- This is a Chinese name; the family name is Yang.
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Yang Shaohou simplified Chinese: 杨少侯; traditional Chinese: 楊少侯; pinyin: Yáng Shǎohóu) (1862-1930) along with Yang Chengfu 楊澄甫 (1883-1936) represent the third generation of Yang family Taijiquan 楊氏太極拳.
At birth he was named Yang Zhaoxiong and was later named Mengxiang, and then Shaohou, commonly known as "Mr. Big".
Although Yang Shaohou studied gongfu with his father Yang Jianhou 楊健候 (1839–1917), it is said that he mainly learned from his uncle Yang Banhou 楊班侯 (1837-1890).
Likely influenced by his uncle's teaching style, Yang Shaohou was also known to have had a very forceful nature, and both of these masters are considered to have been very demanding teachers; only interested in teaching those that could stand their tough training regimes.
In the early years he taught the 'middle fame' that was developed by his father, but later began developing his own signature style likely developed from the techniques taught to him by his uncle. This form or style was referred to as 'small circle'. This was characterized by high and low postures with small movements done in a sometimes slow and sometimes sudden manner. His fajin was hard and crisp, accompanied by sudden sounds. Master Yang Jun describes him in this way "The spirit from his eyes would shoot out in all directions, flashing like lightning. Combined with a sneer, a sinister laugh, and the sounds of "Heng!" and "Ha!", his imposing manner was quite threatening."
During practice with his students, Yang Shaohou was not known for pulling his punches and subsequently few were able to complete the full course of training and become disciples. After Yang Shaohou's death a few famous masters claimed to have studied diligently with him, but these claims are likely to be spurious.
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References
External links
- Yang Family Tree ~ Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association at www.yangfamilytaichi.com Exhaustive Yang family tree with info on Yang Shaohou's descendants
- Yang Shaohou small circle frame at YouTube (requires Adobe Flash) claimed to be an example of the 'public or non-disciple version'
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