Cheng Man Ching.
Teacher, artist, physician.

A life of many disciplines

Cheng Man Ching (1902–1975), also known as Zheng Manqing, was a Chinese teacher and practitioner of Tai Chi Chuan, painting, poetry, calligraphy and traditional medicine. He is often associated with these five fields, sometimes described as the “Five Excellences.”

He studied Tai Chi Chuan with Yang Chengfu, a prominent teacher of the Yang family tradition. Cheng later taught in Taiwan and, after moving to the United States, taught students in New York. His teaching helped introduce this approach to Tai Chi to a wider international audience.

The 37-posture form

Cheng is closely associated with a condensed 37-posture form derived from the Yang family tradition. Its shorter sequence made the practice more accessible to students while retaining the principles and continuous movement of Tai Chi Chuan.

At Kai Ming, the Cheng Man Ching tradition is a starting point for study, not a substitute for practice. Students explore the form over time, alongside Qigong, loosening exercises and, as they progress, partner work and other aspects of the syllabus.

Learning the tradition at Kai Ming

Historical background can add context to practice. The principles are learned through patient study with an instructor, attention to how the body moves and shared practice with other students.

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