Long Yang Tai Chi Form - 108 postures
Sweep lotus kick
After learning the ‘Yang’ short from (link), in both right and left directions, Wutan students may progress to the ‘Long Yang’ form. Perhaps you will see it called the ‘Yang traditional form’, or the ‘Old Yang form’. We describe it as having 108 postures and this matches content you will find on-line.
The closest I can find on Wikipedia is this so called ‘103 posture’ version (link). I think it’s very like ours, but a little easier, as all repeated moves are all done in threes, not five, then four then three.
You can find many versions on YouTube. When performed well you can see the underlying similarities of softness, grace, strength and control.
But you will also see differences to how we practice the form, and also between the many genuine skilled students, practitioners and masters of the Yang Long Form themselves. In the example videos shared below you will see one version with a double lotus sweep kick. You will often also see separating kicks being done high and kicking the hand, sometimes with a shout or exclamation.
Each video shown is conducted with almost all the moves done at a very slow ‘breath speed’ and they all have a duration, longer than 22 mins.
Lastly, you might also enjoy reading this comparison between short and long form (link).
