Chen Style

Li Dao zi

Tang Dynasty Taoist Li Daozi’s Seven Levels of Tai Chi Internal Cultivation Practice

In the "Great Dictionary of Chinese Buddhist Personalities," only Li Daozi's proficiency in "Nirvana Sutra" and "Abhidharma" is recorded. This matches exactly with the records in the "Biography of the Ten Powers," which mentions his expertise in "Nirvana and Abhidharma." However, the dictionary does not mention Li Daozi's other areas of knowledge. In contrast, the "Biography of the Ten Powers" provides detailed accounts, describing him as proficient in literature, martial arts, medicine, and the Yi Jing, covering a broad range of skills including "Nirvana, Abhidharma, the Huang-Lao teachings, promoting the teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism." Yet, there are no records of Li Daozi's writings in historical materials. The "Biography of the Ten Powers" specifically highlights Li Daozi's martial arts achievements, namely his creation of the "Wuji Life-Preserving Martial Arts." It also details the theoretical foundation of this martial arts system, identifying it as crucial for understanding the origins of Tai Chi theory,

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February 27, 2024

interviews

Tai Chi Demo Master Yang Sau Chung

Yang, Sau Chung (1910-1985), the eldest son of Grandmaster Yang Cheng Fu, began his Tai Chi Chuan training at the tender age of 8 under his father's vigilant supervision. By the time he was 14, he had already started assisting his father in teaching the art. His role grew significantly, and by 19, he was accompanying his father on teaching tours across China. Notably, many who claim to have been taught by Yang Cheng Fu were, in reality, instructed by Yang Sau Chung due to his active involvement in these teaching sessions. In 1949, amidst significant political changes in China, Yang Sau Chung relocated to Hong Kong. Here, he continued his teaching but chose to do so privately at his home, maintaining a low profile until his death in 1985. His commitment to preserving and proliferating the Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan was profound, echoing the dedication of his forebears—his father, grandfather Yang Chien Hou, and great-grandfather Yang Lu Chan. Through his efforts, Yang Sau Chung attained one of the highest levels of mastery in his family's style.

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May 23, 2024

Chen Xiaowang

Tai Chi Masters

Excellent Reads The Tai Chi Philosophy of My Mentor, Chen Xiaowang / Li Wenkui

My mentor, Chen Xiaowang, is a renowned Tai Chi master of our times. His mastery of Tai Chi Chuan is intricate and profound, with a unique and deep philosophy. He is also a person of humility and high moral standards. I am fortunate to have received his teachings, which have greatly benefited me. Studying and researching my mentor's views on Tai Chi, whether in relation to the art of Tai Chi itself or to work and life in general, can be immensely beneficial. My own understanding is limited, but I will attempt a preliminary exploration of his perspective on Tai Chi, hoping to enlighten Tai Chi enthusiasts:

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February 22, 2024

Read more about the article Story of Chen Zhaopi’s Insights on Tai Chi Quan in His Later Years

martial secrets

Tai Chi Masters

Story of Chen Zhaopi’s Insights on Tai Chi Quan in His Later Years

To practice Tai Chi Quan, one must understand what is 'Chan Si Jin' (Silk-Reeling Energy). In Tai Chi Quan, we cultivate internal energy, and internal energy is 'Chan Si Jin.' Anything produced in a circular manner carries the essence of 'Chan Si Jin.' Chen-style Tai Chi Quan encompasses movement in all directions: up, down, left, right, front, back, internally involving the five organs and the skeletal structure, and externally encompassing the muscles, skin, and hair. There is no pulling or lifting, no flat or straight lines, no defects or protrusions, no breaks or interruptions. It is a harmonious whole that meets the standard. Therefore, Chen-style Tai Chi Quan relies entirely on circular force and 'Chan Si Jin.' Because it lacks flat or straight lines and does not rely on pulling or lifting.

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August 2, 2023

San Da

Bagua Zhang / Other Martial Art

The Spiritual Positioning of Traditional Martial Arts Culture in Sanda Combat

Over the years, the art of bare-handed fighting has been rapidly developing internationally, displaying a vibrant and flourishing trend. Particularly, Western Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Thai Boxing, and Japan's K-1, with their frequent events, powerful attacks, and shocking promotional effects, have swept the world. Similarly, Chinese martial arts Sanda is also being actively developed just like international combat sports. Whether it's domestic "Sanda King Contests" or Chinese Sanda facing off against American professional boxing, Thai professional Muay Thai, or confrontations with French Free Fight and Japanese Karate, for a time, martial arts competitions between China and abroad were frequent, with victories widely celebrated, truly dazzling and overwhelming to the public. However, a calm analysis of the current state of Chinese martial arts Sanda reveals many deficiencies that need to be improved and perfected.

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February 21, 2024

Other Martial Art / Xingyi Quan

Taoist Kunlun Antarctic Gate Secret Technique – Eight Great Divine Dragon Palms.

The Eight Great Divine Dragon Palms are an entry-level technique of the Daoist Kunlun School's Antarctic Gate, a blend of soft body techniques and hard qi gong. This method was passed down by Mr. Lu Wenrui, the former director of the Shandong Provincial Martial Arts Hall, and further perfected by the renowned practitioner Fang Zhen. This technique integrates the essence of health preservation, martial arts, and self-defense from ancient and modern sources, guided by classical Chinese medical theory, aimed at strengthening the mind and body, enhancing power through mental focus, and promoting overall well-being. The Eight Great Divine Dragon Palms represent a robust qigong practice within the Daoist Kunlun School's Antarctic Gate, serving as the foundation for internal energy cultivation and striking techniques. During practice, each palm technique manifests different mental intentions, resulting in different effects. This technique emphasizes…

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February 21, 2024

Emei Fist

Other Martial Art / Xingyi Quan

The combat requirements and characteristics of Emei fist / Ren Jiànshè.

Requirements for Techniques: First, techniques should be relaxed, flexible, and devoid of any stiffness. Only by maintaining this state can one remain constantly adaptable and easily neutralize the opponent's force, transitioning from extreme softness to extreme firmness in an instant, thereby maximizing explosive power. Avoid any stiffness or rigidity in techniques. Second, techniques should be delivered elastically. This method allows for maximum speed: when attacking, the strike automatically springs forward, catching the opponent off guard; when retracting, it springs back, making it difficult for them to follow. It also ensures coordination between rapid striking methods and agile footwork, resulting in cohesive and concentrated force.

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February 21, 2024

Read more about the article Must Read Yang Yutan’s “Three Principles”/Guan Zhenjun

martial secrets

Other Tai Chi Styles

Must Read Yang Yutan’s “Three Principles”/Guan Zhenjun

Yang Yutan, the martial arts master, was highly respected in the martial arts community. I've heard many stories about Master Yang from my teachers Wang Peisheng, Zheng Shimin, my martial uncles Li Bingci, Weng Fuqi, as well as senior fellow students Gao Zhuangfei and Chen Xingbo. The most memorable aspect to me was his "Three Principles": "Not afraid of criticism regarding martial skills", "Do not argue about martial theory", and "Do not compete for fame and gain". These "Three Principles" were the guiding principles for Master Yang's martial arts practice and personal conduct.

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February 20, 2024