Background
Yang Shaohou studied with his father Yang Jianhou (楊健候. 1839–1917) and also with his uncle Yang Banhou (楊班侯. 1837-1890).
楊澄甫, 楊氏太極拳
Yang Shaohou studied with his father Yang Jianhou (楊健候. 1839–1917) and also with his uncle Yang Banhou (楊班侯. 1837-1890).
At birth he was named Yang Zhaoxiong and was later named Mengxiang, and then Shaohou, commonly known as "Mr. Big". Yang Shaohou was also known to have had a very forceful nature, and both of these masters are considered to have been very demanding teachers. Only interested in teaching those that could stand their tough training regimes.
This form or style was referred to as "small circle".
This was characterized by high and low postures with small movements done in a sometimes slow and sometimes sudden manner. His fajin was hard and crisp, accompanied by sudden sounds.
Master Yang June describes him in this way "The spirit from his eyes would shoot out in all directions, flashing like lightning. Combined with a sneer, a sinister laugh, and the sounds of "Heng!" and "Ha!", his imposing manner was quite threatening." During practice with his students, Yang Shaohou was not known for pulling his punches.