Chen Style Taijiquan

Comments, Notes, Experiences, Practice Reflections, Resources, and Research by Mike Garofalo

After a more careful study of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's book Tai Chi for Health and comparing Loajia Yilu to Chen Short 18, I've decided to study and learn the Chen Short 18 first.

Dennis Inouye pointed out to me today about how he and Jean use a mortar and pestle to crush rice for a special food that they make. I was thinking only of "mortar" as something like a concrete mix or paste used to bind bricks together in masonry construction.

"You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your deep, driving desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny."
- Upanishads

"A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply
as something to aim at."
- Bruce Lee

"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement,
and success have no meaning."
- Benjamin Franklin

"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

Still practicing the first six movements of the Chen Taijiquan Laojia Yilu and Dan Dao forms.

This week, I enjoyed reading the Chen Style Taijiquan book: Chen: Living Taijiquan in the Classical Style. By Master Jan Silberstorff. Jessica Kingsley Publications, 1st Edition, June, 2009. 320 pages. ISBN: 1848190212. Master Silberstorff is an advanced indoor student of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang, has spent many years in China and speaks Chinese, and is a top European Chen Master.

Chen Style Taijiquan, Old Frame First Form, Lao Jia Yi Lu. By Michael P. Garofalo. 140Kb+. 2007-2010. Detailed bibliography of books, media, and articles. Extensive selection of Internet links. List of movement names in English, Chinese characters, Chinese Pinyin, French, German, and Spanish; and citations for sources of the movement names. Detailed list of videos available online. Extensive notes on the author's learning the Old Frame, First Routine, Lao Jia Yi Lu; and on learning Chen Taijiquan. Record of performance time of this form by many masters. Breakdown by sections, with separate lists for each section. General information, history, facts, information, pointers, and quotations.

I studied three instructional DVDs this morning on the Laojia Yilu. Thus far, the instructional DVD by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye appeals to me the most for learning.

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."

I updated and revised many of my Chen Taijiquan webpages so as to prepare them for additions and improvements in 2010.

I've really been exercising extra this year. I've resumed weight training and started extra aerobic conditioning exercises. In the first quarter of 2010, I want to get in better physical condition and loose 15 pounds of bodyweight. On my days off work (Thursday-Monday), I walk 3.6 miles and practice Taijiquan and cane weapon training in the morning. I also teach two Taijiquan classes and three yoga classes each week at the Tehama Family Fitness Center.

Here are some new resources that I found today and will add to the Chen webpages:

January 12, 2010

I have mentally wrestled for a month about what Chen Taijiquan hand form to learn first. A person has a number of options: Chen Zhenglei's 18 movement short form, Chen Xiao Wang's 19 movement short form, Zhu Tia Cai's 13 movement short form, or the 36 movement short form of Madame Professor Kan Gui Xiang. I was leaning towards Chen Zhenglei's 18 movement form.

After considerable deliberation, I decided today to first study and learn the the Chen Style Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Yilu, 74 movement hand form.

Most Chen Taijiquan experts recommend the following program for beginners: standing meditation, warmups, silk reeling exercises, and practicing the Laojia Yilu.

I very much liked the speed and power of the Chen Taijiquan Saber 23 Form. I only practice weapons forms with my cane, and the Chen Taijiquan Saber 23 Form is easily practiced with a cane. I don't use a sword or saber much anymore, and gave nearly all my metal weapons to my son. I prefer just using a wooden cane. I can take my cherry wood combat cane anywhere, take it on all my walks, and can readily practice weapons forms with my cane. Yes, it is not the same experience as working with a metal broadsword, but cane play is still great exercise, challenging, and fun. After learning the Chen Taijiquan Saber 23 Form I plan to learn the Eight Immortals Cane Form, Part II, Cannon Cane, in the Chen Style, created by Master Jesse Tsao of San Diego.

Happy New Year, and greetings to everyone from Mike Garofalo from Red Bluff in Northern California.

I started the intellectual study Chen Style Taijiquan in 2007. I have read many books, magazine articles on the subject. I have viewed many UTube videos and instructional DVDs on the subject. I have spoken to many Chen Style Taijiquan practitioners and teachers.

I will be 64 years of age on my birthday in January of 2010, as I begin my daily practice of Chen Style Taijiquan. I am in reasonably good health and physical condition at the start of my training in Chen Style Taijiquan. I have considerable experience with practicing and teaching Qigong, the Yang and Sun Styles of Taijiquan, and Yoga.

Master Jou Tsung Hwa (1917-1998) began his practice of Chen Taijiquan when he was 52 years old. Master Madame Gao Fu (1916-2005) began her practice of Chen Taijiquan when she was in her 50's. Master T. T. Liang (1900-2002) began his practice of Taijiquan when he was in his late 40's. Older persons learning Taijiquan should take encouragement from these dedicated Taijiquan masters.

Unfortunately, there are no Chen Style Taijiquan teachers within 125 miles of where I live in rural Red Bluff, California. San Francisco and Sacramento have many excellent teachers in Chen Style Taijiquan.

Therefore, working within my geographical limitations, I intend to learn how to practice Chen Style Taijiquan on my own, using instructional DVDs and books, and supplement my learning and training by attending weekend workshops and seminars on Chen Style Taijiquan. Chen Taijiquan camps and private instruction are also a possibility. Chen Taijiquan Workshops 2010

My immediate practice goals and objectives in January 2010 are to learn and practice daily:

Here are the instructional DVD resources I will be using starting in January, 2010:

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.

Chen Style Taiji Quan Old Frame I. Explained and demonstrated by Chen Zenglei. DVD Video, 2 DVDs, color, 188 minutes, 2005. Includes narration in simple Chinese, traditional Chinese, and English. The traditional 74 movement form in 6 parts. The DVD includes detailed coaching by Chen Zenglei on every movement in the form, and lectures on basic movements, requirements of the form, basic techniques, a demonstration of the entire form, and a demonstration of 18 essential forms. Translated by Xu Hailiang. The English narration is very good. Excellent photography. Distributed by Guangxhou Beauty Culture Communication Co.. ISRC: CN-M23-96-302-00/V.G8. I purchased this DVD from China Books. VSCL.

Chen Style Taijiquan Single Broadsword, 23 Movements, from Chen Zhaopei, instructional DVDs:

Chen Style Single Broadsword. Instruction by Master Jesse Tsao. Sample Instructional DVD and VHS formats, 50 minutes. "This routine is short and refined with clear applications. It reflects the characteristics of Chen Style Tai Chi, combining softness with hardness and slowness with quickness; dodging and yielding with agile movements, cutting and hacking with great speed. Master Tsao presents demonstrations both in front and back view of the whole routine. He teachers step-by-step in slow motion, in English. There are plenty of repetitions in both front and back view in his detailed teaching." VSCL.

Traditional Chen Family Tai Chi Broadsword. Instructional videotape or DVD by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. 70 minutes. Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's Tai Chi Videos. He teaches the 23 movement form developed by Chen Zhaopei in 1933. "By Jiang Jian-ye. This classic weapon routine enhances fajin, relaxed explosive release of force, and silk reeling energy. Jiang, who studied intensively in China, demonstrates the 23-movement form from the back at the beginning of the tape and multiple times, back and front, at the conclusion. Teaching of the movements uses multiple repetitions and camera angles an reviews of segments. 70 Min. $39.95." - Wayfarer Catalog. Traditional Chen Family Tai Chi Broadsword. Instruction and demonstration by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. Available in VHS and DVD media formats. 70 minutes. Shifu Jiang demonstrates and carefully and slowly teaches the 23 movement form. He teaches the form in a step-by-step and movement by movement manner. Each movement is repeated from 3-5 times, slowly and at normal speed. Each movement is show from front, back and side views. Jiang's Tai Chi Videos. VSCL.

Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan. By Mark Chen. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 2004. Appendices, notes, bibliography, 246 pages. ISBN: 155643488X. Excellent detailed instructions for First Form of the Old Frame, including photographs. An essential book for Chen Taijiquan enthusiasts. VSCL.

Tai Chi for Health. By Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei and Master Liming Yue. Chen Style Tai Chi Centre, Manchester, U. K, 2005. ISBN: 194719112. 208 pages. Color photographs. "By Chen Zhenglei and his student, Liming Yue. In English. Includes principles of Tai Chi for Health, foundation training exercises, Taji skills for preserving energy, illustrations of the 18 forms, Comments from Westerners about Tai Chi plus interviews with Tai Chi practitioners. Many photos. Paperback. 7 1/4 X 10 1/.4. #9.99." - Wayfarer Publications. Amazon. "Tai Chi for Health was officially released at the International Tai Chi Festival and the third International Exchange Competition opening ceremony in China in August 2005. This full colour book focuses on the health benefits of Tai Chi, concentrating on the official Chen Style 18 Short Form, Silk Reeling Energy and Qigong exercises. The book contains detailed illustrated instructions and in-depth discussion of the theories behind the practice. The text offers an unprecedented insight into the techniques and theory of Chen Style Tai Chi. The authors bring together their vast knowledge, teaching experience and cultural understanding to create a work that is accessible to western students whilst keeping all the important detail often lost in translations. The book has been written over a two and a half year period by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei and Master Liming Yue with the assistance of several of Master Liming Yue's senior students. Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei is the 11th Generation head of the Chen Style Tai Chi and 19th generation of the Chen family. Master Liming Yue is one of Europe's foremost Tai Chi masters and holds a seventh Duan Wei officially issued by the Chinese Wu Shu Association China." - Tai Chi Center, U.K. VSCL.

Chen: Living Taijiquan in the Classical Style. By Master Jan Silberstorff. Jessica Kingsley Publications, 1st Edition, June, 2009. 320 pages. ISBN: 1848190212. "Chen style Taijiquan is the oldest of the five main Taijiquan styles. In this book, Master Jan Silberstorff, a leading Chen practitioner, shares his expertise and insights. He explains the background to Taijiquan, and its key principles, and gives the reader a true insight into the Chen system. Master Silberstorff sets this within the historical context of Taijiquan in China, its country of origin, and explains the martial, health and spiritual aspects of traditional Chen Taijiquan. He discusses the different Chen forms and the importance of each, as well as the place of competition and the effect on participants. The book also contains the complete sequences for both the empty hand and weapon forms. This accessible and comprehensive guide to Chen style Taijiquan is ideal for beginners and will also be useful to advanced practitioners wanting to deepen their practice." VSCL.

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,
Rancho Tehama, Los Molinos, Tehama, Proberta, Gerber, Manton, Cottonwood,
Anderson, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, and Redding, CA, California.

General	Links	Bibliography
Chen Blog	Subject Index	Old Frame, First Form
Sword	Staff	Saber
Spear	Pole	Ruler
Qigong	Standing	Ball
Silk Reeling	Internal Training	Relaxation (Sung)
Cloud Hands Website	Cloud Hands Blog	Yang Style Taijiquan
Sun Style Taijiquan	Green Way Research	Valley Spirit
A Beginner's Notebook	Valley Spirit Qigong	Cloud Hands Taijiquan Index

A Beginner's Notebook

Comments, Notes, Experiences, Practice Reflections, Resources, and Research by Michael P. Garofalo

Comments, Notes, Experiences, Practice Reflections, Resources, and Research by
Michael P. Garofalo