Zhao Youbin Yang Style Tai Chi 85 Form: Complete Guide & Video Tutorial

Introduction: Who Is Zhao Youbin and Why the 85 Form Matters

When Yang Chengfu (杨澄甫, 1883–1936) , the third-generation grandmaster of Yang Style Tai Chi, published his seminal work The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan (《太极拳体用全书》) in 1934, he cemented what would become the gold standard for traditional Yang style practice worldwide. The 85-posture large-frame form (85式太极拳) he standardized—built upon the pioneering work of his grandfather Yang Luchan (杨露禅, 1799–1872) and his father Yang Jianhou (杨健侯, 1839–1917) —remains the most influential long-form set in the Yang family tradition today.

Today, this legacy is carried forward by Zhao Youbin (赵幼斌, b. 1950) , a fifth-generation嫡系(orthodox) inheritor and the son of Zhao Bin (赵斌) , Yang Chengfu’s grand-nephew. Zhao Youbin was born in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, with ancestral roots in Yongnian County, Hebei Province—the birthplace of Yang style Tai Chi. He began learning Yang style Tai Chi, sword, broadsword, and staff at age 7 under his father’s guidance. Later, he studied under his uncle-in-law Fu Zhongwen (傅钟文, a direct disciple of Yang Chengfu) and Fu Zongyuan, and received instruction from his uncles Yang Zhenji (杨振基, son of Yang Chengfu) and Yang Zhenduo (杨振铎), as well as his cousin Fu Shengyuan. By age 16, he had already started teaching.

Zhao Youbin holds multiple important positions within the Chinese martial arts community: President of the Xi’an Yongnian Yang Style Tai Chi Association, member of the Chinese Wushu Association, and Deputy Director of the Shaanxi Province Tai Chi Committee. He has been officially designated a representative inheritor of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Yang Style Tai Chi—a testament to the authenticity and authority of his transmission.

Over his more than five decades of teaching, Zhao has trained thousands of students across China, Hong Kong, Thailand, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia. His Zhao Chuan Yang Style Tai Chi (赵传杨氏太极拳)—established by his father Zhao Bin in Xi’an and further developed by Zhao Youbin—was recognized as a Xi’an city Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020 and elevated to Shaanxi provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2023.

This guide serves two purposes: first, to systematically document the 85-posture form’s complete posture list, its defining characteristics, and the principles that govern proper practice. Second, and most critically, to integrate Zhao Youbin’s complete video tutorial series as the visual backbone—offering practitioners around the world access to authentic嫡系 instruction.

Historical Lineage: The Three Generations Behind Yang Style Tai Chi

Yang Luchan (1799–1872) – Founder of Yang style. Learned Chen style under Chen Changxing and developed his own approach. Known as “Yang the Invincible” for his martial skill.
Yang Jianhou (1839–1917) – Second generation. Refined the style, emphasizing openness, expansion, and health benefits.
Yang Chengfu (1883–1936) – Third generation. Standardized the large-frame (大架) with slow, expansive, evenly paced movements. His 1934 book The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan became the authoritative text. (For a full comparison of large-frame vs. small-frame Tai Chi, see our Large Frame vs Small Frame guide.)
The 85 Form becomes the national standard – In the 1950s, China’s Physical Culture and Sports Commission used Yang Chengfu’s posture photographs as the standard for Yang style nationwide.
Zhao Bin (1906–1999) – Zhao Youbin’s father. A grand-nephew of Yang Chengfu, he served as a military officer before dedicating his life to teaching Tai Chi in Xi’an.
Zhao Youbin – Fifth-generation嫡系 inheritor. Combines family lineage, decades of teaching, and official非遗 recognition.

In 1936, the “Yang Chengfu Standardized Frame” was demonstrated in Germany alongside the Chinese Olympic delegation—the first international presentation of the standardized Yang style form.

Style Characteristics: What Makes the Yang 85 Form Unique

The Yang style 85 form is distinguished by five core characteristics that set it apart from other Tai Chi styles and from shorter modern adaptations.

The Five Characteristics

Characteristic	Chinese	Description
Expansive and Graceful	舒展大方	Movements open and extend fully, yet remain relaxed and natural
Structured and Rigorous	结构严谨	Every posture has precise alignment requirements and transitions
Centered and Upright	身法中正	The spine remains vertically aligned; no leaning or tilting
Relaxed and Sinking	松沉自然	Qi sinks to the dantian; shoulders, elbows, and hips relax downward
Nimble Yet Substantial	轻灵沉着兼而有之	Movement is light and agile, yet rooted and substantial

What 85 Form Practice Actually Feels Like

During the Opening (预备势): Feet shoulder-width apart. The crown of the head gently lifts upward while the tailbone tucks slightly under—a feeling of being suspended from above. The weight settles into the feet.
During “Grasp the Bird’s Tail” (揽雀尾): As the arms rise in Peng (掤), there is a sensation of inflation—like a beach ball slowly being pumped full of air, pushing outward in all directions.
After a full practice session (approximately 22 minutes): A feeling of being “washed clean”—joints lubricated, muscles lengthened, mind settled. No breathlessness; instead, a quiet, grounded sense of well-being.

Why “Slow Practice” Is the Secret

Slowness allows the practitioner to:

Sense every joint’s position and alignment
Detect and correct compensations
Coordinate breath with movement without rushing
Develop internal strength (neijin) through eccentric muscle contractions
Maintain focused attention throughout the entire sequence

Zhao Youbin frequently reminds students: “Slow is not empty—it is full of awareness.”

Zhao Youbin Video Tutorial Series: A Complete Learning Guide

1. Full Demonstration Video

Zhao Youbin’s complete 85 form demonstration (approximately 22–28 minutes) shows the entire form from start to finish. Ideal for grasping the overall flow and rhythm.

📺 Zhao Youbin Yang Style 85 Form – Watch on YouTube

2. Section-by-Section Breakdown Series

Section	Posture Range	Video Focus
Section 1	1–14: Preparation → Cross Hands	Zhao Youbin 85 Form (1-11 breakdown)
Section 2	15–30: Embrace Tiger → Diagonal Flying	Zhao Youbin 85 Form (12-21 breakdown)
Section 3	31–46: Step Forward Punch → Right Kick	Zhao Youbin 85 Form (30-39 breakdown)
Section 4	47–57: Double Peaks → Cloud Hands	Zhao Youbin 85 Form (40-49 breakdown)
Section 5	58–72: Single Whip → Right Brush Knee	Zhao Youbin 85 Form (50-59 breakdown)
Section 6	73–85: Step Up to Seven Stars → Closing	Zhao Youbin 85 Form (60-85 breakdown)

3. Verbal Cueing Version

A shorter version (approximately 5 minutes) with Zhao Youbin verbally naming each posture as it is performed. Ideal for daily practice without visual distraction.

Recommended Learning Path

Phase	Duration	Focus
Phase 1: Observation	Week 1-2	Watch full demonstration several times without copying
Phase 2: Section Learning	Weeks 3-12	Learn one section at a time using breakdown videos
Phase 3: Partial Linking	Months 4-6	Link 2-3 sections together
Phase 4: Full Form with Cueing	Months 7-12	Practice full form using verbal cueing video
Phase 5: Refinement	Ongoing	Return to breakdown videos to check details

Complete 85 Form Posture List by Section

Section 1: Postures 1–14

#	Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
1	预备势	Yùbèi Shì	Preparation Form
2	起势	Qǐ Shì	Commencing Form
3	揽雀尾	Lǎn Què Wěi	Grasp the Bird’s Tail
4	单鞭	Dān Biān	Single Whip
5	提手上势	Tí Shǒu Shàng Shì	Raise Hands and Step Up
6	白鹤亮翅	Bái Hè Liàng Chì	White Crane Spreads Its Wings
7	搂膝拗步	Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù	Brush Knee and Push
8	手挥琵琶	Shǒu Huī Pí Pa	Play the Pipa
9	进步搬拦捶	Jìn Bù Bān Lán Chuí	Step Forward, Parry, Block and Punch
10	如封似闭	Rú Fēng Sì Bì	Apparent Close
11	抱虎归山	Bào Hǔ Guī Shān	Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain
12	肘底捶	Zhǒu Dǐ Chuí	Fist Under Elbow
13	倒撵猴	Dào Niǎn Hóu	Step Back and Repulse Monkey
14	斜飞式	Xié Fēi Shì	Diagonal Flying

Section 2: Postures 15–30

#	Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
15	提手上势	Tí Shǒu Shàng Shì	Raise Hands and Step Up (repeat)
16	白鹤亮翅	Bái Hè Liàng Chì	White Crane Spreads Its Wings (repeat)
17	搂膝拗步	Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù	Brush Knee and Push (repeat)
18	海底针	Hǎi Dǐ Zhēn	Needle at Sea Bottom
19	扇通背	Shān Tōng Bèi	Fan Through the Back
20	转身撇身捶	Zhuǎn Shēn Piē Shēn Chuí	Turn Body and Strike with Fist
21	进步搬拦捶	Jìn Bù Bān Lán Chuí	Step Forward, Parry, Block and Punch (repeat)
22	上步揽雀尾	Shàng Bù Lǎn Què Wěi	Step Forward and Grasp Bird’s Tail
23	单鞭	Dān Biān	Single Whip (repeat)
24	云手	Yún Shǒu	Cloud Hands
25	单鞭	Dān Biān	Single Whip (repeat)
26	高探马	Gāo Tàn Mǎ	High Pat on Horse
27	右分脚	Yòu Fēn Jiǎo	Separate Right Foot
28	左分脚	Zuǒ Fēn Jiǎo	Separate Left Foot
29	转身左蹬脚	Zhuǎn Shēn Zuǒ Dēng Jiǎo	Turn Body and Left Heel Kick
30	搂膝拗步	Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù	Brush Knee and Push (repeat)

Section 3: Postures 31–46

#	Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
31	进步栽捶	Jìn Bù Zāi Chuí	Step Forward and Punch Down
32	翻身撇身捶	Fān Shēn Piē Shēn Chuí	Turn Over and Strike with Fist
33	进步搬拦捶	Jìn Bù Bān Lán Chuí	Step Forward, Parry, Block and Punch (repeat)
34	右蹬脚	Yòu Dēng Jiǎo	Right Heel Kick
35	左打虎式	Zuǒ Dǎ Hǔ Shì	Left Strike Tiger
36	右打虎式	Yòu Dǎ Hǔ Shì	Right Strike Tiger
37	回身右蹬脚	Huí Shēn Yòu Dēng Jiǎo	Turn Back and Right Heel Kick
38	双峰贯耳	Shuāng Fēng Guàn Ěr	Double Peaks on Ears
39	左蹬脚	Zuǒ Dēng Jiǎo	Left Heel Kick
40	转身右蹬脚	Zhuǎn Shēn Yòu Dēng Jiǎo	Turn Body and Right Heel Kick
41	进步搬拦捶	Jìn Bù Bān Lán Chuí	Step Forward, Parry, Block and Punch (repeat)
42	如封似闭	Rú Fēng Sì Bì	Apparent Close (repeat)
43	十字手	Shí Zì Shǒu	Cross Hands
44	抱虎归山	Bào Hǔ Guī Shān	Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain (repeat)
45	斜单鞭	Xié Dān Biān	Diagonal Single Whip
46	野马分鬃	Yě Mǎ Fēn Zōng	Part the Wild Horse’s Mane

Section 4: Postures 47–57

#	Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
47	揽雀尾	Lǎn Què Wěi	Grasp the Bird’s Tail (repeat)
48	单鞭	Dān Biān	Single Whip (repeat)
49	玉女穿梭	Yù Nǚ Chuān Suō	Fair Lady Works the Shuttles
50	揽雀尾	Lǎn Què Wěi	Grasp the Bird’s Tail (repeat)
51	单鞭	Dān Biān	Single Whip (repeat)
52	云手	Yún Shǒu	Cloud Hands
53	单鞭	Dān Biān	Single Whip (repeat)
54	下势	Xià Shì	Snake Creeps Down
55	金鸡独立	Jīn Jī Dú Lì	Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg
56	倒撵猴	Dào Niǎn Hóu	Step Back and Repulse Monkey (repeat)
57	斜飞式	Xié Fēi Shì	Diagonal Flying (repeat)

Section 5: Postures 58–72

#	Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
58	提手上势	Tí Shǒu Shàng Shì	Raise Hands and Step Up (repeat)
59	白鹤亮翅	Bái Hè Liàng Chì	White Crane Spreads Its Wings (repeat)
60	搂膝拗步	Lōu Xī Ǎo Bù	Brush Knee and Push (repeat)
61	海底针	Hǎi Dǐ Zhēn	Needle at Sea Bottom (repeat)
62	扇通背	Shān Tōng Bèi	Fan Through the Back (repeat)
63	转身白蛇吐信	Zhuǎn Shēn Bái Shé Tǔ Xìn	Turn Body and White Snake Spits Tongue
64	进步搬拦捶	Jìn Bù Bān Lán Chuí	Step Forward, Parry, Block and Punch (repeat)
65	上步揽雀尾	Shàng Bù Lǎn Què Wěi	Step Forward and Grasp Bird’s Tail (repeat)
66	单鞭	Dān Biān	Single Whip (repeat)
67	云手	Yún Shǒu	Cloud Hands (repeat)
68	单鞭	Dān Biān	Single Whip (repeat)
69	高探马	Gāo Tàn Mǎ	High Pat on Horse (repeat)
70	左右分脚	Zuǒ Yòu Fēn Jiǎo	Left and Right Separate Feet
71	转身左蹬脚	Zhuǎn Shēn Zuǒ Dēng Jiǎo	Turn Body and Left Heel Kick (repeat)
72	进步栽捶	Jìn Bù Zāi Chuí	Step Forward and Punch Down (repeat)

Section 6: Postures 73–85

#	Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
73	上步揽雀尾	Shàng Bù Lǎn Què Wěi	Step Forward and Grasp Bird’s Tail (repeat)
74	单鞭	Dān Biān	Single Whip (repeat)
75	下势	Xià Shì	Snake Creeps Down (repeat)
76	上步七星	Shàng Bù Qī Xīng	Step Up to Seven Stars
77	退步跨虎	Tuì Bù Kuà Hǔ	Step Back Astride Tiger
78	转身摆莲	Zhuǎn Shēn Bǎi Lián	Turn Body and Sweep Lotus
79	弯弓射虎	Wān Gōng Shè Hǔ	Bend Bow and Shoot Tiger
80	进步搬拦捶	Jìn Bù Bān Lán Chuí	Step Forward, Parry, Block and Punch (repeat)
81	如封似闭	Rú Fēng Sì Bì	Apparent Close (repeat)
82	十字手	Shí Zì Shǒu	Cross Hands (repeat)
83	合太极	Hé Tài Jí	Close Tai Chi / Uniting Form
84	还原	Hái Yuán	Return to Original State
85	收势	Shōu Shì	Closing Form

Key Insight: Pattern and Repetition

While 85 postures may sound daunting, approximately 50% are repetitions of core movements. The most frequently occurring postures are Single Whip (8-9 times), Cloud Hands (3 times), Grasp the Bird’s Tail (4 times), and Step Back and Repulse Monkey (multiple times). Learning these foundational movements thoroughly makes memorizing the sequence far easier.

Key Postures Breakdown

Grasp the Bird’s Tail (揽雀尾)

Contains the four fundamental jin (energies) that form the basis of Tai Chi’s martial applications:

Energy	Chinese	Key Principle	Body Focus
Peng	掤	Ward off upward and outward — like an inflated balloon	Arms rounded, energy rising from the feet
Lu	捋	Roll back, drawing opponent’s energy past you	Waist turns, arms follow without resisting
Ji	挤	Press forward in a concentrated line	One hand presses the other, energy through a single point
An	按	Push downward and forward	Palms sink, waist leads, energy reaches hands

Single Whip (单鞭)

The most frequently occurring posture. Its name derives from a movement that resembles cracking a whip—energy travels from the feet, through the waist, along the arm, and releases through the hand. Two components: the hook hand (勾手) and the palm strike.

Cloud Hands (云手)

The signature lateral movement of Yang style. The key lies in the waist—the hands simply follow the waist’s turning. Zhao Youbin teaches: “The waist is the commander; the hands and feet are the soldiers.”

Fair Lady Works the Shuttles (玉女穿梭)

Four repetitions performed to the four diagonal corners. Each repetition involves stepping diagonally while blocking with one arm and pushing with the other.

Step Back and Repulse Monkey (倒撵猴)

Trains backward stability, coordinated turning, and forward intent even while stepping backward. Zhao Youbin notes this posture reveals whether a student has truly integrated the principle of “song (松, relaxation).”

Core Principles: The Ten Essential Requirements of Tai Chi

Yang Chengfu codified these ten principles. Zhao Youbin emphasizes: “These ten requirements must be kept in mind throughout the 85-form. Practice according to the Ten Requirements—achieve a centered, upright frame, smooth and continuous flow, clear empty-and-full distinctions, relaxed and sinking naturalness, and internally connected energy.”

Empty the Head and Lift the Energy (虚灵顶劲) – Crown of the head lifts upward as if suspended.
Sink the Chest and Raise the Back (含胸拔背) – Chest slightly hollowed, back naturally expands.
Relax the Waist (松腰) – The waist commands all movement.
Distinguish Empty and Full (分虚实) – Weight distribution is never fifty-fifty.
Sink the Shoulders and Drop the Elbows (沉肩坠肘) – Shoulders relax downward, elbows point down.
Use Mind Instead of Force (用意不用力) – Gross muscular force replaced by intention (yi).
Upper and Lower Follow (上下相随) – When the waist moves, hands and feet move.
Internal and External Harmonize (内外相合) – External form and internal intention align.
Continuous and Unbroken (相连不断) – Movement flows like a great river.
Seek Stillness Within Movement (动中求静) – Mind remains calm even while moving.

How to Learn the 85 Form: Four Progressive Stages

Stage	Chinese Name	Focus	Typical Duration
Stage One: Polishing the Frame	盘架子	Memorize sequence, basic alignment, relaxation	6–12 months
Stage Two: Internal-External Integration	内外相合	Coordinate intention with movement, breath	6–12 months after Stage One
Stage Three: Upper-Lower Following	上下相随	Whole-body connection from feet to fingers	6–12 months after Stage Two
Stage Four: Dismantling the Frame	拆架子	Explore martial applications, internal energy	Ongoing

Stage One — Form Practice “Polishing the Frame”

Goals: memorize posture order, establish basic alignments, coordinate simple breath with movement. Zhao encourages focus on “song (松, relaxation), wen (稳, stability), man (慢, slowness), and yun (匀, evenness).”

Stage Two — Internal and External Integration

Attention shifts to coordinating internal intention with external movement. The principle: “yi dao qi dao” (意到气到) — “where the mind goes, the qi goes.”

Stage Three — Upper and Lower Following

The root is in the feet, generated in the legs, commanded by the waist, manifested in the fingers. Every movement connected from the ground up.

Stage Four — Application Deconstruction

Exploring the martial applications hidden within each posture. Understanding the four phases of each movement: starting, running, ending, transitioning (起点、运行、终点、变换).

Zhao Youbin’s Own Teachings: Core Principles and Movement Comparisons

The following material comes directly from two lectures by Zhao Youbin—one on the essential principles for learning Tai Chi well, and another on distinguishing similar postures in the 85 form. These are his own words, translated from Chinese, preserving his voice and teaching style.

Part One — The Eight-Character Formula for Learning Tai Chi Well

In a lecture to his students, Zhao Youbin was asked: “What are the secrets to improving quickly and avoiding detours?” His answer:

“There is no secret. If I must give you something, here are eight words in four pairs:

*Learn diligently, practice hard; follow proper method, progress step by step; focus single-mindedly, persist consistently; never be satisfied, always aim higher. *”

Never Be Satisfied — Always Aim Higher

Zhao Youbin quotes Yang Chengfu:

“It is a pity that some, after achieving a little success, become complacent and stop midway. They could have reached a higher level, but they cut their own path short.”

He warns against the trap of fame:

“Some people, once they become teachers or gain a bit of reputation, put on airs. They cannot accept others’ good advice. Even when they know they are wrong, they refuse to correct themselves. They say, ‘My way is correct – this is how my teacher taught me.’ This harms themselves, harms others, and most importantly, harms Tai Chi itself.”

Focus Single-Mindedly and Persist Consistently

His father’s advice: Heng Zhuan Bu Jiao (恒专不骄) – “Persist in one specialty without arrogance.” Zhao Youbin’s version: Chi Heng Qiu Jing (持恒求精) – “Sustain consistency and seek refinement.”

Follow Proper Method and Progress Step by Step

Three stages: Zhao Shou (Familiarity with postures) → Dong Jin (Understanding energy) → Shen Ming (Spiritual illumination).

“Frankly, learning Tai Chi well requires a level of commitment comparable to – or even exceeding – a university education.”

Learn Diligently and Practice Hard

“Although a good teacher and good friends are essential, the most important thing is daily practice. Otherwise, you can talk all day and think all year, but when you actually face an opponent, you will be empty. You remain an outsider.”

On the Teacher-Student Relationship

“When I was young, my father asked me to lead beginners. I said, ‘Can I teach?’ My father replied: ‘Teaching and learning mutually enhance each other.’ Teaching is also a way of learning – a way of learning through practice. This is the attitude of a teacher who remains a student – for life.”

Part Two — Distinguishing Similar Postures in the 85 Form

Zhao Youbin compares eight pairs of similar-looking postures. Each comparison focuses on three aspects: technique (ji fa), energy expression (jin fa), and training method (lian fa).

Pair	Postures	Key Difference
1	Left Ward Off (左掤) vs. “Scrape the Sea Bottom” (海底捞月)	Left Ward Off uses ward-off energy from forearm; Scrape the Sea Bottom uses shoulder/elbow leaning and pressing
2	Raise Hands (提手上势) vs. Play the Pipa (手挥琵琶)	Raise Hands moves open→close; Play the Pipa traces circles
3	White Crane Spreads Wings (白鹤亮翅) vs. Step Back Astride Tiger (退步跨虎)	White Crane allows left leg kick; Step Back uses left leg mainly to block/trap
4	Embrace Tiger Return to Mountain (抱虎归山) vs. Brush Knee and Push (搂膝拗步)	Similar paths but opposite energy flow: Embrace Tiger starts open→close; Brush Knee starts close→open
5	Deflect, Parry, Punch (搬拦捶) vs. Punch to the Groin (指裆捶)	Punch to the Groin is a variation with groin protection and shoulder lean
6	Diagonal Flying (斜飞式) vs. Part the Wild Horse’s Mane (野马分鬃)	Diagonal Flying throws diagonally outward; Part Wild Horse inserts arm under armpit
7	Heel Kick (蹬腿) vs. Cross Kick (十字腿)	Heel Kick strikes with heel; Cross Kick has different hand position
8	Opening (起势) vs. Closing (收势)	Opening moves stillness→movement; Closing moves movement→stillness

Zhao Youbin concludes:

“Tai Chi embodies the cosmic principle of Yin and Yang. Through its practice, we improve our bodies, our lives, and even our way of thinking. This is the ‘small Tai Chi weather’ within each person. And through it, we gain a ‘grand Tai Chi weather’ – the ability to understand the world and live in harmony with it. Tai Chi is truly the intelligent martial art – where the fist carries the Way, and the Way manifests through the fist.”

Zhao Youbin’s Teaching Philosophy and Publications

Teaching Philosophy

Zhao Youbin is known for his patient, meticulous teaching style. One observer noted: “I spent some time watching Zhao You Bin supervise a class. He is a very serious teacher and seemed interested and enthusiastic but friendly at the same time.”

Published Works

Publication	Year	Description
Yang Style Tai Chi Zhen Chuan (杨氏太极拳真传)	1992/2001	Co-authored with Zhao Bin and Lu Dimin. The definitive classic.
85 Form Yang Style Tai Chi Tutorial (85式杨氏太极拳教程)	—	Comprehensive guide to the full 85-form
28 and 37 Form Yang Style Tai Chi	2003/2004	Shorter forms derived from the traditional
Yang Style 51 Form Tai Chi Sword	2004/2006	Traditional sword form instruction
Yang Style Tai Chi Lectures	—	Collected teachings
Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Posture Verse Explanations	—	Detailed exploration of classical posture verses

Zhao Chuan Yang Style Tai Chi Recognition

2020 – Recognized as Xi’an city-level Intangible Cultural Heritage
2023 – Elevated to Shaanxi provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage

Characteristics of Zhao Chuan Yang Style: rooted in relaxation (由松入柔), balanced softness and firmness (刚柔并济), majestic and expansive presence (气势恢宏).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does it take to learn the full 85 form?
A: Most students require between six months and two years to memorize the sequence and develop proper form. Zhao Youbin emphasizes that memorizing the sequence is just the beginning.

Q2: What’s the difference between the 85 form and the 24 simplified form?
A: The 24 Simplified Form (1956) was developed for public accessibility. The 85 form is the traditional long form with full internal content, taking ~22 minutes vs ~4-6 minutes. (For a detailed comparison across all major forms, see our Tai Chi Forms Guide.)

Q3: Can I learn from Zhao Youbin’s videos alone?
A: Videos are excellent supplements, especially for memorization and seeing correct alignments. However, a qualified teacher can correct subtle errors and guide internal principles.

Q4: How are the 85 postures counted? Why are there 85, 103, and 108 versions?
A: Different counting methods. Zhao Youbin follows the Fu family method (85), which counts each posture once. The Yang family method (103) counts each occurrence of repeated postures separately. The actual movements are essentially identical.

Q5: What does “form practice is the first of four stages” mean for a beginner?
A: It gives a roadmap. In Stage One, focus on memorization and relaxation. Do not expect the connected movement of Stage Three. Progress is measured by mastering each stage’s goals.

Q6: What is the best way to remember the sequence of 85 postures?
A: Learn by section, use landmark postures (Cloud Hands, Grasp the Bird’s Tail, Cross Hands), practice daily (even 15 minutes), use the verbal cueing video, and partner with another student.

Conclusion

The Yang style 85 form represents a pinnacle achievement in the development of Tai Chi—a complete system integrating physical conditioning, meditative practice, and martial art into a unified whole. Through the dedicated work of Yang Luchan, Yang Jianhou, and Yang Chengfu across three generations, the form evolved to become the most widely practiced Tai Chi tradition globally. (To understand how Yang style compares with Chen, Wu, Sun, and other traditions, see our Tai Chi Styles Compared guide.)

Zhao Youbin stands as a direct inheritor of this lineage—a fifth-generation嫡系 master whose authority rests on his family connection to Yang Chengfu, his decades of dedicated teaching, and his official recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage representative. His video tutorials offer contemporary practitioners around the world access to authentic嫡系 instruction.

For those beginning their journey with the 85 form, remember Zhao Youbin’s core advice: proceed slowly, with patience and consistency. Whether you learn section by section through his breakdown videos, refine your movement with the full demonstration, or memorize the sequence with the verbal cueing version, the key is persistent, mindful practice over time.

“The form is the visible expression of the invisible intention. Practice the 85 form according to the Ten Requirements—centered and upright, smooth and continuous, clear in empty and full, relaxed and sinking, internally connected. This is the way of traditional Yang style Tai Chi.”

— Zhao Youbin