About Chen-style Tai Chi

Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan is an internal martial art based on the principle of whole body movement. It is the practise and art of flowing sequential, co-ordinated, and aligned movement of the whole body. The process of learning and practising this form of movement over time leads to many health benefits for body and mind.

Chen-style Tai Chi comprises several different forms together with a number of distinct foundational exercises designed to enhance the learning of Tai Chi principles. The main form learned and practised by beginners and experienced practitioners alike is called Laojia Yilu. This roughly translates into ‘Old Frame Long Form’ which is made up of 74 postures.

The origins of the Laojia Yilu form can be traced back to the beginning of the 1600s with Chen-style being recognised as the original style of Tai Chi Chuan. Chen-style is the root of all major forms of Tai Chi practised today, including Yang-style and Wu-style, for example.

The Martial Aspect of Tai Chi

The martial, or self-defense, dimension of Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan naturally grows out of the fluid, co-ordinated and aligned movement of the whole body. This leads to what we call ‘external harmony:’ the dynamic harmony of the body in motion. Once external harmony is achieved, this is further enhanced by cultivating ‘internal harmony,’ which is harmonising mind and intent with the movement of the whole body. This isn’t an entirely linear process as the meditative movement does tend to develop internal/external harmony simultaneously through normal practise.

Tai Chi is not a technique based martial art, but one based on principles. Whole body movement as taught in Chen-style Tai Chi develops strength, flexibility, and correct structure as well as phenomena referred to as ‘rooting’ and ‘sinking,’ both of which help to develop stability and balance, coupled with agility.

The principles of movement and structure in Chen-style Tai Chi lead to a refined understanding and feeling of body mechanics and how these can be used for the purpose of self-defense. These are developed and practised through partner work which is called Pushing Hands, but also ‘Qinna,’ which means joint locking.

The outcome of this learning is efficiency of movement and the ability to use the strength and power of the opponent against them.

I teach the full curriculum of Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan in my classes and therefore offer to teach students the martial aspects of the art. However, most students get so much from regular practise they’re not particularly interested in learning the martial aspect and I’m not one to impose it upon anyone.