Cheng Man-Ching's Tai Chi Videos

Cheng Man-Ching teaching Yang Tai Chi "37 Postures" Short Form

Professor Cheng Man-Ching (1902 - 1975) was one of the most influential figures in the evolution of Tai Chi Chuan. He played a pivotal role in improving and popularizing Tai Chi through changes he made to simplify the Yang Form and his training of many world-renowned masters.

Cheng Man-Ching's Short Form videos

Videos showing Cheng Man-Ching pushing hands

The Professor was known for his relaxed and soft style of push hands, along with his powerful pushes. He emphasized remaining calm while properly covering martial arts attacks, without the need to block and use force.

The "Master Tapes" were all made from videos taken at the legendary Professor's New York City school between the period 1969 to 1971. They include the most complete review of the his push hands techniques and are the only videos in which he explains what he's doing.

Cheng Man-Ching's push hands videos

Videos showing Cheng Man-Ching doing Yang Sword Form and fencing

Professor Cheng Man-Ching was a master of wielding the double-edged straight Chinese sword. This was the weapon of choice for many famous generals and scholars.

He taught Tai Chi fencing and the Yang Sword Form, an advanced martial arts exercise.

Cheng Man-Ching's Sword Form videos

Introduction to the Professor from the "Master Tapes" DVD. (00:08:17)

Professor Cheng began learning Tai Chi in his twenties because he had developed lung disease. This was around 1930, when he started studying with Yang Chengfu (1883 - 1936), the grandson of Yang Luchan (1799 - 1872), who founded Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan. Cheng Man-Ching wrote the preface to Yang Chengfu's book on Tai Chi.

Professor Cheng was trained in Chinese medicine, taught poetry and art at leading colleges, and was a successful artist. Besides giving background, this introductory video includes a nice selection of his artwork.

From: Cheng Man-Ching and Don Ethan Miller (Master Tapes DVD)

To watch Professor Cheng in action, click on picture

Cheng Man-Ching discusses Chi and its flow in Tai Chi (1969). (00:11:20)

In this fascinating video, Cheng Man-Ching discusses Chi (internal energy, life force) and answers his student's questions. He explains that Chi can only be useful if it can circulate inside and describes the pattern of flow, where it can get stuck, the coordination of head and body movement, and the importance of reaching the top of the head.

From: Cheng Man-Ching and Don Ethan Miller (Master Tapes DVD)

To watch any of Professor Cheng's videos, click on picture

Demonstrations of the Tai Chi Short and Sword Forms and push hands. (00:01:32)

This sampling of Professor Cheng's skills, with a sitar background, shows his smooth, relaxed style, capable of generating substantial power and speed.

This video trailer, with a pleasant sitar background, was shown at the 2004 Cheng Man-Ching Forum that honored his memory and gathered his students from around the world.

From: Nils Klug (DVD)

To watch Professor Cheng in action, click on picture