At chenzhonghua.org, you can check out a very innovative new program, offering “Online Workshops”. It will include direct contact with Master Chen, via video clips, online video with written instructions, mini lessons on concepts and techniques, and various other communications to enhance your progress. Right now, there is an offer to take advantage of the program for free. Some description of details follows Read the rest of this entry »
OK. Here we go again, after almost three months training in China with Master Chen, in the full time Taiji program, and some time getting used to the Western world again. Here is some nice video footage, giving a flavor for what we enjoyed this summer, on Daqingshan Mountain, Shandong Province, China.
Our last post, “Practical Application of Matching Power”, gave rise to the following comments and discussion with an astute observer, who appreciated the content. He raised some very interesting points which Read the rest of this entry »
The following clip, appearing on Practicalmethod, March 19, offers a glimpse of typical “indoor” secrets, often revealed by Chen Zhonghua, in his open teaching of the internal principles of Chen Taiji. The famous concept of “4 ounces” controlling 1000 pounds, the ideas of sensitivity, neutralizing, redirecting force—- all these are common ideas, often expressed in language which conveys something “mysterious”, or vague, or philosophical. Teachers often seem to portray “internal” as something “mental”, “spiritual”, etc., as if “separate” from the skill of applying mechanical and functional requirements of high level Taiji. Here it becomes apparent how Chen Zhonghua bridges this gap, in his lucid concrete demonstration of the truly internal nature of Hong’s Practical Method. Of special interest, the instructions shed some brilliant practical light on the function of balance, and how to establish center in practice with opponents.
The following article is reprinted here with permission from Chen Zhonghua. It was first published on January 8, 2007, when Chen Zhonhua formally presented the material at the Premier Hunyuan Taiji International Symposium, in Beijing, China. In this presentation he offers some unique angles on the importance of practices for the specific cultivation of skill involved in co ordinated joint rotation. This perspective also adds a new dimension to the understanding of the concept of “gong”. Read the rest of this entry »
Chen Zhonghua has announced the dates and details of his upcoming full time training program, at Daqingshan Mountain, in China, from May 10 through August 11, 2007. This opportunity is available in one week increments, or monthly, as well as the for the full 3 month program. For further details, Read the rest of this entry »
Very iluminating interview with master Chen Zhonghua about his translation of Hong Junsheng’s book “Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method” volume one on theory.
As a disciple of Feng Zhiqiang, Chen Zhonghua has also recorded instructional material such as his “Basic Silk Reeling” DVD and VCD. This is a clip from that instructional video for Taiji warmup silk reeling exercises.
For your information, opportunities for instruction from Chen Zhonghua:
1. There will be a full time taijiquan training course on Daqingshan Mountain in China from May 1, 2007 to July 30, 2007. For more information please go to: www.daqingshan.org
2. Master Chen Zhonghua’s 2007 workshop schedule is posted here for those who are interested:
In this clip, Chen Zhonghua is seen in various settings and segments of his instructional material, giving a good survey of some of his specialities as a teacher. Some form segments, some explanation of techniques, and some applications. His open interaction in working with students can be seen in some of the footage.
A reader named chenquestion submitted a very interesting question in our Student’s Q & A and Comments section. (Which is open to any and everyone for these types of questions or comments, by the way.) In comments 4 and 5, Chenquestion Says: he queried about Hong’s usage of the term “grinding” which he refers to sometimes as he explains circular movements during applications. He wondered if the term implied force against force. So here we can explore Hong’s ideas in a section from Volume one of Theory. Read the rest of this entry »
Following is information on upcoming workshops with Chen Zhonghua, teaching Hong’s practical method of Chen style Taijiquan: Read the rest of this entry »
Reply to Wujimon: Focus for Form Practice, Point 3
Here we reply to Wujimon’s Point three, (go here for reply to points 1 & 2, and here, for original post) which raised some issues relevant to Hong’s valuable contributions to Chen Style Taiji theory and practice. Read the rest of this entry »
In response to our latest post on Focus for Form Practice, Wujimon raised some very penetrating questions. This provides us with an opportunity to investigate some details connected with the points, for clarification Wujimon is seeking, and for deeper understanding for all of us. First, let’s review Read the rest of this entry »
During a class of private instruction, this past weekend, we found some focus techniques which proved very effective for helping a student progress in his practice. Hopefully, readers here will be able to benefit from exploring these concepts. Read the rest of this entry »
(Warning to readers, this is a rave review! Can’t help it, love the book.)
The publishing of this work, for the first time in English, is the culmination of a process begun at least 76 years ago, when Hong Junsheng began his Taiji studies with Chen Fake. Read the rest of this entry »
Somehow we had never come across this before. Now, to spare all you readers from further chance of the same lack, here is the link to an inspiring article , Read the rest of this entry »
