What is Chen Style Tai Chi?
Chen style Tai Chi is said to be the root of all other styles of Tai Chi. Most agree that there are five styles of Tai chi, though their influence can be seen and felt in other forms of Chinese arts. The five main styles are Chen, Yang, Wu Yu Xian, Wu Jian, and Sun. Jing Wei Tai Chi focuses on the Chen style.
The lineage of the Chen family stretches back to the early days of the development of Tai Chi as a martial art, when they adapted this style from that being practiced by the Shaolin monks in the Wu Dang mountain area of China. Today, members of the Chen family practice and teach around the world, sharing their arts with dedicated students.
Chen Forms
The set of movements, or forms, involved in Tai Chi can vary both in number and type, but all are based on the core forms developed by the Chen family. At Jing Wei Tai Chi, the set of forms practiced are the 74 Form routine and the 18 Essential Forms.
After practicing and developing Qi Gong and Silk Reeling movements and routines, students are introduced to Tai Chi forms. Gradually, students practice additional forms and learn to bring these together so that their practice, and their energy, flows from within. Initially, students build toward the 18 Essential Forms, so that they can practice a continuous flow of Tai Chi in their regular practice.
As students progress they will be introduced to other forms and routines as they begin to construct a set of forms that require a greater level of skill and dedication to nurture their art. Eventually, students evolve to a set that includes an increasing number of forms. This 74 Form set uses those movements and routines learnt as part of the 18 Essential Forms as a scaffold for learning and personal growth.
Routines, movements, and forms can mean many things to many people. These simple explanations do not give the feeling and energy to the art of Tai Chi, and their use can be misleading. The balance of the external and internal aspects of this 'grand ultimate' art can only come from personal experience and willingness to learn and adapt with that learning process.
As one Tai Chi master has said when asked to bestow upon his students his highest wisdom, “gradual, very gradual.” And so we progress.
this site for Tai
Chi Qi Gong related information
Contact Information
- Tel: 928-214-8309
- Email: jhall@jingweitaichi.com