Chen Taijiquan

Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is one of the major branches of traditional Chinese martial arts. It is renowned for its extraordinary health benefits, due its internal training.

Chen Taijiquan is distinguished by its silk-reeling (spiral) energy, and lower stances. It also features sudden changes in tempo, and explosive punches and kicks, jumping and stamping. Silk-reeling practice trains unification of the body for striking and neutralizing attacks, as well as  applying and escaping Qin Na (joint locks). For health purposes and disease prevention, it opens the acupuncture channels and encourages the flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body, for vitality, and disease prevention. This skill was created in Chen Village, Henan, at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty (under 400 years ago) by military general Chen Wangting (9th generation Chen family patriarch). He combined the essence of 16 schools of martial art (including Shaolin) with internal training for health, and the Daoist principles of Yin and Yang – opening/ closing, firm/ yielding, slow/ fast etc.

Adam Wallace continues to study this profound system from his Sifu, Master Michael Tse, one of the close students of renowned Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang (19th generation standard-bearer), considered to be perhaps the premier living Taijiquan master in the world today. His grandfather was Chen Fake, undefeated and widely regarded as the greatest Taijiquan master of the past century!

Chen Taijiquan improves the functions of the skeleton and muscles, as well as the digestive and lymphatic systems. it also tones the body and balances weight. It has been proven as a powerful, effective self-defense system, and has proven successful as a curative for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis, among others.

Beginners learn the 19 and 38 Movement Forms, and weapons such as Broadsword and Straight Sword. Later, the longer Old Frame 1st and 2nd Empty-Hand Routines are taught. Advanced students learn New Frame 1st and 2nd Routines and weapons. These include Double Broadsword and Pear Flower Spear. Tui Shou (Push-Hands), applications, and Qin Na (joint-locking) are introduced from the beginning. Really knowing and understanding Taijiquan, in its entirety, lies in knowing yourself, in relationship to others. This is accomplished only  through partner training.