Chen Style Taijiquan
Old Frame, Second Form, Laojia Erlu
Cannon Fist (Paocui)


Section I, Movements 1 - 5
A Beginner's Notes

Movements:   One   Two   Three   Four   Five

Instructional Resources I Use

Note:  A first draft of this webpage will be completed by October 1, 2011

Research by
Michael P. Garofalo

August 14, 2011


© Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California, 2011
By Michael P. Garofalo, M.S..  All Rights Reserved.


 

Cloud Hands - Yun Shou

Cloud Hands Website

 

Chen Style Taijiquan and Qigong: Bibliography and Links      

Chen Internal Energy Training:  Silk Reeling    Standing    Ball    Ruler

Chen Weapons:  Saber     Spear     Staff     Sword     Pole  

Chen 18 Short Form     Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Yilu

Disclaimer

 

 

 

Old Frame, Second Form, Laojia Erlu
Cannon Fist (Paocui
Chen Taijiquan
Section I, Movements 1 - 5
A Beginner's Notes
 

Some General Comments About this Presentation      Bibliography     Home

List of Section I Movements 1-6      List of Laojia Erlu, Cannon Fist, 43 Movements

     

 

1.  Beginning of Taiji  (Taiji Chu Shi)

 

    The first movement is called the "Beginning of Taiji" (Taiji Chu Shi).  This movement consists of quiet standing for awhile, then stepping left, then raising and lowering both hands.  The movement is found in all the Taijiquan forms that I am familiar with (Yang, Sun, and Chen).  This phase of quiet preparation and beginning is called "Beginning of Tai-Chi" (Jou 1980), "Preparation Form" (Sim & Gaffney 2002), "Beginning of Taiji" (Chen Zenglei 2005), "Ultimate Infinite Stance" (Wong 1996), "Raise Hands and Lower Hands" (Yang Taijiquan), "Preparation", or "Stand at Ease."   

Beginning Posture of Taijiquan (Taiji Qi Shi)    [Chen Zenglei 2003]  
Beginning of Taijiquan (Taiji Chu Shi)    [Mark Chen 2004]  
Beginning of Tai-Chi    [Jou Tsung Hwa 1980]  
Preparing Form (Taiji Qi Shi)  [Sim & Gaffney 2002]
Preparing Form  [
Zhaohua 1984]
Preparing Stance  (Yu Bei Shi)
Beginning Posture of Taijiquan  [Mike Garofalo 2008
Maintien Commençant de Taijiquan  [French]
Anfangenlage von Taijiquan  [German] 
Postura que comienza de Taijiquan  [Spanish] 
预备式  :  Yu Bei Shi  [Chinese Characters & Pinyin]
 

Bibliographic Citations for Chen Taijiquan for the Cloud Hands Webpages

The best descriptions of the Chen Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Yilu, are found in Chen Zhenglei's Chen Style Taijiquan 2003 and Mark Chen's Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan 2004.  

 

 

A Note on the Source of the Illustrations


1a.  Face N 12.
 

 

    We begin by standing in a relaxed, upright, dignified posture.  Face to the North, facing the 12 o'clock direction, Face N 12.  The head is erect.  The shoulders are down.  The back is straight.  The hands rest along side of the body, with the palms lightly touching the pants (Figure 1a).  The feet are together.  The head is held up, and the chin is slightly tucked down towards the chest.  The lips are gently closed, a gentle smile graces the lips, and the tongue is placed at the roof of the mouth behind the teeth.  We want our head in line with our spine.  The bottom of the pelvis is slightly tucked up and forward. 

    In Taijiquan, this beginning pose is often called the "Wuji" pose, referring to the stillness and emptiness that proceeds movement.  "Wu" refers to emptiness, an undifferentiated state, a pregnant pause, Zero, the mystical Primordial One before the emergence of Yin-Yang, the One.  The influence of the Tao Te Ching, Chapter 42, is evident: 

"The Way begets One;
One begets two;
Two begets three;
Three begets the myriad creatures.

The myriad creatures carry on their backs the yin
And embrace in their arms the yang
And are the blending of the generative forces of the two.

Thus a thing is sometimes added to by being diminished
And diminished by being added to.

What others teach I also teach.
'The violent shall not come to a natural end.
I shall take this as my precept."
-  Laotzu, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 42, Translation by D. C. Lau, 1963
 

The demeanor of body and mind is relaxed (Sung, Fang Song), alert, calm, without holding tension in the body, ready to respond, dignified, open and free.  Taijiquan encourages you to calm and quiet the mind, reduce thinking, be fully present here and now, reflect the Other clearly in the clear calm lake of diminished ego.  Standing meditation is a cornerstone of Taijiquan practices, influenced by Taoist and Buddhist practices.  In Hatha Yoga, just standing is called the "Mountain Pose" (Tadasana). 

 

"We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploration
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time."
-  T. S. Eliot, Little Gidding

In a Taijiquan form we begin in the posture of Wuji and end in the posture of Wuji. 

 

      Slowly and gently let the weight shift into the right leg, then lift the left foot, and step to the left (1b).  Settle comfortably into an upright stance, with the legs about shoulder width apart.  The knees are slightly bent.  Eyes looks straight ahead.   Position shown in illustration #1b. 

    Gently raise the hands, palms facing down, to about shoulder height (1c, 1d).  The elbows are slightly curved as the arms rise up. Then gently lower the arms back down to the center of the abdomen (1e) at the level of the Dan Tien (Elixir Field).  Bend the knees somewhat as the arms come back down to the center of the waist (1e). 

    Inhale as the arms rise, exhale as the arms are lowered.  Inhaling is associated with the Water element, the hexagram Kan 坎, calming, cooling, relaxing, centering, becoming more Yin internally.  Exhaling is associated with the Fire element, the hexagram (Li ), energizing, heating, moving, dispersing, and becoming more Yang internally.  Both inhaling and exhaling: balancing, integrating, cycling, the marriage of Yin and Yang.  

    Some Taiji performers, before stepping sideways and raising hands and lowering hands, begin with feet together and do a Taiji salute (i.e., right fist covered by open left hand held at sternum height, then bow head slightly while looking forward, then return hands to side and stand up straight), then step out sideways to the left to settle into standing with legs separated. 

    For directional reference purposes, I will assume that the performer/player/person will begin facing North (N 12), and that she/he will be looking towards and facing the 12 o'clock position (N 12) in the directional scheme that I will use in when describing movements in this document. 

    When citing references, I will use the convention of "(Author, Publication Date: Page)" and list all references cited in the Bibliography for the Study of Chen Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form.

 

 

Instructional Resources I Use


I keep notes on my overall progress in learning Chen Style Taijiquan.  I began my study and practice of the Laojia Yilu on August 3, 2011. 

There are no Chen Style Taijiquan teachers near where I live in rural Red Bluff, California.  Chen style teachers are available in Sacramento, Davis, and in the San Francisco Bay area.  These instructors teach in areas that are all 120 to 225 miles from my home.  Therefore, I am using instructional DVDs and books to learn the basic routine of the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame First Form.  Later, I will attend Chen Taijiquan workshops on the Laojia Yilu in larger cities on the West Coast in 2012 as my finances and scheduling permits.   

The instructional DVDs on the Laojia Yilu I use most often are by Jesse Tsao, Chen Zhenglei, Jiang Jian-ye, Ren GuangYi: 

 

Chen Style Tai Chi Old Frame Routine One.  Demonstration and instruction by Master Jesse Tsao.  2 instructional DVDs or VHS videotapes, 60 minutes each DVD.  All instruction is in the English language.  "The original Chen style Tai Chi is the oldest style practiced today and is widely acknowledged to be the ancestor of all other styles. It is characterized by whole-body twining, coiling movements, and occasionally explosive releases of power. It is an ancient form which fully encompasses the Tai Chi principles – from stillness via soft relaxed movements to fast & dynamic applications, which can be performed vigorously or gently according to the condition of one’s body.  This DVD video teaches the Old Frame Routine One posture by posture in both front view and back view with review and explanations by Master Tsao.  There are also self-healing and self-defense applications explained throughout the teaching."  Produced by Tai Chi Healthways, San Diego, California.   Master Tsao told me that "Yes, my DVD on the Old Frame First Routine was based on Chen Zhenglei's teaching. He has come to me [in San Diego] for the last five years."  Complete demonstration on Tape 2, rear view, 11:03 minutes, by Jesse Tsao.  VSCL. 


Chen Style Old Form, Routine 1.  By Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.  Intructional DVDs: 5 DVDs.  Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei "teaches the Old Form (Laojia), originated by Chen Changxing, which is one of the most popular of the Chen style empty hand forms.  There is a brief introductory section in Chinese only, but teaching is in Chinese with English and Chinese subtitles.  He teaches principles as well as basic skills for hands, feet, and movements.  The 74 movements are taught with detail, step-by-step with multiple repetitions and different camera angles.  There are multiple demonstrations in addition to the teaching." -  Wayfarer Catalog, #7650.  VSCL. 


Traditional Chen Style Tai Chi, Lao Jia Yi Lou.  Instruction by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye.  VHS or DVD, 2 parts, 120 minutes each.  All instruction is in the English language.  The DVD provides a Menu system that does work, with 6 or so movement lessons per section.  Shifu Jiang demonstrates the movements slowly, with front, side, and back views.  He does not speak while he moves, and the detailed instructions are provided in a voice over narrative that is clear.  The color background is in a large park or golf course; and I find the video a bit grainy.  His instruction is a bit more detailed than provided by Master Tsao of his Laojia Yilu instructional DVD.  "The first half of Chen style's first routine is taught as practiced by Chen Zhenglei. The Chen style is the original T'ai Chi Ch'uan and the first routine emphasizes silk reeling, fast and slow and hard and soft movements. The teaching is step-by-step following a demonstration, and each movement is repeated 2-4 times and shown from front, back and side. There are demonstrations front and back of each segment of 5 to 7 movements. At the end the form is shown front and rear. 120 minutes."  - Wayfarer Publications, $44.99.  "Chen style Tai Chi Chuan originated in Chen Village in Henan Province. Chen emphasis is on silk reeling movements, which improve joint rotation to help prevent arthritis and quickly increase energy. This video shows Chen Style Tai Chi."  Jiang Tai Chi.  The title on the DVD is "Chen Zheng lei's Traditional Chen Style tai Chi "Lao Jia Yi Lou" Part I."  VSCL. 


Chen Taijiquan: Lao Jia Yi Lu and Straight Sword.  Demonstration and instruction by Master Ren GuangYi.  Music and narration by Lou Reed.  "Captured in high-definition (HD) in New York's Central Park, each form is presented from multiple angles.  Each form is also shown in FlipperVision, a slideshow comprised of nearly 2,000 photos by famed photographer Martin von Hasselberg, so you may carefully study each of Master Ren's postures in detail."  A YMAA production.  90 minutes, color.  ISBN: :1594390819.  Instructional DVD.  2006.  Ren GuangYi's Website.  VSCL. 

 

Chen Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword.   By Chen ZengleiTranslated by Zhang XinHu, Chen Bin, Xu Hailiang, and Gregory Bissell.  Tai Chi Centre, 2003.  367 pages.  ISBN: 7534823218.   This book is in English.  Detailed descriptions, with photographs, of the first form, sword form and broadsword form.  An excellent companion to Chen Zenglei's instructional DVDs, with English narration.  Review by Herbert O. Rich: "This is the first translated volume of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's three-volume set entitled "A Compendium of Taiji Boxing and Weapons".  Chen Zhenglei is famed as a 19th generation Grandmaster of traditional Chen Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan). He is known to Taijiquan enthusiasts the world over for his skill and ability in teaching.  This book is a detailed instruction manual for the basic set (or form) of the Laojia ("old frame") Chen style, as well as the single broadsword and straight sword forms.  Profusely illustrated, it describes basic theory, physical requirements, postural movements, Qi circulation, and self defense applications for each of the postures of the form."   [Chen Zenglei 2003]   Another very good instructional DVD, by Jesse Tsao, Chen Style Tai Chi Old Frame Routine One, with English narration and detailed instructions, is based on the teaching of Chen Zenglei.  The detailed description of each movement in Chen Taijiquan Old Frame, First Form, by Chen Zenglei, with accompanying photographs of Chen Zenglei, is found on pages 65-252. 


Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan.  By Mark Chen.  Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 2004.  Appendices, notes, bibliography, 246 pages.  ISBN: 155643488X.  The form presented in this book is in the lineage of Chen Qing Zhou, nineteenth-generation successor and disciple of Zehn Zhao Pei.  [Mark Chen 2004]   Chen Qing Zhou has produced a complete set of instructional DVDs for all of the hand and weapons forms in the Chen Style of Taijiquan.  The detailed description of each movement in the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame, First Form, by Mark Chen, with accompanying photographs of Mark Chen, is found on pages 91-180. 

 

 

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2a - 2h.  Pounding the Mortar  (Jin Gang Dao Dui)

 

    The second movement in Chen Taijiquan Laojia Yilu is "The Diamond King Pounds the Mortar" (Jin Gang Dao Dui).  Naming variations for this movement include:  "Immortal Pounds Mortar" (Wong 1996), "King-Kong Nailed Fist" (Jou 1980), "The Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar," "The Buddha's Guardian Pounds His Staff," or "The Diamond King Pounds the Mortar" (Chen Mark 2004). 

Pounding the Mortar (Jin Gang Dao Dui)   [Chen Zenglei]
Diamond King Pounds Mortar  (Jin Gang Dao Dui)  [Mark Chen]
King-Kong Nailed Fist  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar (Jin Gang Dao Dui)  [Sim & Gaffney] 
Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds with Pestle  (Jin-gang Dao Dui)  [Chen Xin 1932, 2007]
Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar 
[
Zhaohua]
Pounding the Mortar 
[Mike Garofalo]
Martèlement du Mortier 
Zerstoßen des Mörsers 
Golpear el Mortero
金刚捣碓  :  Jin Gang Dao Dui



2d.  Step with left foot towards NW10.5.  Head and chest facing NE2.  Right arm pointing towards SE4. 
2h and 2i.  Face towards N12. 

The best descriptions of the Chen Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Yilu, are found in Chen Zhenglei's Chen Style Taijiquan 2003 and Mark Chen's Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan 2004.  

Not only do the names differ for each movement sequence depending upon the teacher, but there are variations in both the sequences and the way a movement sequence is executed depending upon the teacher.  Different Grandmasters teach the Old Frame First Form in slightly different ways.  Generally speaking, I follow the instructions by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei because I am using Chen Zhenglei's Chen Style Taijiquan 2003 and his numerous instructional DVDs on the Laojia Yilu.  

 

 

At the entrance to many Buddhist Temples are sculptures of four guardian deities called the Four Heavenly Kings or Four Diamond Kings:

"These are the Mahârâjas, or "Four great kings of Devas," or Sï-ta-t‘ien-wang.  The Sanskrit names are explained: "Vaishramana" (Pi-sha-men), "He who has heard much;" "Dhritarashtra" (T‘i-to-lo-to), "Protector of kingdoms;" "Virudhaka" (Pi-leu-le-cha), "Increased grandeur;" and Virupaksha (Pi-lieu-pa-cha), "Large eyes." They are called in Chinese To-wen, Ch‘ï-kwo, Tseng-chang, and Kwang-mu." 
Chinese Buddhism   and   The Four Heavenly Kings - Wikipedia   

 

Keep in mind that the famous Shaolin Buddhist Temple is just a two days walk from the Chen Village in China.  At the entrance to many Buddhist Temples, or on the four cardinal directions of the Temple, are sculptures of four guardian deities called the Four Heavenly Kings or Four Diamond Kings.  Chinese Buddhist temples consist of several halls and chapels called by a common name, tien. In the "entering hall" (sï-i‘ien wang-tien), two colossal wooden statues meet the eye on each side. These are the Mahârâjas, or "Four great kings of Devas," or Sï-ta-t‘ien-wang.  The Sanskrit names are explained: "Vaishramana" (Pi-sha-men), "He who has heard much;" "Dhritarashtra" (T‘i-to-lo-to), "Protector of kingdoms;" "Virudhaka" (Pi-leu-le-cha), "Increased grandeur;" and Virupaksha (Pi-lieu-pa-cha), "Large eyes." They are called in Chinese To-wen, Ch‘ï-kwo, Tseng-chang, and Kwang-mu." 
Chinese Buddhism   and   The Four Heavenly Kings - Wikipedia    Four Heavenly Kings 

 

                         

 

"Virudhaka, Guardian of the South Gate, 
The Boundless Diamond King, Tseng-chang Tian, with shimmering sword in hand,
Blue as the Great Sky,
Spurring growth, increasing grandeur,
Subduing demons, frightening evil ones, cutting through ignorance,
Vowing to help everyone master limitless approaches to Dharma.  

Dhritarashtra, Guardian of the East Gate,
The Powerful Diamond King, Ch‘ï-kwo Tian, in tune with the Wise,
White as the Shining Sun,
Protector, Energizer, Honoring the Three Treasures,
Keeping Treasured Kingdoms whole, Saver of the Earth, 
Helping unravel the illusions of self, and freeing the slaves of Mara,
Vowing to aid all who strive to achieve the Supreme Awakening.

Vaishravana, Guardian of the North Gate,
The All Hearing Diamond King, To-wen Tian, listening to the endless sorrows,
Yellow as the Mystic Rose,
Seated and Silent, Compassionate,
Silencing the falsehoods, Singing the Dharma, Preserving the Word,
Vowing the eradicate vexations without end.  

Virupaksha, Guardian of the West Gate,
The All Seeing Diamond King, Kwang-mu Tian, unblinking in the face of death,
Red Eyed and Ever Vigilant,
Visionary of the Diamond Kings, Seeing the Unseen,
Subduing serpents of vice, keeping enemies in the dark, holding the Sacred Vajra,
Vowing to help Enlighten Sentient Beings without number.  


These Four Diamond Kings protect all Earthly and Sacred Worlds,
Faithfully Guard the Four Gates to Shambhala's Realm,
Active day and night on Mt. Sumeru and in the Ten Thousand Realms,
Rewarding the good and reforming the evil ones,
Overcoming all obstacles,
Fearless Defenders of the Middle Way,
Bodhisattvas ferrying followers to the Other Shore,
Grinding potions with mortar and pestle to Lessen the Pain, 
Sending Dragons into the deepest seas, riding Tigers to the Mountains,
Moving the Vast Clouds with Their Hands;
Yet, the Four Diamond Kings all bow in deep respect,
Honoring the Great Dharma Lord they forever serve."
-   Mike Garofalo, Above the Fog

 

The Bodhisattva Warriors.  The Origin, Inner Philosophy, History and Symbolism of the Buddhist Martial Art within India and China.  By Shifu Nagaboshi Tomio (Terence Dukes).  Boston, MA, Weiser Books, 1994.  Index, bibliography, extensive notes, 527 pages.  ISBN: 0877287856.  VSCL.   

 

 

 


 

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3a - 3f.  Lazily Tucking Clothes  (Lan Zha Yi)

The third movement in Chen Taijiquan Laojia Yilu is "Lazily Tucking Clothes" (Lan Zha Yi).  Naming variations for this movement include: "Lazy to Roll Sleves" (Wong 1996), "Grasp Sparrow's Tail" (Jou 1980), and "Lazily Tucking Clothes" (Chen Mark, 2004). 

Lazily Tying One's Coat (Lan Zha Yi)    [Chen Zenglei] 
Lazily Tucking Clothes (Lan Zha Yi)  [Mark Chen] 
Grasp Sparrow's Tail  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 

 

 


Lazily Tying Coat (Lan Zha Yi)  [Sim & Gaffney] 
Holding One Lap Pull of the Robe  (Lan Zha Yi)  [Chen Xin] 
Lazy About Tying Coat 
[
Zhaohua]
Lazily Tying One's Coat 
[Mike Garofalo]
Attacher Paresseux Son Manteau 
Irgendjemandes Mantel Faul Binden 
Perezoso Atar Su Capa  
懒扎衣  :  Lan Zha Yi

 

 


3f.  Head facing NE2.  Right arm pointing towards NE2.   
 

The best descriptions of the Chen Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Yilu, are found in Chen Zhenglei's Chen Style Taijiquan 2003 and Mark Chen's Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan 2004.  

 

 

It might be helpful to consider each posture from the perspective of the "Sixteen Requirements" set forth by Chen Zhaokui (1928-1981) in his book "Entering the Door of Taijiquan" (Sim and Gaffney 2002: 116):

"Chen Zhaokui lists sixteen requirements that must be present throughout each posture:
Eye movement (the direction of the eyes)
The shape of the hands, and how the hand changes as the movement is being performed
Footwork (how to execute changes when stepping)

Shun-chan
and ni-chan of the legs
Open and closing of the chest and back  
Rising and falling of the buttocks  
Dantian rotation (waist and lower abdomen) 
Shifting weight (the relationship of substantial and insubstantial) 
Beginning and end points, as well as the transition movements of the upper and lower limbs 
How much strength to us, and where the strength should be concentrated (i.e., where is the attack point) 
Position and direction of posture 
The rise and fall of spiral movement (top and bottom coordination) 
The change in tempo (alternating slow and fast) 
Breathing (coordination of breathing and movement)  
Listening."

 

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4a - 4h.  Six Sealing and Four Closing   (Liu Feng Si Bi)

Sealing Six Avenues of Attack and Closing Four Sides (Liu Feng Si Bi)    [Chen Zenglei] 
Six Sealing, Four Closing (Liu Feng Si Bi)  [Mark Chen] 
40% Open and 60% Closed  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
Six Sealing and Four Closing (Liu Feng Si Bi)  [Sim & Gaffney] 
Six Sealing and Four Closing 
[
Zhaohua] 
Six Sealing and Four Closing 
[Mike Garofalo]
Six Scellant et Fermeture Quatre 
Sechs Versiegelnd und Vier Schließend   
Seises que Sellan y Cuatro que se Cierran  
六封四闭  : 
Liu Feng Si Bi

 

 


4h.  Head facing NE2.  Right arm pointing towards NE2.   
 

The best descriptions of the Chen Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Yilu, are found in Chen Zhenglei's Chen Style Taijiquan 2003 and Mark Chen's Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan 2004.  

 

 

Chen Wangting, 1600-1680, 9th Generation in Chen Village, Creator of the original Chen Taijiquan corpus of Seven Routines.
He is considered the founder of Chen Style Taijiquan. 

               
                                                    
                                   Chen Wangting (1600-1680)

 

Chen Changxing, 1771-1853, 陳長興, 14th Generation in Chen Village, utilized the hand forms of the original Seven Routines of Chen Wangting's Taijiquan and consolidated and rearranged them into the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame (Laojia) First Form (Yi Lu) and Second Form (Er Lu). 

      
Chen Changxing (1771-1853)

 

 

"The training exercises of Taiji, like those from all the internal martial arts traditions of China, are designed to build gong.  What does it mean to built gong?  Physically, the accumulation of gong refers to constant improvements in balance, coordination, agility, flexibility, sensitivity, and strength or power.  Mentally and spiritually, the accumulation of gong refers to improved awareness and confidence, and constant advancements toward realizing tranquility of heart and mind.  These physical, mental and spiritual improvements are the benefits and purpose of practice.  The priority of accumulating gong (as opposed to martial technique or trickery) is repeatedly emphasized in many of the most famous sayings from the oral tradition of the Chinese internal martial arts."
-   Yang Yang,  Taijiquan: The Art of Nurturing, The Science of Power, 2005, p. 5.

Bibliographic Citations for Chen Taijiquan for the Cloud Hands Webpages

 

 

 

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5a - 5e.  Single Whip   (Dan Bian

Single Whip (Dan Bian)    [Chen Zenglei]
Single Whip (Dan Bian)  [Mark Chen] 
Single Whip  [Jou Tsung Hwa]
Single Whip (Dan Bian)  [Sim & Gaffney] 
Single Whip  (Dan Bian)  [Chen Xin]
Single Whip 
[
Zhaohua]
Single Whip 
[Mike Garofalo]
Choisissez Le Fouet 
Single Peitsche  
Escoja El Azote 
单鞭  : 
Dan Bian

 



5e.  Head facing W9.  Chest facing N12.  Left hand facing W9.     
 

The best descriptions of the Chen Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Yilu, are found in Chen Zhenglei's Chen Style Taijiquan 2003 and Mark Chen's Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan 2004.  

 

"Single Whip strikes a majestic pose.
Unobstructed are the mai luo passageways.
The spirit perked, the form alert.
Arms like a snake span East to West.
Attack the head; the tail swings to defend.
Attack the tail; the heads springs to counter.
Attack the center; head and tail jump to act.
Top and bottom and the four sides are thus guarded.
With the readiness of a stretched bow.
Where is the source of this ingenious posture?
Follow the backbone joints to its core."
-  Chen Village Taijiquan Song
   Translated by Sim and Gaffney, Chen Style Taijiquan, p. 72

 

"Taijiquan is like a bright mirror -
it reflects our physical and mental weaknesses,
we need to polish it constantly to see our true selves."  


"The technique I have developed to work directly with my Grinch (inner critic) is first to acknowledge its reaction and then ask a question. For example, if my Grinch says, "That was lousy." I reply, "Yes, that's true, it was lousy. And, if there were more smoothness in my body, what would it feel like?" This is what I call the "Yes, ... And, ..." technique." By acknowledging the negative voice, we blend with it. We soften the negative blow by going with it and not resisting. Then we shift our attention by using the conjunction "and." Using "and" affirms that we can simultaneously hold our vision of how we want to perform without excluding our negative assessment. Asking the question leads our attention toward exploring the sensation of what we want to develop instead of fighting against our Grinch. ...
    I do not delve into the content of what the Grinch has to say, but instead I choose to put my attention on the rush of energy in my body. From using the basic practice techniques, we know something about working with energy. When we feel the rush of energy or notice that we are tensing or speeding up, we can stop, focus on our breath, balance our energy field, feel gravity, and evoke our quality. When we stabilize and soften in this way, the energy can begin to self-organize in a way that allows us to deal with the situation more skillfully. ... Pause and feel any sensations that arise. A new perspective on the situation may come with the sensations."
- Wendy Palmer, The Intuitive Body: Aikido as a Clairsentient Practice, 1994, p. 48

 

"In practicing taijiquan, the requirements on the different parts of the body are: keeping a straight body; keeping the head and neck erect with mindfulness at the tip of the head as if one is lightly lifted by a string from above; relaxing the shoulders and sinking the elbows; relaxing the chest and waist letting them sink down; relaxing the crotch and bending the knees. When these requirements are met, one's inner energy will naturally sink down to the dan tian. Beginners may not be able to master all these important points instantly. However, in their practice they must try to be accurate in terms of direction, angle, position, and the movements of hands and legs for each posture. At this stage, one need not place too much emphasis on the requirements for different parts of the body, appropriate simplications are acceptable. For example, for the head and upper body, it is required that the head and neck be kept erect, chest and waist be relaxed downward, but in the first level of kung fu, it will be sufficient just to ensure that one's head and body are kept naturally upright and not leaning forward or backward, to the left or right. This is just like learning calligraphy, at the beginning, one need only to make sure that the strokes are correct. Therefore, when practicing taijiquan at the beginning, the body and movements may appear to be stiff; or 'externally solid but internally empty'. One may find oneself doing things like: hard hitting, ramming, sudden uplifting and or sudden collapsing of body or trunk. There may be also be broken or over-exerted force or jin. All these faults are common to beginners. If one is persistent enough and practices seriously everyday, one can normally master the forms within half a year. The inner energy, qi, can gradually be induced to move within the trunk and limbs with refinements in one's movements. One may then achieve the stage of being able to use external movements to channel internal energy'. The first level kung fu thus begins with mastering the postures to gradually being able to detect and understand jin or force."
Seattle School of Chen Style Taijiquan 

 

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Summary of Section I, Movements 1-5, Laojia Erlu
Chen Taijiquan Cannon Fist Form 

 


 

 

 

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Some General Comments About this Presentation
Chen Taijiquan, Cannon Fist, Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Erlu

 

Students of the Chen Taijiquan Cannon Fist (Paocui), Old Frame, Second Form (Laojia Erlu), have two print publications which provide detailed descriptions of each of the 43 movements of the Cannon Fist Form: 



 

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A Note on the Source of the Illustrations

The nice, detailed, and clear line drawings of a person performing the Chen Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form (Chen Taijiquan Laojia Yilu) were found in Chinese books written by Chen Sin and Shen Chia-Jen.  Jou Tsung Hwa reproduced the illustrations in his 1980 classic "The Tao of Tai-Chi Chuan: Way to Rejuvenation."  Master Jou says "The pictures of the first Lu depict Chen Fu-Ku's son, Chen Chai-Kuei.  These diagrams are reproduced from the most authentic, original sources available, those written by Chen Sin and Shen Chia-Jen." (Jou 1980, p.13)  The reproduced line drawings were organized with around 30 drawings on a page, and numbered to correspond to Master Jou's list of the 83 named movements of the First Form (Yilu). 

Using the drawings published by Chen Sin and Shen Chia-Jen, I have organized 6-12 of these line drawings into a graphic for each individual movement when possible.  Each drawing is numbered  consecutively within each named movement pattern to facilitate a more detailed commentary.  I reduced the size of the graphic, and made the graphic transparent.

Another source for detailed line drawings of a version of the First Form (Yilu) can be found in "The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan" by (Wong 1996).  The original Yilu consisted of 83 movements or patterns (Jou 1980); and Master Wong uses a simplified version of 54 movements; while Maste Cehn Zhenglei says the form has 74 movements.   

The best photographic study of the Laojia Yilu has been published in the instructional DVD featuring Master Ren Guang Yi.  Chen Taijiquan: Lao Jia Yi Lu and Straight Sword.  Demonstration and instruction by Master Ren GuangYi.  Music and narration by Lou Reed.  "Captured in high-definition (HD) in New York's Central Park, each form is demonstrated angles.  Each form is also shown in FlipperVision, a slideshow comprised of nearly 2,000 photos by famed photographer Martin von Hasselberg, so you may carefully study each of Master Ren's postures in detail."  A YMAA production.  90 minutes, color.  ISBN: :1594390819.  Instructional DVD.  2006.  Ren GuangYi's Website.

 

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Standard Directional Scheme Used for Describing Chen Taijiquan Forms
Used By Mike Garofalo

Directional Instructions

 

Key Clock Hour
Direction
Compass
Direction A

     
N 12 12:00 o'clock North - Front Side of Body
NE 1 1:30 o'clock Northeast
E 3 3:00 o'clock East - Right Side of Body
SE 4 4:30 o'clock Southeast
S 6 6:00 o'clock South - Back Side of Body
SW 7 7:30 o'clock Southwest
W 9 9:00 o'clock West - Left Side of Body
NW 10 10:30 o'clock Northwest

 

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Cloud Hands - Yun Shou

Cloud Hands Website

 

Michael P. Garofalo's E-mail

Red Bluff, Tehama County, North Sacramento Valley, Northern Central California, U.S.A.
Cities in the area: Oroville, Paradise, Durham, Chico, Hamilton City, Orland, Willows, Corning,
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© Michael P. Garofalo, 2011, All Rights Reserved

First published on the Internet on August 8, 2011.

 

 

Qigong: Links and Bibliography

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Chen Taijiquan, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California

General Links Bibliography
Chen Blog Old Frame, First Form Cannon Fist
Sword Staff Saber
Spear Pole Ruler
Short 18 Form Standing Ball
Silk Reeling Internal Training Relaxation
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Sun Style Taiji Green Way Research Valley Spirit Taijiquan
A Beginner's Notebook Valley Spirit Qigong Cloud Hands Taijiquan Index
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