In a world seeking holistic wellness and mindful movement, few practices offer the depth and richness of Chen Style Tai Chi. As the oldest and parent form of all Tai Chi styles, it is a mesmerizing blend of martial art, moving meditation, and health-enhancing exercise.
Characterized by its dynamic spiral twisting (Chan Si Jin), explosive power releases, and slow, graceful movements, it captivates practitioners and spectators alike.
Among its many forms, the Chen Style Tai Chi 56 Form holds a special place. Created as a modern competition routine, it distills the essence of traditional Chen style into a comprehensive and accessible sequence. If you've ever found yourself searching for "Chen style Tai Chi near me," wondering "how many forms are there in Chen Tai Chi," or curious about the legendary Chen Village Tai Chi, you've come to the right place.
This deep dive explores the 56 Form in detail, providing its form list, explaining its profound benefits, and connecting you to the ancient roots from which this beautiful art grows.
A Brief History: From Chen Village to the World
To understand the 56 Form, one must first journey to its source. Chen Style Tai Chi was born in the 17th century in Chen Village (Chenjiagou), a small rural community in Wen County, Henan Province, China. It was founded by Chen Wangting, a retired imperial guard who combined his martial arts knowledge with principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin-Yang theory, and Daoist philosophy.
For generations, the art was a closely guarded secret, taught only within the Chen family. It wasn't until the 19th century that master Chen Changxing broke with tradition and began teaching outsiders, most notably Yang Luchan, who would go on to found the Yang style. This act sparked the global proliferation of Tai Chi.
The mid-20th century saw another crucial chapter. After a period of decline, master Chen Zhaopi returned to Chen Village in 1958, rekindling the flame of Tai Chi and ensuring its survival.
His efforts, continued by subsequent generations including the "Four Buddha Warrior Attendants" – Chen Xiaowang, Chen Zhenglei, Wang Xian, and Zhu Tiancai – transformed Chenjiagou into the vibrant epicenter of Tai Chi it is today, attracting students from across the globe.
What is the Chen Style Tai Chi 56 Form?
The Chen Tai Chi 56 Form is a standardized competition routine developed in the 1980s by the Chinese Wushu Research Institute. A panel of experts and masters meticulously crafted it by drawing from the core techniques of both the traditional Old Frame (Laojia) First and Second Routines (Yi Lu and Er Lu, also known as Cannon Fist).
This form was designed to be:
- Comprehensive: It incorporates the most characteristic elements of Chen style.
- Standardized: It provides a uniform benchmark for competition and practice.
- Accessible: While challenging, it is structured to be learnable by dedicated students outside the Chen family lineage.
It is not a traditional form passed down through generations, but rather a modern compilation that brilliantly showcases the art's traditional soul. It consists of six sections, totaling 56 postures, making it a substantial but manageable practice.
The Core Essence: Spiral Twisting and Key Characteristics
The Chen Village masters often speak of an "incantation" – not a magical spell, but the core internal principles that make the art effective. For the 56 Form, this "incantation" is embodied in its defining characteristics:
- Spiral Twisting Force (Chan Si Jin): This is the essence of Chen style. Every movement originates from the dantian (the body's energy center below the navel) and spirals out through the limbs, like twisting a silk thread. This coiling and uncoiling action builds immense internal power and connects the entire body into one unified force.
- The Interplay of Hard and Soft (Gang Rou Xiang Ji): Unlike the uniformly slow pace of some other Tai Chi styles, Chen style is dynamic. Movements flow smoothly and softly (Yin) before suddenly exploding with crisp, powerful releases (Yang), such as fa jin (issuing power) in punches and kicks.
- Varied Rhythm and Pace (Kuai Man Xiang Jian): The form naturally alternates between slow, deliberate motions and rapid, agile bursts. This variation trains the body's adaptability and cardiovascular system in a unique way.
- Sinking, Looseness, and Bounce (Song Huo Tan Dou): The practitioner remains rooted and relaxed ("Song"), allowing for a spring-like elasticity ("Tan Dou") in the joints. This enables the powerful, shaking energy seen in certain movements.
The Complete Chen Style Tai Chi 56 Form List
For those asking "How many forms are there in Chen Tai Chi?", the answer is complex, as there are several traditional routines.
But for the 56 Form, here is the complete Chen Style Tai Chi Form List, broken into its six groups:
| 序号 | 动作名称 (Name of Form) | 动作详解 (Detailed Explanation) |
|---|---|---|
| 第一组 (Section 1) | ||
| 1 | 起势 (Commencing Form) | 1. 并脚直立 (Stand with feet together) 2. 开步站立 (Step out to shoulder-width stance) |
| 2 | 右金刚捣碓 (Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar - Right) | 1. 转体棚捋 (Turn body and ward-off/roll-back) 2. 转身右平捋 (Turn body and sweep right) 3. 擦步推掌 (Brush step and push palm) 4. 躬腿前棚 (Bow stance and forward ward-off) 5. 虚步撩掌 (Empty stance and upward arc hand) 6. 震脚砸拳 (Stamp foot and pound fist) |
| 3 | 揽扎衣 (Lazily Tying Coat) | 1. 转腰托拳 (Turn waist and lift fist) 2. 转腰分掌 (Turn waist and separate palms) 3. 提脚擦步合臂 (Lift foot, brush step, and join arms) 4. 马步立掌 (Horse stance and set palm upright) |
| 4 | 右六封四闭 (Six Sealings and Four Closings - Right) | 1. 转腕旋掌 (Rotate wrists and circle palms) 2. 下捋前挤 (Roll-back and press forward) 3. 左刁右托 (Left hooking hand, right supporting hand) 4. 虚步按掌 (Empty stance and press palms down) |
| 5 | 左单鞭 (Single Whip - Left) | 1. 左推右提 (Left push, right lift) 2. 提脚擦步 (Lift foot and brush step) 3. 转腰托掌 (Turn waist and support with palm) 4. 马步立掌 (Horse stance and set palm upright) |
| 6 | 搬拦捶 (Parry, Block, and Punch) | 1. 转腰摆拳 (Turn waist and swing fist) 2. 马步横打 (Horse stance and strike sideways) 3. 转腰翻拳 (Turn waist and rotate fist) 4. 马步横击 (Horse stance and strike across) |
| 7 | 护心捶 (Protecting the Heart Punch) | 1. 转腰塞拳 (Turn waist and thread fist) 2. 跳转龙摆 (Jump turn and dragon swings tail) 3. 马步棚打 (Horse stance, ward-off and strike) |
| 8 | 白鹤亮翅 (White Crane Cools Its Wings) | 1. 擦步插掌 (Brush step and thrust palm) 2. 虚步分掌 (Empty stance and separate palms) |
| 9 | 斜行拗步 (Walk Obliquely with Twisted Steps) | 1. 转腰绕臂 (Turn waist and circle arms) 2. 踏脚擦步 (Step down and brush step) 3. 收掌扭腰提勾 (Withdraw palm, twist waist, form hook hand) 4. 马步展臂 (Horse stance and extend arm) |
| 10 | 提收 (Lift and Withdraw) | 1. 扣脚合手 (Turn foot in and join hands) 2. 收脚收手 (Draw in foot and hands) 3. 提膝推按 (Lift knee and push/press) |
| 11 | 前趟 (Advance Forward) | 1. 落脚擦步下捋 (Set foot down, brush step, roll-back) 2. 转体搭手 (Turn body and join hands) 3. 转腰翻掌 (Turn waist and rotate palms) 4. 提腿擦步 (Lift leg and brush step) 5. 马步分掌 (Horse stance and separate palms) |
| 第二组 (Section 2) | ||
| 12 | 左掩手肱拳 (Cover Hand and Thrust Punch - Left) | 1. 提膝刁收 (Lift knee, hook and withdraw) 2. 震脚擦步 (Stamp foot and brush step) 3. 马步掩手 (Horse stance and cover hand) 4. 弓步冲拳 (Bow stance and thrust punch) |
| 13 | 披身捶 (Draping the Body Punch) | 1. 右转腰掩肘 (Turn waist right and cover elbow) 2. 左转腰掩肘 (Turn waist left and cover elbow) |
| 14 | 背折靠 (Lean Back with Arm Wrap) | 1. 折叠缠绕 (Fold and wrap) 2. 拧腰折靠 (Twist waist and lean) |
| 15 | 青龙出水 (Green Dragon Emerges from Water) | 1. 转体绕臂 (Turn body and circle arm) 2. 转腰缠臂 (Turn waist and twist arm) 3. 马步撩弹 (Horse stance and flick) 4. 马步迸掌 (Horse stance and thrust palm) |
| 16 | 斩手 (Chopping Hand) | 1. 提脚翻掌 (Lift foot and flip palm) 2. 震脚切掌 (Stamp foot and chop palm) |
| 17 | 翻花舞袖 (Flipping Flowers and Sleeves) | 1. 旋臂伸掌 (Rotate arm and extend palm) 2. 挑掌抢劈 (Upward parry and downward chop) |
| 18 | 海底翻花 (Flower Hiding Under Leaf) | 1. 转腰提臂 (Turn waist and lift arm) 2. 提膝翻抖 (Lift knee and flip/shake) |
| 19 | 右掩手肱拳 (Cover Hand and Thrust Punch - Right) | 1. 震脚收掌 (Stamp foot and withdraw palm) 2. 擦步合臂 (Brush step and join arms) 3. 马步掩手 (Horse stance and cover hand) 4. 弓步出拳 (Bow stance and punch) |
| 20 | 左六封四闭 (Six Sealings and Four Closings - Left) | 1. 转腰下捋 (Turn waist and roll-back) 2. 转腰前挤 (Turn waist and press forward) 3. 转身虚步刁托 (Turn body, empty stance, hook and support) 4. 虚步按掌 (Empty stance and press palms) |
| 21 | 右单鞭 (Single Whip - Right) | 1. 右推左提 (Right push, left lift) 2. 提脚擦步 (Lift foot and brush step) 3. 转腰托掌 (Turn waist and support with palm) 4. 马步立掌 (Horse stance and set palm upright) |
| 第三组 (Section 3) | ||
| 22 | 右云手 (Waving Hands in Clouds - Right) | 1. 收脚摆掌 (Draw foot in and swing palm) 2. 开步推掌 (Step out and push palm) 3. 擦步右云 (Brush step and cloud right) 4. 开步左云 (Step out and cloud left) 5. 转腰摆掌 (Turn waist and swing palm) 6. 缠臂横击 (Wrap arm and strike sideways) |
| 23 | 左云手 (Waving Hands in Clouds - Left) | 1. 震脚摆拳 (Stamp foot and swing fist) 2. 开步推掌 (Step out and push palm) 3. 擦步左云 (Brush step and cloud left) 4. 开步右云 (Step out and cloud right) |
| 24 | 高探马 (High Pat on Horse) | 1. 转身分手合掌 (Turn body, separate and join palms) 2. 马步分掌 (Horse stance and separate palms) 3. 扣脚转身旋掌 (Pivot foot, turn body, and circle palm) 4. 虚步推掌 (Empty stance and push palm) |
| 25 | 右连珠炮 (Continuous Thrusting Punches - Right) | 1. 转腰捋棚 (Turn waist, roll-back and ward-off) 2. 侧步刁托 (Step aside, hook and support) 3. 跟步推掌 (Follow step and push palm) 4. 侧步刁托 (Step aside, hook and support) 5. 跟步推掌 (Follow step and push palm) |
| 26 | 左连珠炮 (Continuous Thrusting Punches - Left) | 1. 退步左捋 (Step back and roll-back left) 2. 退步刁托 (Step back, hook and support) 3. 跟步前推 (Follow step and push forward) 4. 侧步刁托 (Step aside, hook and support) 5. 跟步前推 (Follow step and push forward) |
| 27 | 闪通臂 (Flash the Arm (Through the Back)) | 1. 转腰带掌 (Turn waist and lead palm) 2. 弓步穿掌 (Bow stance and thread palm) 3. 拧腰旋掌 (Twist waist and spin palm) 4. 扫腿推掌 (Sweep leg and push palm) |
| 第四组 (Section 4) | ||
| 28 | 指裆捶 (Punch to the Crotch) | 1. 转身缠摆 (Turn body, wrap and swing) 2. 震脚擦步 (Stamp foot and brush step) 3. 马步掩手、收拳 (Horse stance, cover hand, withdraw fist) 4. 弓步发拳 (Bow stance and release punch) |
| 29 | 白猿献果 (White Ape Presents Fruit) | 1. 转身左缠 (Turn body and wrap left) 2. 转腰右缠 (Turn waist and wrap right) 3. 提膝上冲拳 (Lift knee and punch upward) |
| 30 | 双推掌 (Double Pushing Hands) | 1. 落脚收掌 (Set foot down and withdraw palms) 2. 虚步双推档 (Empty stance and double push) |
| 31 | 中盘 (Middle Rollback) | 1. 换掌前推 (Change palms and push forward) 2. 换掌前推 (Change palms and push forward) 3. 换掌前推 (Change palms and push forward) 4. 穿掌绕臂分手 (Thread palm, circle arm, separate hands) 5. 踏脚合臂擦脚 (Stamp foot, join arms, brush foot) 6. 马步拢手上提 (Horse stance, gather hands and lift) |
| 32 | 前招 (Forward Trick) | 1. 转腰悬腕 (Turn waist and suspend wrists) 2. 虚步摆掌 (Empty stance and swing palms) |
| 33 | 后招 (Backward Trick) | 1. 转腰活步 (Turn waist and shift step) 2. 虚步摆掌 (Empty stance and swing palms) |
| 34 | 右野马分鬃 (Part Wild Horse's Mane - Right) | 1. 转体绕臂 (Turn body and circle arms) 2. 提脚绕臂 (Lift foot and circle arms) 3. 马步穿靠 (Horse stance, thread through and lean) |
| 35 | 左野马分鬃 (Part Wild Horse's Mane - Left) | 1. 转腰提脚绕臂 (Turn waist, lift foot and circle arms) 2. 马步穿靠 (Horse stance, thread through and lean) |
| 36 | 摆莲跌叉 (Lotus Swing and Drop) | 1. 转身旋掌 (Turn body and circle palms) 2. 折叠下按掌 (Fold and press palms down) 3. 收脚摆掌 (Draw foot in and swing palms) 4. 摆莲拍脚 (Lotus kick and slap foot) 5. 震脚握拳 (Stamp foot and clench fist) 6. 跌叉步穿拳 (Drop down split and thread fist) |
| 第五组 (Section 5) | ||
| 37 | 左右金鸡独立 (Golden Pheasant Stands on One Leg - Left & Right) | 1. 弓步举拳 (Bow stance and lift fist) 2. 独立上穿掌 (Stand on one leg and thrust palm up) 3. 踏步按掌 (Step down and press palm) 4. 擦脚摆掌 (Brush foot and swing palms) 5. 收脚收掌 (Draw foot in and withdraw palms) 6. 独立穿掌 (Stand on one leg and thrust palm) |
| 38 | 倒卷肱 (Step Back and Repulse Monkey) | 1. 退步右推掌 (Step back and push right palm) 2. 退步左推掌 (Step back and push left palm) 3. 退步右推掌 (Step back and push right palm) |
| 39 | 退步压肘 (Step Back and Press Elbow) | 1. 转腰左摆掌 (Turn waist and swing left palm) 2. 转腰右摆掌 (Turn waist and swing right palm) 3. 退步压肘 (Step back and press elbow) |
| 40 | 擦脚 (Wipe Foot) | 1. 转身右捋 (Turn body and roll-back right) 2. 盖步叠臂 (Cross step and overlap arms) 3. 分脚拍脚 (Separate foot and slap foot) |
| 41 | 蹬一根 (Kick with Heel) | 1. 转身叠拳 (Turn body and overlap fists) 2. 换手叠拳 (Change hands and overlap fists) 3. 撩拳侧踹 (Flick fist and side kick) |
| 42 | 海底翻花 (Flower Hiding Under Leaf) | 1. 收脚合拳 (Draw foot in and join fists) 2. 提膝翻抖 (Lift knee and flip/shake) |
| 43 | 击地捶 (Punch the Ground) | 1. 落脚摆拳、跳步绕拳 (Set foot down, swing fist, jump step and circle fist) 2. 擦步绕拳 (Brush step and circle fist) 3. 弓步栽拳 (Bow stance and punch downward) |
| 44 | 翻身二起脚 (Turn Body and Double Jump) | 1. 转身提拳 (Turn body and lift fist) 2. 转身虚步举拳 (Turn body, empty stance, and raise fist) 3. 上步摆拳 (Step forward and swing fist) 4. 腾空拍脚 (Jump and slap foot) |
| 45 | 双震脚 (Double Stamp) | 1. 分掌后跳 (Separate palms and jump back) 2. 虚步按掌 (Empty stance and press palms) 3. 双震脚按掌 (Double stamp and press palms) |
| 第六组 (Section 6) | ||
| 46 | 蹬脚 (Kick with Toes) | 1. 收脚收掌 (Draw foot in and withdraw palms) 2. 蹬脚架推 (Kick, block upward and push) |
| 47 | 玉女穿梭 (Fair Lady Works at Shuttles) | 1. 落脚穿掌 (Set foot down and thread palm) 2. 跳擦步架推 (Jump, brush step, block upward and push) |
| 48 | 顺鸾肘 (Follow Up with Elbow) | 1. 转身合臂擦脚 (Turn body, join arms, brush foot) 2. 马步顶肘 (Horse stance and strike with elbow) |
| 49 | 裹鞭炮 (Wrapping Firecrackers) | 1. 翻身跳转绕臂、交合 (Turn over, jump, circle arms, cross) 2. 马步分砸拳 (Horse stance and separate/strike downward with fists) |
| 50 | 雀地龙 (Creeping Dragon) | 1. 转腰合臂 (Turn waist and join arms) 2. 仆步穿掌 (Crouch stance and thread palm) |
| 51 | 上步七星 (Step Up to Form Seven Stars) | 1. 弓腿举拳 (Bow stance and lift fist) 2. 虚步架拳 (Empty stance and block upward with fist) 3. 翻腕撑掌 (Rotate wrist and push palm) 4. 翻腕架拳 (Rotate wrist and block upward with fist) |
| 52 | 退步跨虎 (Step Back and Ride the Tiger) | 1. 退步转身分掌 (Step back, turn body, separate palms) 2. 丁步合掌 (T-stance and join palms) |
| 53 | 转身摆莲 (Turn Body and Swing Lotus) | 1. 转身旋掌 (Turn body and circle palms) 2. 提膝分手 (Lift knee and separate hands) 3. 落脚摆掌 (Set foot down and swing palms) 4. 摆莲拍脚 (Lotus kick and slap foot) |
| 54 | 当头炮 (Cannon Over Head) | 1. 落脚后推掌 (Set foot down and push palm back) 2. 坐腿收拳 (Sit back and withdraw fists) 3. 马步棚打 (Horse stance, ward-off and strike) |
| 55 | 左金刚捣碓 (Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar - Left) | 1. 旋掌左捋 (Circle palm and roll-back left) 2. 弓步前棚 (Bow stance and forward ward-off) 3. 虚步撩掌 (Empty stance and upward arc hand) 4. 震脚砸拳 (Stamp foot and pound fist) |
| 56 | 收势 (Closing Form) | 1. 双手分举 (Separate and raise hands) 2. 按掌并步 (Press palms down and bring feet together) 3. 收势结束 (Return to starting position) |
Profound Benefits of Practicing Chen Style Tai Chi
The Chen style Tai Chi benefits are extensive, impacting the practitioner on physical, mental, and energetic levels.
- Physical Health: Builds strong legs and core, improves flexibility and balance, enhances cardiovascular health, and promotes joint health through low-impact, fluid motion.
- Mental Clarity: The deep focus required to coordinate complex movements calms the mind, reduces stress, and improves cognitive function. It is a true meditation in motion.
- Martial Skill: Develops practical self-defense skills, including rooting, sensitivity (Ting Jin), and the ability to issue power from close range.
- Energetic Cultivation (Qi Gong): The slow, mindful movements combined with deep, regulated breathing help to cultivate and circulate Qi (vital energy) throughout the body, boosting the immune system and promoting longevity.
A Beginner's Path: Is Chen Style Tai Chi for Beginners?
Chen Style Tai Chi for beginners is absolutely accessible, but it requires the right mindset. Its complexity can be daunting, but its rewards are profound.
For a beginner, the key is to:
- Find a Qualified Instructor: Searching for "Chen style Tai Chi near me" should prioritize finding an instructor with a verifiable lineage, ideally connected to Chen Village. Correct instruction from the start is crucial to avoid developing bad habits.
- Start with the Basics: Before learning the 56 Form, beginners will spend significant time on foundational exercises (Ji Ben Gong), including stance training (Zhan Zhuang), silk-reeling exercises (Chan Si Gong), and basic step drills.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Progress is measured not in days, but in months and years. Celebrate small improvements in balance, coordination, and understanding.
- Focus on Principles, Not Perfection: Concentrate on the core principles—sinking the Qi, relaxing the shoulders, using the waist as a commander, and generating spiral motion.
Conclusion: Your Journey Awaits
The Chen Style Tai Chi 56 Form is a gateway into a profound and ancient art. It is a moving tapestry woven with the history of Chen Village, the power of spiral twisting, and the timeless pursuit of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. Whether your goal is competition, self-defense, or simply a richer, healthier life, this form offers a challenging and infinitely rewarding path.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—or in this case, a single spiral. Find a teacher, embrace the process, and discover the powerful, flowing art that has captivated the world for centuries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Chen Style 56 Form Tai Chi
What is the main difference between Chen Style Tai Chi and other styles like Yang or Wu?
Chen Style is the original and oldest form of Tai Chi. Its most distinctive feature is the clear retention of its martial arts essence (fa jin), characterized by the dynamic interplay of hard and soft. You will see explosive, loose and lively (Song Huo) movements like jumps, stomps, and its core technical principle: Spiral Silk-Reeling Energy (Chan Si Jin). In contrast, styles like Yang are typically more uniform, slow, and gentle, with a greater emphasis on health and meditation.
I'm a complete beginner. Can I start directly with the 56 Form, or should I learn something else first?
For those seeking Tai Chi Chen Style for beginners, we highly recommend starting with the foundational practices. This includes learning the basic Chen Style Old Frame First Routine (Laojia Yi Lu) or dedicated fundamental exercises (Ji Ben Gong) like stance training (Zhan Zhuang) and silk-reeling drills (Chan Si Gong). The Chen Tai Chi 56 Form is a comprehensive competition routine with a high level of complexity. Building a strong foundation first will make learning the 56 Form much more effective and meaningful.
Why is "Spiral Silk-Reeling Energy" (Chan Si Jin) considered the essence of Chen Style?
Spiral Silk-Reeling Energy is the unique engine of Chen Style. It requires every movement, no matter how small, to be executed in a spiraling, coiling manner, like wringing a towel. This movement pattern is crucial because it: Generates Whole-Body Power: It seamlessly connects power from the legs, waist, spine, and arms into a unified force. Stimulates Health: The internal spiraling action provides a deep massage for the organs and stimulates the meridians, aligning with Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. Enhances Martial Application: In self-defense, this energy is used to neutralize incoming force and control an opponent.
What are the primary health benefits of practicing the Chen Style 56 Form?
Regular practice offers a wide array of Chen style Tai Chi benefits, including: Improved Physical Fitness: Dramatically increases lower body strength, core stability, balance, and coordination. Cardiovascular Health: The variable pace (fast-slow alternation) provides an excellent cardio workout. Stress Reduction: The deep, abdominal breathing and intense mental focus effectively reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. Holistic Wellness: The forms are designed based on Yin-Yang theory and Daoist philosophy, promoting the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and overall harmony.
How can I find an authentic and qualified Chen Style instructor? Is searching "Chen style Tai Chi near me" enough?
Searching "Chen style Tai Chi near me" is a good first step, but you should then vet the results carefully: Verify Lineage: An authentic instructor will have a clear lineage that can be traced back to Chen Village (Chenjiagou) in Wen County, China. Check Credentials: Look for instructors with many years of experience and certifications from recognized bodies. Take a Trial Class: Most reputable schools offer an introductory class so you can experience the teaching style firsthand. Look for Key Phrases: Schools that mention "Authentic Chen Village Tai Chi," "Traditional Chen Style," or lineage from masters like Chen Xiaowang or Chen Zhenglei are often a good sign.
What is the difference between a "Competition Routine" like the 56 Form and a "Traditional Routine"?
The Chen Tai Chi 56 Form is a standardized competition routine. It was created by a panel of experts from the Chinese Wushu Research Institute by distilling the most characteristic movements from the traditional Old and New Frames. It is designed to be well-balanced, technically充实 (substantial), and规范 (standardized) for fair judging, while still retaining the style's essence. Traditional routines (like Lao Jia Yi Lu) are older, often more repetitive, and contain deeper layers of martial application as passed down through the Chen family.
I've heard about the "Chen village incantation." What is it, and is it important for learning?
The "Chen village incantation" is not a literal magic spell. It refers to the core internal principles and essential teachings passed down orally through generations in Chen Village. These "incantations" are concise phrases that capture the critical points of posture and movement (e.g., "Suspend the Headtop," "Sink the Shoulders and Elbows"). For serious students, understanding these principles is the key to transitioning from just performing the external form to embodying the true art.
Are there weapon forms in Chen Style Tai Chi, or is it only empty-handed?
Yes, Chen Style has a complete weapon system. After gaining proficiency in the barehanded forms (like the 56 Form), students often progress to learn Chen Style Tai Chi Sword (Jian), Chen Style Tai Chi Broadsword (Dao), and Chen Style Tai Chi Spear (Qiang). These weapon forms are an extension of the barehanded principles, further refining one's coordination, power, and understanding of energy.