Biography of Yang Zhen Duo
Master Yang Zhenduo is the 4th Generation of the Yang Family and internationally recognized bearer of its rich heritage. He was born in Beijing in 1926 and is the great grandson of Yang Lu Chan, the creator of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. His grandfather is Yang Jian Hou, second generation of the Yang Family. His father is Yang Chang Fu, the third generation of the Yang Family and one of the most famous martial artists of this century. The postures set forth by Yang Cheng Fu in his latter years are the standard that Master Yang Zhen Duo emulates in his teaching and strives to achieve in his own practice.
He started studying with his father when very young and continued studying with his elder brother after his father passed away. Not only did he practice hard, but also he enjoyed researching and advancing his technique. He worked hard at understanding and advancing the theory of tai chi chuan. Being very approachable and caring, he has continuously treated those around him with kindness and respect. His patience is a reflection of his father's character. He possesses a great desire to pass on his ancestors' consummate skill and spends his time unselfishly sharing the benefits of tai chi chuan.
In 1960 Master Yang Zhenduo moved to Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. Since then, Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan has gradually spread within Taiyuan and to other cities, provinces, and countries. Now, his students number in the tens of thousands in his home province and are spreading throughout the world at an ever-increasing rate. He has traveled to 8 different countries to share his charisma and his art.
Since 1980 he has served as Vice-President of the Shanxi Wushu Association. In 1982 Yang Zhenduo founded the Shanxi Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association, and has served as President since. The Association has now grown to over 30,000 members throughout the Province and is the largest martial arts organization of its kind in China. In October 1998 Yang Zhenduo founded the International Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Association, serving as Chairman of the Board. Under his leadership, in just one year the International Association has grown to 18 centers in 9 countries with over 350 members. The Chinese WuShu Academy recognized Master Yang Zhenduo in 1996 as one of the top 100 WuShu Masters in China. He has also been honored by proclamations from the Mayors of San Antonio, Texas and Troy, Michigan. Master Yang Zhenduo has appeared on the covers of Tai Chi and other martial arts magazines at home and abroad. He has written 5 books on the study of Tai Chi and countless articles. He has produced 3 complete sets of videos instructing in the Yang Style system of Tai Chi.
