Chen Family Taijiquan (Tai Chi)

SIFU MIKE BAKER

I began studying with my Sifu, Michael Tse, in 1993. Initially learning Qigong and then Wing Chun. Prior to meeting my Sifu I had never seen Chen Taijiquan before and my impression of Tai Chi was similar to a lot of people in that it was basically very slow movements. I remember after finishing a Qigong class, I stayed to watch a little of the Tai Chi. I was amazed at what I saw, here was a form of Tai Chi that wasn't weak and lacking, but something tremendously powerfull. Every movement was clear and purposeful and it was clear to see that beneath these beautiful movments was a skill that could be used as a martial art.

However, it was not until much later that I started to learn Tai Chi. I had wanted to achieve a good grounding in Wing Chun first before beginning a different martial art and in 2000 I finally began to study it.

Over the years I have grown to love Taijiquan as much as Wing Chun and still find the spiralling movements both intriguing and exciting. I have been fortunate to meet my Sigong Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang and to attend many of his seminars in the UK.

My intention is to continue to bring this amazing skill to those who wish to learn the original form of Taijiquan and to develop my students to a high level in both their forms and Tui Shou (pushing hands).

 

Sifu Mike Baker