Chen Style Tai Chi
The Original art of Internal Martial Arts
A brief History
Chen Style Tai Chi, also known as Chen Taijiquan, is the oldest and original form of Tai Chi. It originated in the Chen Village (Chenjiagou) in Henan Province, China, during the 17th century. The style was created by Chen Wangting, a military officer of the Ming Dynasty, who combined various martial arts techniques with Taoist philosophy and traditional Chinese medicine principles. For many generations, Chen Style Tai Chi was kept within the Chen family and was not taught to outsiders until the 19th century when Yang Luchan became first student to learn the art from 14th Generation Master Chen Changxing.
Theory
The fundamental theory of Chen Style Tai Chi is based on the concept of “silk reeling” or “chan si jin.” This principle involves spiral movements that generate and direct energy throughout the body. Chen Style emphasizes the balance between softness and hardness, combining slow, flowing movements with explosive power. It also incorporates the traditional Chinese concepts of yin and yang, as well as the manipulation of qi (internal energy) through specific breathing techniques and body alignments.
Chen Wang Ting
Health Benefits
Regular practice of Chen Style Tai Chi offers numerous health benefits. It improves balance, flexibility, and coordination, making it particularly beneficial for older adults in preventing falls. The gentle, low-impact nature of the movements helps reduce stress on joints while strengthening muscles, increasing bone density and improving overall body awareness.
Chen Tai Chi also enhances cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, and boosts the immune system. Furthermore, the meditative aspects of the practice contribute to improved mental clarity, reduced anxiety, and better stress management.
To date, Tai Chi has been shown to benefit myriad of health conditions and numerous countries around the word promote Tai Chi practice as means to improve and preserve health among its populations.
Methodology
Initial training in our school focuses on learning silk reeling exercises, loosening exercises, standing meditation and Qi Gong. This type of slow training allows for gradual, steady progression and development of precise coordination that help the students to strengthen (mainly the leg muscles in the initial stage), open up the joints, loosen up the body and train the mind to become relaxed and focus. Once the fundamentals are laid down (3 – 6 months), the training involves learning the forms. Either, 18 step or 13 step form is taught before learning the Old Frame 1st routine (Laojia) that consist of 74 postures.
Chen Style Tai Chi is also characterized by its dynamic and varied movements, which include low stances, quick transitions, and spiral force. This aspect of training develops naturally and with accordance to each student abilities which makes Chen Tai Chi suitable for intergenerational practice!
Additionally, Chen Style includes weapons forms such as sword, spear, and broadsword. Push hands exercises are an essential part of the training, allowing practitioners to develop sensitivity, responsiveness, and practical application of the techniques.
