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Tai Chi ( pronounced tie chee) Chuan was
created by the Chen family of the Honan province and has been passed
down from generation to generation for over 600 years. The foundation
of Chen Tai Chi Chuan theory on tai chi yin and yang principle means it
can be active or passive solid or void. The chen sa chin (silk-cocoon
energy) of Chen tai chi circles around the body's meridian like
latitudes around the globe. The circulation of chi blends with the open
and closed, substantial yet insubstantial chin (inner energy), and is
like the longitudes of the globe. These principles are incorporated
into the hard yet soft, fast and slow movements of Chen tai chi: the
body should be erect, the spirit of the inner energy should reach up to
the head, the breath should be natural, and the chi should sink to the
tan tien. This fulfills the inner circuit.
Chen tai chi contains both hard and soft
motions. It can be fast or slow, offensive or defensive, neutralizing
or forcefully overpowering. It is a miraculous martial art that also
emphasizes using the mind to cultivate chi through abdominal breathing.
Its goal is to promote good health, to heal or prevent sickness and
achieve happiness along with self defense capability.
| "The
unique opportunity of living on site makes the experience whole. The
setting is idyllic enabling you to leave the world outside and totally
focus on the task at hand. My tai chi progressed more in this intensive
five weeks than in eight years of study." |
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Caroline le Maistre
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Chen tai chi routines include kicking,
striking, falling, throwing, seizing techniques, and shifting
movements. The punches and kicks are always released with inner
strength. The routine also contains harmoniously slow movements which
characterize its soft defensive nature. In essence, it conceals its
offense within its defense. These interchangeable abilities were
derived from the tai chi yin/yang theory.
Since its creation, the Chen style of tai
chi has been modified and enhanced. Its present day forms are the
product of hundreds of years or refinement. The first routine has
thirteen main postures and three major variations: old style, new
style, and small style. The second routine is called pao twi, which
means "cannon fist". This routine has no variation and remains in its
orginal form. In addition Chen's tai chi also has two-person push hands
and single and two person weapons forms.
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History
Chen style Tai Chi (pronounced 'tie chee')
was developed over six centuries ago by Chen Pu from the Chen village
in Wen county, Huh Nan province. Other styles of tai chi have their
foundation within the original Chen style. The lineage of the Chen
style is displayed below. Master McNeil was taught by Master Pan.
Click here for "The Unity Between
Tai-Chi & Tao Teh Ching"
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