Chen Fake and Hong Junsheng, Lineage and Transmission (Tai Chi Magazine Article)

Readers might enjoy a revealing historical consideration, now appearing in the current issue of Tai Chi Magazine (“A History of Chen Fake and Hong Junsheng”, Vol 33, No.2, Summer, 2009).

The author, Gordon Muir, and co-editor, Todd Elihu, report some very significant findings based on first hand interviews with He Shugan, who  trained for many years with both Hong and Chen Fake. This historical perspective might have important implications,

Daqingshan Full Time Program Video

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.

Practical Application of “Matching Power”

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.

Chen Zhonghua Offers Full Time Taiji Training at Daqingshan, China

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,

Chen Zhonghua: Interview on Hong Jungsheng’s “Chen Style Practical Method”

Very iluminating interview with master Chen Zhonghua about his translation of Hong Junsheng’s book “Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method” volume one on theory.

Chen Zhonghua Intro Video

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.

Chen Zhonghua: Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method Workshop, New York Oct 12-15

Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method Workshop: Foundations of Taijiquan

Instructor: Chen Zhonghua

“Mind-Intent” and Force: Hong Junsheng’s Perspectives

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.

Chen Style Workshop in Michigan, Sep 28 – Oct 1

Rick Taracks is a highly respected teacher of Yiquan, Taiji, and push hands, teaching in Michigan. For the past 6 years,

Reply to Wujimon: Focus for Form Practice, Points 1 & 2

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

Focus for Form Practice at Beginning Intermediate Level

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.

Hong Junsheng: Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method- Volume 1: Theory

(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.

Great Article on Hung Junsheng

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 ,

Torso Connected with Kua Rotation

There has been a lot of continuing interest in discussion of the kua, over at Neijia Formosa. The writers commenting on Song kua-sink the kua , comments 13-17, have demonstrated a fairly sophisticated understanding of subtle nuances of mechanics of movement. However, I would like to address some points in terms of what I would view as

Formosa Neijia Insights on Kua article

At Formosa Neijia, Chessman 71 has posted a very insightful commentary on our post Function and Usage of the Kua. In his post Song kua, pt. 2, (July 24th, 2006 at 12:57 pm) (Taijiquan) he has identified core principles in Chen Zhonghua’s teaching. Here we will further consider Chessman 71’s perspective.

Chessman 71 grasped this central point and excerpted it:

“Kua is the joint responsible for transmission of power.

Form Practice Suggestions

Form practice is obviously well recognized as a vital component of Taiji training. Perhaps less recognized is the vast variety of approaches one might employ, in the days, weeks, months, and years of daily form practice. Following is just a sample suggestion for a conscious strategy one might employ to focus on during form practice, for specific areas of enhancement.