Glossary of Taijiquan Lineage Figures and Terms 

Zhang Sanfeng (張三丰 / 张三丰 / Zhāng Sānfēng)

• Story: A legendary Daoist sage credited with developing or inspiring the foundational principles of taijiquan, especially the internal (nei jia) aspect of the martial art. Associated with Wudang Mountain and Daoist internal alchemy.

Jiang Fa (蔣發 / 蒋发 / Jiǎng Fā)

• Story: An itinerant martial artist believed to have introduced internal martial arts principles to the Chen family (Chén Wángtíng?), possibly bringing teachings from the Wudang tradition linked to Zhang Sanfeng.

Chen Wangting (陳王庭 / 陈王庭 / Chén Wángtíng)

• Story: 9th-generation Chen family member credited with creating Chen-style taijiquan by integrating internal martial principles. His work laid the foundation for the Chen family art that Yang Luchan would later receive from Chen Changxing.

Yang Luchan (楊露禪 / 杨露禅 / Yáng Lùchán)

• Story: Founder of Yang-style taijiquan. He studied Chen-style taijiquan in Chenjiagou, likely from master Chen Changxing (陳長興 / 陈长兴), a later-generation descendant of Chen family master Chén Wángtíng.

Yang Banhou (楊班侯 / 杨班侯 / Yáng Bānhóu)

• Story: Son of Yang Luchan and one of the leading 2nd-generation Yang family taijiquan masters. Known for his vigorous and demanding style.

Yang Jianhou (楊健侯 / 杨健侯 / Yáng Jiànhóu)

• Story: Younger son of Yang Luchan, brother of Yang Banhou. A 2nd-generation Yang family taijiquan master who helped further refine the art and passed it on to his sons.

Yang Shao Hou (楊少侯 / 杨少侯 / Yáng Shàohóu)

• Story: Elder brother of Yang Chengfu and son of Yang Jianhou. A 3rd-generation Yang family master known for a small-frame style with explosive power (fa jin), he played a major role in the preservation and transmission of Yang-style taijiquan.

Yang Chengfu (楊澄甫 / 杨澄甫 / Yáng Chéngfǔ)

• Story: Son of Yang Jianhou and 3rd-generation Yang family taijiquan master who systematized and popularized the modern large-frame Yang style. Known for emphasizing softness, relaxation, and expansive form.

Yang Shou Zhong (楊守中 / 杨守中 / Yáng Shǒuzhōng)

• Story: Eldest son of Yang Chengfu and 4th-generation Yang family taijiquan master. He was instrumental in preserving and teaching the traditional Yang style, especially in Hong Kong. His name means "Guardian of the Center" — reflecting balance, protection, and inner harmony.

Chu Gin Soon (朱錦順 / 朱锦顺 / Zhū Jǐnshùn)

• Story: Prominent disciple of Yang Shouzhong who propagated Yang-style taijiquan in the United States, especially in Boston. His name can be interpreted as “Brocade Harmony” or “Beautiful Smoothness,” evoking grace and elegance in movement and character.

Yang Shouzhong's Daughters:
Three daughters, all of whom were taught taijiquan, with the eldest, Yang Ma Lee (楊瑪莉 / 杨玛莉, Yáng Mǎlì), most publicly recognized.