and fun to play in this way.

Cloud Hands is practiced in Taijiquan with ease, softness, grace, fluidity, balance, and quietness.  Being gentle is praised.  We try to settle into being relaxed (Sung).

Tai Chi Chuan - Cloud Hands   Website by Michael P. Garofalo

Northwest Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong Studio

Today, I attended classes at the Northwest Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong Studio in downtown Vancouver, Washington.  It has also been called the "Vancouver Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong Studio" in the recent past.  It was founded by Sifu Brian Knack.

The classes are as follows:

Tuesday Mornings:
Qigong       9 am
Taijiquan  10 am

Tuesday Evenings:
Taijiquan      5:30 pm Advanced
Taijiquan      6:30 pm  Beginning
Push Hands  7:30 pm

Saturday Mornings:
Qigong and Taijiquan  10 am - 11:30 am

The main senior teachers now are Bill and Sandy.  They are both very knowledgeable instructors.  Sifu Brain Knack now lives in rural Goldendale, Washington, (121 miles east of Portland) and comes to the Vancouver Studio occasionally.

Classes are held at the Vancouver Health and Wellness Building at 202 E. Mcloughlin Blvd., Vancouver, 360-607-8240. Also, some information on Facebook, but no website information in 2/2019.

All classes cost $40.00 per month per student.  A very reasonable price for so many classes.

Today, Bill led us in performing the Five Animal Frolics during the Qigong class.

I did not stay for Taijiquan - I was a bit tired and overcoming a chest cold.

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan: Resources

Yang Family Style Tai Chi Chuan Traditional Long Form
By Michael P. Garofalo.
This webpage provides a list and brief descriptions of the 108 movements of the Yang Style Taijiquan Long Form divided into five sections for teaching (.html and .pdf versions available). The webpage includes an extensive bibliography on the subject, scores of Internet links, historical notes, and quotations. 

The Yang Long Form discussed on this webpage conforms to the form developed by Yang Cheng-Fu (1883-1936) and documented in books by Fu Zongwen (1903-1994), and Yang Zhenduo. The numbering of the movements varies from author to author, but the essential sequence and moves remains the same.

Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan.  Fu Zongwen (1903-1994).  Translated by Louis Swaim.  Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 1999.  Glossary, bibliography, 226 pages.  Translations of many Tai Chi classics are included.  A list of the 85 movement long form and detailed notes and descriptions of each movement are provided.  251 movement analysis illustrations.  Over 76 of the illustrations are traced and drawn from photographs of Yang Cheng-Fu.  Detailed descriptions of the long form, pp. 26-162.  Push hands information.  Yang Tai Chi essentials.  ISBN: 1556433182.  I have found this to be an excellent book!  This book was first published in 1963 in China as "Yang Shi Taijiquan".  An informative introduction and good translation by Louis Swaim.  VSCL.