Kuroyama, Yang style IS a fighting art. You need to train it as such. The problem is, there aren't many people who you can learn it from as a martial art. Does your teacher only teach the short form? The short form is really just a "training" form to get you started. What else does your teacher teach? There is a damn whole lot more than the 24 short form. The short form isn't anything like the real Yang Cheng Fu form. I know this because I have learned both. As a beginner the short form is a good place to start though. Hopefully, your teacher knows more??? What is the curriculum of your school?

Balloon

I understand the scope of forms for TJQ. My teachers just has this insatiable desire for quality forms. After only 4 months Im sure a student could learn more than the 24 simplified, but with any depth and quality? Based on the books, websites, and videos I've seen... I doubt it highly.

I practice daily and although I think my form is better than most of the "masters" I see online, my teacher is FAR from calling it "mastered". She practices constantly (Hey, its her job) and her master is Li Deyin. According to the word I've heard here, Japan, and from my friend's family in Zheng Zhou, China... I should listen to her - closely.

As far as a teacher that only taught 24simplified TJQ... That would be one ballsy individual IMO.
From my understanding 24 form simplified was distilled, and diluted from Yang orginal forms by the Chinese govt. as taiji for the people. Its something I can use in competition, but I dont expect much else from it other than health bennies.

If you want more info on what my teacher knows, I wont presume to speak for her. Check the link I posted a few posts back on this thread. I think it speaks for itself.

As far as MY path through TJQ, my next assignment is Sun73, then I expect either 42 competition, or a weapon. Since she knows I want to compete, I expect she'll go 42. Whatever she chooses, I'm trusting her. Theres plenty to learn, and time to learn it in. Its just up to me to "learn" it (read: train train train train compete bring home gold)