Traditional Chinese Martial Art Skill

SIFU MIKE BAKER

Chen family Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is known to be the original form of Tai Chi, Created by the Chen family as a means of protecting their village, the skill has been developed over many generations.

It is still regarded as a martial art as it still retains its joint locking, punching, kicking and its explosive release of power (fajing). It's forms are very beautiful to watch and enjoyable to perform.

History

Chen family Taijiquan (Tai Chi) was created in the Henan province of China centuries ago. However, it did not develop into the style we know today until the 17th Century when Chen Wanting formalised the movements and exercises. The system went through further refinement in the 18th century when Chen Changxing (the 14th generation of the Chen family) combined the forms to create a long form (Laojia) and a cannon fist form (Paochui).

Chen Fake (17th Generation) developed the Xinjia (New frame) forms at the turn of the 20th Century and is reported to have practiced the long form 30 times each day as he was growing up.

The current standard bearer and head of the Chen family is Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang (19th Generation).

Master Michael Tse became an indoor disciple of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang in 2006.

What will I learn?

Students begin by learning the 19 step short form, basic pushing hands and self defence. They then progress onto the 25 step, 38 step, broadsword and straightsword, before learning the old and new frame long forms.

Pushing hands (Tui Shou) and applications are included in every lesson to develop a better understanding of the movements contained within the forms.