Taijiquan (太極拳), or tai chi chuan, is a complete and sophisticated art which can be practiced for both its health benefits and/or as a fighting method.
The practice of taijiquan is based on fondamental concepts using the body and the mind. It is through the strict application of these fondamental principles that this art offers its huge benefits for health and its very efficient strategies for defense.
The practice of taijiquan is a concrete implementation of the principle of yin and yang.
It is from this essential principle that the application of the methods of the eight energies (ba jin 八劲) is realized through the methodology of taijiquan. The eight energies, or methods, are: peng, lu, ji, an, cai, lie, zhou and kao.
The main forms of taijiquan that we practice and teach today are heavily influenced by the teachings of two great contemporary Masters.
The first one is the form is a synthesis form of taijiquan elaborated in the 1930-40 under the supervision of Master Chen Panling.
We studied with Master Tokitsu Kenji who learnt this form from different masters, such as Lai Tianzhao and Wang Fulai two disciples of Master Wang Shujin.
The second is the practice of the practical method of Chen taijiquan that we studied with Master Chen Zhonghua.
Master Chen Zhonghua is a renowned expert in the practical method of Chen taijiquan. He studied under Master Hong Jungshen for many years who was himself one the major disciple of Master Chen Fake. Master Chen also studied Chen taijiquan under Master Feng Zhiqiang another disciple of Master Chen Fake.
We also had the privilege to study with other great taijiquan teachers over the years.
