Read more about the article Excellent Reads The Tai Chi Philosophy of My Mentor, Chen Xiaowang / Li Wenkui
Chen Xiaowang

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:

Continue ReadingExcellent Reads The Tai Chi Philosophy of My Mentor, Chen Xiaowang / Li Wenkui
Read more about the article Must Read Yang Yutan’s “Three Principles”/Guan Zhenjun
martial secrets

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.

Continue ReadingMust Read Yang Yutan’s “Three Principles”/Guan Zhenjun
Read more about the article Obituary | Mourning Mr. Wang Xi’an with Heavy Hearts
wang xian

Obituary | Mourning Mr. Wang Xi’an with Heavy Hearts

Born in July 1944 in Chenjiagou, Wen County, Mr. Wang Xi'an was a disciple of the tenth generation of Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan inheritors Chen Zhao Pi, Chen Zhao Kui, and Feng Zhiqiang. He won numerous national and provincial martial arts championships. Mr. Wang dedicated his life to the promotion and dissemination of Tai Chi Chuan, teaching in over ten countries including France, Japan, the United States, and Spain, and establishing nearly 200 Tai Chi research and training centers worldwide. He was hailed as the "International Tai Chi King" by "US News" in America and awarded the title of "Permanent Honorary Citizen" by Osaka City in Japan and Bagnolet City in France. His works on Tai Chi Chuan, including "Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan Old Frame," "Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan Push Hands Techniques," and "Secrets of Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan Old Frame," have been translated into English, French, and Japanese, reaching audiences worldwide.

Continue ReadingObituary | Mourning Mr. Wang Xi’an with Heavy Hearts
Read more about the article Incredible guides Hong Junsheng : Tai Chi Upper, Middle, lower rules
Tai Chi

Incredible guides Hong Junsheng : Tai Chi Upper, Middle, lower rules

The tongue should lie flat against the upper palate, preventing the mouth from drying and excessive saliva production. Some suggest the tongue tip should touch the upper palate, allowing saliva to flow and be swallowed. However, this might interfere with proper breathing during practice. A flat tongue position is recommended.

Continue ReadingIncredible guides Hong Junsheng : Tai Chi Upper, Middle, lower rules
Read more about the article Why Tai Chi is the change of Yin and Yang under the feet
Tai Chi

Why Tai Chi is the change of Yin and Yang under the feet

   Master Yang Yuting, in his later years, described the essence of Tai Chi, saying, "Tai Chi is the change of Yin and Yang under the feet." This is truly insightful. To deeply understand the essence of Tai Chi, the actual movements of the form are not as important as the concept. This reminds me of what Wang Zongyue said, "Its root is in the foot, and it manifests in the fingers." Its Root in the Foot          The boxing theory states: "Its root is in the foot, and it travels from the foot to the leg to the waist, all must be connected as one." and "Upper and lower body must follow each other, making it hard for others to penetrate." The wisdom of the ancient Tai Chi masters has saved many later generations from taking the wrong path in their studies. Enlightened by these predecessors, I had an epiphany and deeply realized that the essence of Tai Chi is in the foot; the foot is the root.

Continue ReadingWhy Tai Chi is the change of Yin and Yang under the feet
Read more about the article How Tai Chi Relax your shoulders; a hundred explanations
Tai Chi

How Tai Chi Relax your shoulders; a hundred explanations

In the words of Grandmaster Yang Chengfu in "Ten Essentials of Taijiquan": "Sink the shoulders and drop the elbows. To sink the shoulders means to relax and allow them to hang down. If they cannot be relaxed and allowed to hang down, then the two shoulders will lift up, and the qi will also rise, causing the entire body to lose strength. To drop the elbows means to let the elbows hang down loosely. If the elbows are raised, the shoulders cannot sink, and the opponent can easily break your structure, similar to the external martial arts' concept of breaking power."

Continue ReadingHow Tai Chi Relax your shoulders; a hundred explanations
Read more about the article Tai Chi Silk reeling energy
martial secrets

Tai Chi Silk reeling energy

The term "缠法" (Chán Fǎ) was proposed by Chen Xin, also known as Chen Xinyi, in his book "Illustrated Explanation of Chen-Style Taijiquan." He stated, "Taijiquan also involves 'Chán Fǎ' (Entwining Techniques)." He further emphasized, "Without understanding this, one cannot comprehend the essence of the martial art." Chen Xin affirmed the significant position of "Chán Fǎ" in the Chen-style Taijiquan routines and elaborated on its various forms: "there are 'Jin Chán' (Advancing Entwining), 'Tui Chán' (Retreating Entwining), 'Zuo Chán' (Left Entwining), 'You Chán' (Right Entwining), 'Shang Chán' (Upward Entwining), 'Xia Chán' (Downward Entwining), 'Li Chán' (Inward Entwining), 'Wai Chán' (Outward Entwining), 'Shùn Chán' (Clockwise Entwining), 'Nì Chán' (Counterclockwise Entwining), 'Dà Chán' (Large Entwining), and 'Xiǎo Chán' (Small Entwining)."

Continue ReadingTai Chi Silk reeling energy