SPECIFICATIONS
More Information About Chen Style Taijiquan
Chen Style Tai Chi is the oldest (and therefore the original) form of tai chi. It is said to have originated in the Chen Village, Henan Province of China and that it was developed by the ninth generation of Chen Village leader Chen Wangting, a Ming Dynasty Officer, around 1670. Chen Style Tai Chi was later popularized by Chen Fake in the early 1900s. Different from Yang style, whose movements are mostly “yin” in manner, where movements look soft, speed is even, uniform, and flowy, Chen Style Tai Chi is characterized by slow and fast, soft and hard movements, high and low stances. Chen Style has an emphasis on spiral force. Beginners who love to challenge their body, their strength, and coordination, will really enjoy this style of tai chi.
Chen style is more physically demanding than other styles of tai chi, but the challenge will only be as hard as you want to make it. The choreography of Chen, with its fast and slow spiralling movements, is beautiful to watch, feels amazing to practice, and, once learned, gives students a wonderful feeling of mind-body coordination.
Chen Style Tai Chi offers a unique blend of physical exercise, martial arts training, mental relaxation, and cultural immersion, making it a special practice for those who pursue it.
Chen Style is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of Tai Chi. Here are some aspects that make learning Chen Style Tai Chi special:
The Health Benefits of Chen Style Tai Chi
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Improved Balance and Flexibility: The varied movements help enhance physical stability and flexibility.
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Strength and Endurance: The practice strengthens muscles and improves overall physical endurance. If you want to increase your leg and upper body strength, or maintain what you already have, this class is for you.
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Mental Focus and Relaxation: The meditative aspect of Tai Chi promotes mental clarity, reduces stress, and enhances relaxation.
Unique Characteristics of Chen Style Tai Chi
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Chen Style is Dynamic and Engaging: The combination of slow and fast movements, along with complex forms, makes the learning process dynamic and engaging.
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Silk Reeling (Chan Si Jin): A distinctive feature involving continuous spiraling movements that help develop internal energy and coordination.
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Explosive Power (Fa Jin): Unlike some other Tai Chi styles, Chen Style includes sudden, powerful movements that train the practitioner to generate explosive force.
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Movements: The style incorporates a combination of slow, flowing movements with fast, vigorous ones, providing a comprehensive workout.
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Self-Defense: While Chen Style Tai Chi retains its martial roots, teaching practical self-defense techniques, this class will focus primarily on the health benefits of Chen Style Tai Chi.
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Energy Cultivation: The practice focuses on developing and harnessing internal energy (Qi).
The Historical Significance of Chen Style Tai Chi
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Oldest Style: Chen Style Tai Chi is considered the original form of Tai Chi Chuan, dating back to the 17th century.
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Foundational Influence: It has influenced the development of other Tai Chi styles, such as Yang, Wu, and Sun styles. Learning Chen-Style is like learning from the mother of all other styles.
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Deep Rooted in Taoist philosophy: Practicing Chen Style Tai Chi provides insights into concepts like Yin and Yang, balance, and harmony.
Our Chen Style Tai Chi Group – On-going since September 2024 and into 2025