Chen style

The Chen style (陳式 太极拳) is the oldest Tai Ji style, since it comes from the Bao Zhao. It has kept certain of its techniques and a martial aspect. The use of explosive force and the low stances call for good physical condition. Master Feng Zhi Qian is its most widely recognised representative.

He has been passing his teaching on to Master Jung for more than twenty years. Historiography attributes its founding to Chen Wangting (1600-1680), belonging to the ninth generation of the family descended from Chen Bu.

This thesis was notably defended by the historian Tang Hao (1897-1959), on the basis of boxing manuals found in the village of Chenjiagou and of the annals of the district of Wenxian (Henan province, in China).

The existence of historical sources undermined the mythical origin attributing the founding of this boxing to a hermit by the name of Zhang Sanfeng. This method of combat was for a long time transmitted exclusively within the Chen clan.

It was only in the 19th century that Chen Changxing (1771-1853) taught his art to Yang Luchan (1799-1872). Enjoying the support of the wealthy Wu family, the latter then spread this method in Peking. It was in all likelihood after his death that the term (taiji quan) was adopted by his students.

Other changes took place during the republican period, leading in particular to the Yang style tai-chi founded by his grandson, Yang Chengfu.

In fact, many people are surprised at the effort produced after a session of Chen style Taiji Quan, and while it is true that it is a discipline that is enriching in many respects, it is nonetheless a physical activity that is demanding in terms of the investment it calls for.