This (at least visually) illustrates some of the unique methods of the Chen Zhaokui line of Chen Taijiquan as relates to basic structure. This is “jibengong” basic traditional instruction for those who are physically willing and able. It is not for everyone, but the path of “zhen” (true) gongfu in this style. Here is a rare look at some non-commercial traditional training.
Two slightly different feelings of Chen Taijiquan Yilu as the seasons changed
Tuishou & Qinna
Fun stuff:
Chen Family Taijiquan Unpacked: Gongfu Utility System
[Above: Chen Taijiquan Gongfu Utilities, Bow & Arrow Fist]
Chen Taijiquan Gongfu Utilities is a teaching and practice curriculum that I have developed over many years of personal practice, research and teaching. After many years of consideration I have decided that at least some of it needs to be shown and even publicly taught if the opportunity arises before Taijiquan’s last traditional coffin nail is hammered.
Chen Taijiquan traditionally is what I would call a “packaged system” as if packed into a suitcase for travel. The main elements of practice in current popular Chen Taujiquan are (more…)
Chen Shi Taijiquan 5 moves on Ice & Snow; How to pull a groin in 5 easy moves..
When practicing on a very slick surface the integrity of the stance is under attack as there is nothing on the ground to hold onto. In this situation the only thing keeping the shape of the stance and the upright position is the action of what we call “Dangjin” or arch/crotch power. “Crotch Power” is certainly an attractive term on it’s own, but in this case it is very laborious.
The legs must not only hold one upright properly, but also must hold themselves from slipping outward. In this practice with a lot of effort the stance can be maintained, until Fajin as you can see at the end, just shakes that rear leg loose. Losing three inches can lead to losing three feet very quickly and a badly pulled groin muscle.
‘Gene’ Chen Jinhong; Chen Taijiquan Practitioner, Teacher, Adventurer
“Gene” Chen Jinhong was a pioneer of Chinese martial arts in the United States. He was one of the first to bring Chen Style Taijiquan to the west at a time when China was closed to outsiders and the art was largely inaccessible and unknown. I was fortunate enough to meet and then train with him for approximately five years, from 1996 till 2001. In relation to the importance of his contribution to the art at the time and the particular depth and quality of his teaching, precious little has been offered online about who he was, his history, and what it was like to learn from him. This essay is part of an effort to honor his art, and teaching and to express appreciation for his generosity and guidance.
Chen was born in Shanghai in 1938. His family later moved to Hong Kong and then eventually to San Francisco, where he taught Chinese martial arts classes.
Chen had achieved ‘master’ status in Southern Praying Mantis—also known as Zhu Gar, or Zhu family gongfu—during his youth in Hong Kong. Zhu Gar is a Hakka (southern) system that is in fact not related to other mantis systems at all. According to Chen, the Zhu family changed the public name of their system in the interest of self-preservation, after facing persecution by the incoming dynasty of the day due to their family connections to the previous dynasty.
Chen apparently learned Zhu Gar in a location near where Bruce Lee was studying gongfu, and had met him as well in those days. Zhu Gar as he knew it was a system laser-focused on aggressive fighting and killing strikes. He was very proficient at it, with a highly developed “semi-internal” body method as he called it.
Very few people will ever be the martial arts obsessive Gene Chen was, and Zhu Gar, as effective as it is was (more…)
Chen Family Taijiquan on pinecones beautiful fall day in Boston. 陈瑜二十代美国弟子，默灵
This type of practice could be called ‘large frame’ or ‘peng-quan’, as the focus is externally expansive and internally very active.
Chen Taijiquan Classic Tuishou Methods Summer 2013
An excellent how summer day for some DaLv Tuishou work; This is not the most vigorous and bitter practice but relies on the foundation developed from it. The flowing journey through many angles and positions is one of the best ways to work on applications that WILL present as opportunities in a martial action beyond just wrestling. These are just some basic methods within that action and extensions of them.
Chen Taijiquan 7 Sequence Extremities
Chen Taijiquan 7 movements unification of extremities; ‘Xiashi’ (sinking form) extreme Yang & focused intense internal qigong- extreme Yin.
A short video illustrating (if you can see it) a particular approach to form practice that is specific to this line; unification of extremities. An introspective tranquil qigong emphasis, opposing external peng, and bitter jibengong practice in the lower extremities. This is as a “fire below to boil water above” into power outward.
