Tai Ji collection
Chen style
陈式太极拳
The oldest Tai Ji Quan tradition, combining slow phases with explosive releases of power.
Chen style (陳式太极拳) is considered the oldest Tai Ji style and has preserved a strong martial aspect. Explosive power and low stances require good physical condition. Master Feng Zhiqiang was its best-known representative and taught Master Jung for more than twenty years.
Historians attribute its foundation to Chen Wangting (1600-1680), the ninth generation of the family descended from Chen Bu. Historical sources challenged the mythical story that attributed the art's foundation to a hermit named Zhang Sanfeng. The method was transmitted exclusively within the Chen clan for a long time.
In the nineteenth century, Chen Changxing taught Yang Luchan, who later spread the method to Beijing. Further changes took place during the Republican period, including the Yang Tai Chi style developed by Yang Chengfu.
A Chen-style Tai Ji session can be physically demanding: although deeply rewarding, it requires significant personal commitment.