Chen Style Taijiquan
Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei
18 Movements Routine


Research by

Michael P. Garofalo


Bibliography     List of Movements     Instructions and Comments     Videos     Links

Old Frame, First Form (Laojia Yilu) 74     Chen Style of Taijiquan     Taijiquan     Qigong    

Silk Reeling     Standing     Fang Song - Relax     Rooting     Learning Notes

Hunyuan Taiji 24     Chen Taiji 19     Taiji Stick     Blog Posts 18  


Cloud Hands Blog

 

Other Chen Style Taijiquan "Short" Routines

© Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Center, Fir Grove, Vancouver, Washington, 2009-2022
 


 

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Chen Style Taijiquan
Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's Short Tai Chi Hand Form of 18 Movements, 2001
Bibliography, Links, Resources

 

Postscript 1
   

 

Begin Learing Chen Tai Chi by Chenhan Yang


Beginning the Study of Chen Taijiquan


Chen 18 Form Resources. A webpage with 12 videotaped demonstrations on UTube of the Chen 18 Tajiquan form. Prepared by Earth Balance Tai Chi.


Cane, Short Staff, and Staff Weapons of Chen Style Taijiquan    Chen Staff Forms  I practice the lively Chen Broadsword (Dao, Saber) Routine with my cane. 


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, student of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowant, 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.


VSCL = In my Valley Spirit Center Home Library, in Vancouver, Washington


Chen's Taichi for Health and Wellness.  By Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.  White Bench Publications, Toronto, Canada, 2010, 94 pages.  Warmup exercises, silk reeling practices, and detailed instructions with many photographs for his Chen 18 Short Form.  Jack Yan collaborator.  VSCL.    


Chen Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Thirty Six and Fifty-Six Movements.  By Xing Yanling.  Translated by Mei Xuexiong.  Japan Pub., 1993.  173 pages.  ISBN: 978-0870409097.  VSCL


Chen Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Wikipedia

 
Chen Style Tai Chi Essential 18 Postures with Patrick Martin.  Instructional DVD, 2 DVDs, 238 minutes.  Disk 1, 130 Minutes.  Jade Dragon Tai Chi International, Empty Circle Productions, 2008. Patrick Martin is a student of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, and has been practicing and teaching Chen style Tai Chi for the last 20 years.  Detailed instruction for each movement sequence.  Unfortunately, this DVD is no longer available for purchase in 2020. VSCL.


Chen Style Taijiquan.  Written and compiled by Feng Zhiqiang and Feng Dabiao.  Hong Kong, Hai Feng Publishing Co., Zhaohua Publishing House, 1984.  227 pages.  ISBN: 9622380166.  Overview, profiles of teachers, review of 83 movement form, and a very informative review of attack and defense using the Chen style movements.  One of the first books in English on Chen Style Taijiquan.  VSCL.


The Chen Style Taijiquan for Life Enhancement.  Written by Chen Zhenglei and translated by Xu Hailing.  Zhongzhou Classic Publishing House, Zhengzhou, China, 2002.  Text in English and Chinese.  ISBN: 7534821819.  149 pages.  "Describes the principles of Chen style for life enhancement, basic training, Taiji Skills for Preserving Energy and the 18 Forms of the Chen Style. Many photos of Chen Zhenglei doing Exercises and forms. Chen Zhenglei is one of the top Chen stylists in China. Paperback, 149 pages, 5 1/2' by 8'. -  Wayfarer Publications   "It covers the content of the health exercise silk reeling video, and is a useful reference,  giving more detail, especially on theory." VSCL  


Chen Style Taijiquan: Bibliography, Guides, Links, Lessons, Forms, Weapons
  


Chen Style Taijiquan Collected Masterworks: The History of a Martial Art.  By Mark Chen.  Blue Snake Books, 2019.  256 pages.  ISBN: 978-1623173937. 


Chen Style Taijiquan Notepad.  By Christopher David Weinmann.   Comprehensive index of resources on Chen Taijiquan.


Chen Style Taijiquan, Old Frame First Form, Lao Jia Yi Lu.  By Michael P. Garofalo.  2007-2022.  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. 


Chen Style Taijiquan Short 18 Form.  Performance by Master Chen Zhenglei.  UTube, color, 3:38 Minutes, 2007. 


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."  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.  VSCL


Chen style Tai Chi Old Frame Routine I and Chen Tai Chi 18 Essential Forms.  Instructional and demonstration DVD by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.  190 minutes, 2 DVDs.  English or Chinese soundtrack with Chinese subtitles.  VSCL


Chen Style Taijiquan 56 Competition Form Standard


Chen Style Taijiquan: The Source of Taiji Boxing.  By Davidine Siaw-Voon Sim and David Gaffney.  Berkeley, CA, North Atlantic Books, 2002.  Index, charts, 224 pages.  ISBN: 1556433778.   Provides an excellent introduction to Chen style Taijiquan history and legends, outlines the major forms, discusses the philosophy and foundations of the art, and gives very good information on training methods, push hands, and weapons.  Very well written, highly informative, and a unique contribution to the field.  Essential reading for all learning the Chen style of Tai Chi Chuan.  The Hand Forms (Taolu) are described on pp. 110-141.  VSCL


Chen Style Taijiquan: The 36 forms.  By Professor Kan Gui Xiang and Dr. Paul Lam.  Sydney, Australia, East Action Publishing, 1992.   189 pages.  Photographs by John Tourtas.  ISBN: 0646069934.  Professor Kan Gui Xing was an Associate Professor of Physical Science at the Beijing Institute of Physical Science for 36 years and retired in 2000.  She was born in 1940.  This excellent book, with an accompanying DVD or videotape, that can be used by beginners to learn this fine modern simplified version of the Chen family Taijiquan.  The DVD/videotape is titled "Tai Chi Chen Style 36 Forms" by Dr. Paul Lam.  It includes step-by-step instructions by Dr. Lam for one of the world's best known Chen style short forms.  The DVD/videotape includes a demonstration by the creator, Professor Kan.  Produced in Narwee, Australia, by East Action Video in 1993.  The videotape is 100 minutes long.  VSCL.  


Chen Tai Chi Academy, Poole, England.  Sifu Mark Ditcher.  18 Form instructions and videos.


Chen Tai Chi for Beginners.  Learn step by step the standard 56 Chen style competition form with Master Chenhan Yang.  YMAA Publication, DVD, 170 minutes, 2008.  Directed by David Silver.


Chen Tai Chi Fighting Applications.  Instructional DVD by Sifu Ken Gullette.  3 DVD discs, $40.00.  Sifu Gullette explores Laojia Yilu, a 75-movement Chen Taijiquan form and the first major form in Chen Tai Chi.  In this one form, he uncovers over 400 realistic and powerful fighting techniques, and and no movements are repeated.  Sifu Gullette goes even deeper than just the fighting applications.  He explains and demonstrates the internal body mechanics that give these techniques their power.  The fighting techniques in this form involve punches, palm strikes, kicks, knee strokes, shoulder and elbow strikes, chin-na, throws and takedowns.  It's a complete fighting art in one form. These DVDs have been praised even by disciples of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang.  Since some movements are similar to those of other tai chi styles, any tai chi student and teacher will get insights into their art by watching the principles and techniques in these DVDs."  VSCL.


Chen Tai Chi Laojia Yilu Instruction.  By Sifu Ken Gullette.  Instructional DVD, 2 Disc Set, 5 hours Instruction, NTSC Format, $25.  Moline, Illinois, Internal Fighting Arts, 2015.  In-depth coaching on internal body dynamics.  Internal Fighting Arts of Ken Gullette, copyright 2015.  Sifu Ken Gullette was certified in 2005 as an instructor through Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing's school in the Chen Villiage, China.  Sifu Gullette demonstrates the complete form from both a front and back view.  Detailed and informative verbal instructions and precise physical demonstrations are provided by Sifu Gullette for each of the 75 movements in this traditional form.
A strong emphasis on internal body mechanics.  Spiraling methods are given for the arms and hands.  Martial applications are shown.  Excellent coaching by Sifu Gullette for beginners learning this form.  Instruction is done with front, side, and rear views to facilitate visual learning.  Good English language is used: direct, explicit, detailed, informative, with a calm and pleasant voice in a typical practical American style.  Very good attention to the legs: postures, movements, weighting, shifting, stepping angles, and principles.  His explanations, in general, are outstanding.  A student works with Sifu Gullette in every lesson and he corrects student gently as needed.  Five hours of superior instruction for an very affordable DVD at $25.00 in 2022. Adequate menu system.  Sifu Gullette's online training program and 800 instructional videos, for $19.95 per month, might be an option to consider, if they have a good
menu system. VSCL.


Chen Taijiquan Illustrated. By David Gaffney and Davidine Siaw-Voon Sim. 2022, 215 pages. Paperback. "Explores the techniques, training methods and principles followed by generations of masters, iconic practitioners and high-level Taijiquan martial artists. This resource book synthesizes the habits, tools and philosophies honed over centuries of practical research and real-world application. Designed in an accessible dip-in format filled with notes, bullet points and highlights of the most important aspects needed to bring theory to practical reality. Throughout beautifully illustrated single-line drawings capturing the essential nature of Taijiquan. Chen Taijiquan's training system is a complex inter-connected methodology where each element affects everything else. The book helps ensure all important aspects are incorporated into your practice. It is broadly divided into three sections: Body Rules rules in terms of the physical structure and energetic state of the body; Practical Use/Application - concepts that must be understood if the art is to be used in a realistic way. Foundational Philosophical Concepts - ideas underpinning both the necessary mental attitude and its physical expression." VSCL.


Chen Taijiquan: The Theory and Practice of a Daoist Internal Martial Art: Volume 1, Basics and Short 18 Form.  By Thomas Hayes and Wang Hai Jun.  London, Mirador Pub., 2016.  471 pages.  No index. ISBN: 978-1911473480. Oversized paperback. "In this volume you will learn from a Daoist perspective; and, it includes the practical aspects of silk-reeling energy, standing meditation, and the Chen Zhenglei 18 Form Beginners routine. It also gives you an insight into the language and history of China. Chen Style Taijiquan is the oldest of the taiji styles. In this original form it retains its explosive martial arts aspects, while providing the many associated health benefits. Various other Tai Chi styles are based on this traditional form. Thomas Hayes is a leading Daoist scholar and practitioner. Grandmaster Wang Hai Jun was the first non-Chen family student in modern times to be traditionally trained in Chen Village in Henan. He is one of the foremost masters of Chen style with students throughout the world. His teacher, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, is one of the "Four Golden Tigers" of Chen style Taijiquan.“This is an extraordinary book. Whether you are a novice or an experienced martial arts practitioner of any style, you will find something of value tucked away in these rich pages.” David Luddington, 5th Dan Wado Karate." Thorough coverage of the Taoist philosophy and principles underlying the practice of Chen Taijiquan. VSCL.


Chen Taijiquan 38 Form.  Instructional DVD from Master Ren Guangyi.  Instructional DVD, 2 Disc Set, NTSC.  120 minutes.  2007. 


Chen Zhenglei (1949-)   Biography   Biography 2


Chen Zhenglei: A Taichi Biography.  By Cui Chundong.  Translated by Jack Yan.  Wushu Publishing House, 2017.  363 pages.  ISBN: 978-1926431017.


Chi Kung: Valley Spirit Qigong. Chinese Health and Longevity Exercise Routines. Extensive collection of varied routines with instructions and commentary. By Michael P. Garofalo.


 

Cloud Hands Blog

 


Cloud Hands Website: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Ch'i Kung   By Michael P. Garofalo.


Cloud Hands (Taijiquan and Qigong) Website - Subject Index


Comparison of Movements of Chen Short 18 Form and Chen Old Frame First Form (Laojia Yilu)


Cultivating the Civil and Mastering the Martial: The Yin and Yang of Taijiquan.  By Andrew Townsend.  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, no publisher listed on titlepages, 2016.  No index, brief bibliography, 424 pages.  Small typefont.  This volume is a huge compendia of information, comprehensive in scope, with good explanations, observations, insights, and summaries, etc..  This thick book includes some precise and detailed movement descriptions, sound Taijiquan teaching on many topics, and more than five hundred photographs and illustrations.  A heavy reference volume for your desktop; ebook versions for your tablet or phone or Kindle.  ISBN: 978-1523258536.  "Andrew Townsend has been practicing martial arts for more than forty years and began practicing taijiquan in 1990.  Mr. Townsend is a certified taijiquan instructor and a senior student of Grandmaster Jesse Tsao.  He is a retired college professor and has been actively teaching taijiquan for the past ten years.  He lives and teaches in Ormond Beach, Florida." VSVL.


Cultivating Longevity (Yang Sheng Gong)

The Longevity Plan. By John D. Day and Jane Ann Day, wth Matthew LaPlante. 2018, 304 pages. 1. Eat good food. 2. Master your mind-set. 3. Build your place in a positive community. 4. Be in motion. 5. Find your rhythm. 6. Make the most of your environment. 7. Proceed with purpose. John D. Day, M.D., Cardiologist, Electro-physiologist.

Books by Tom Bisio      Books by Eva Wong       Books by Livia Kohn     Books by Hua-Ching Ni

Books by Ken Cohen     Books by Yang Jwing-Ming       Webpages by Michael Garofalo

 


The Dantain: A Baffling Fancy. By Michael P. Garofalo. 10/7/2022.


The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation  By Jou, Tsung Hwa.   Edited by Shoshana Shapiro.  Warwick, New York, Tai Chi Foundation, 1980.  263 pages.  First Edition.  ISBN: 0804813574.  An excellent comprehensive textbook.  A Third Edition is now available.  Master Jou was very knowledgeable about Chen Taijiquan, and recommended that you learn Chen Taijiquan first.  A significant portion of this book is about the Chen Taijiquan.  The First and Second Form movements are listed and illustrated on pp. 11-41.  Silk Reeling is covered on pp. 148-158.  This was a landmark book - the first comprehensive textbook on Taijiquan in the English language.  Master Jou was a very influential teacher and workshop organizer on the East Coast of the USA.  [Jou Tsung Hwa 1980]  VSCL.


Description of the 18 Movements of the Chen Short 18 Form


Dragon River School of Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan: Chen 18 Form


18 Form (Shi Ba Shi – 十八式) Madison Taijiquan.


The Essence of TaijiquanBy David Gaffney and Davidine Siaw-Voon Sim.  CreateSpace Publishing, 2012.  Interviews, bibliography, 288 pages.  ISBN: 978-1500609238.  VSCL.  Highly informative!  Excellent information on Taijiquan training principles, methods, and progression.  Strong emphasis upon training for combat skills.  Interesting observations about everyday life in the Chen village, ancestor respect and rituals, and overcoming the repression of the Maoist Cultural Revolution. VSCL.


Essence of Traditional Chen Style 18 Posture Short Form.  Instructional DVD by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye.  Color, 87 Minutes.  Capital District Tai Chi and Kung Fu Association of New York, 1997.  "Cheng Zheng Lei (the 19th generation of the Chen Family) created this form from the old style of Chen first and second routines.  It includes "silk reeling," fa jin (releasing energy), and balance.  This short form is a good introduction for beginners or for those with little Chen style experience."  "A good introductory Chen form that includes silk reeling and fajing movements as well as other characteristics of the Chen first and second routines. Chen Zhenglei, one of today's top Chen stylists, created the form. There is a demonstration of the entire form followed by step-by-step teaching in slow motion with 2-4 views, from the front, back and side. There are front and back demonstrations of each segment (5 to 7 moves each.)  At the end of the teaching there are demonstrations, front and back. There are also excerpts from other Chen forms." - Wayfarer Publications.  CDTKA.  I use a portable DVD player and this DVD works fine because of the way it is organized.  VSCL.


The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart, and Sharp Mind. By Peter Wayne, Ph.D., and
Mark L. Fuerst. Harvard Health Publications. Shambhala, 2013, 240 pages. VSCL.


Health Preserving Qigong, Chen-style TaiChi Quan I.  Instructional DVD by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.  3 instructional DVDs in the Chinese language with English and Chinese subtitles.  ISBN: 7883046802.  "By Chen Zhenglei. 3 DVDs. A brief introductory section is in Chinese only, but teaching is in Chinese with English and Chinese subtitles. He teaches introductory and foundation exercises as well as an 18 movement form based on Chen Laojia with the difficult moves removed. The teaching is detailed with multiple repetitions and different camera angles."  - Wayfarer.   VSCL.


The Hidden Song Taizu Chang Quan Roots of Chen Taiji.  By Salvatore Canzonieri.  Shaolin Kung Fu Magazine, January/February, 2007, Article #30.  Utube demonstrations of Shaolin Taizu Chang Quan:  One, Two.


How many minutes will it typically take to perform the entire Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form?


Internal Training in Chen Taijiquan


Learning Chen Style Taijiquan - A Beginner's Notebook by Mike Garofalo


List of Movements in Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's Short 18 Form   (1 Page, PDF)   English Only.  By Mike Garofalo.


List of Movements in Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's Short 18 Form   (1 Page, PDF)   English and Chinese.  By Mike Garofalo.


List of Movements in Chen Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Yilu   (2 pages, PDF)  English and Chinese.  By Mike Garofalo.


The Longevity Plan: Seven Life-Transforming Lessons from Ancient China. By John D. Day, M.D., Jane Ann Day, and Matthew LaPlante. Harvard Paperbacks, 2018, 304 pages. The Seven Lessons are: 1. Eat good food. 2. Master your mind-set. 3. Build your place in a positive community. 4. Be in motion. 5. Find your rhythm. 6. Make the most of your environment. 7. Proceed with purpose. Dr. Day stayed and studied at the Longevity Center in Bapan, CR China. VSCL.


Magic Pearl Qigong: A Tai Chi Medicine Ball Exercise Routine and Meditation Technique


Medical Benefits of Taijiquan Practice


Notes on Learning Chen Style Taijiquan - A Beginner's Notebook by Mike Garofalo


Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Yilu, Chen Style Taijiquan


The Origins of Tai Chi: The Chen Camp   Literati Tradition, Xiansheng Bing F. YeYoung


Performance Time for the Chen Taijiquan Short 18 Form


Photographs of Chen 18 Movements by the Dragon River School of Tai Chi Chuan   A detailed photographic study of the Chen 18 Form.


Plumb Publications: Chen Taijiquan 


Power and Serenity.  By Master Ren Guang Yi.  Instructional DVD in NTSC format.  The Short 19 Form from Grand Master Chen Xiao-Wang, and Silk Reeling exercises from Grand Master Chen Xiao Wang.  70 minutes.  2010.


Qigong: Valley Spirit Qigong. Chi Kung, Chinese Health and Longevity Exercise Routines. Extensive collection of varied routines with instructions and commentary. By Michael P. Garofalo .


Quotations about Chen Style Taijiquan


Red Bluff, California, Chen Style Taijiquan Study Group


Relaxation - Song


Ripening Peaches:  Daoist Studies and Practices.  Taoist scriptures, bibliography, Quanzhen Daoism, Neidan, gardening, tea, history, qigong/daoyin, readings, etc.


Resources for the Study of Chen Style Taijiquan


Saber (Dan Dao), Broadsword, Saber Weapon, Chen Style Taijiquan

 

Short Forms of Chen Style Taijiquan

18 Movements, Created by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei

19 Movements, Created by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang

24 Movements, Hunyuan Chen Tai Chi

36 Movements, Created By Professor Professor Kan Gui Xiang

38 Movements, Created by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang

56 Movements, Competition Form, Mixed Old and New Frames

74 Movements, Long Form, Old Frame, First Form (Laijia Yilu)  Traditional Chen Family Form from 1800

 

Silk Reeling, Chan Ssu Gong:  Links, bibliography, quotes, notes.  Chan Si Gong (Reeling Silk Training): Bibliography, Links, Resources. Internal Training Exercises Using Spiraling, Coiling, Twining, Winding, Reeling, or Circling Methods.  Chen Taijiquan Qigong, Internal Training Exercises.


Standing Meditation, Standing Like a Tree, Post Standing, Zhan Zhuang  


Styles of Chinese Martial Arts, Martial Arts World


Subject Index to the Cloud Hands (Taijiquan and Qigong) Website 


Sword (Jian), Double Edged Straight Sword, Chen Style Taijiquan


Suggestions for Beginning Your Study of Chen Taijiquan 


Tai Chi Chen 18 Form.  Instruction by Master Norman Smith.  DVD, 60 minutes. This DVD video teaches the Chen Style 18 movements posture-by-posture with repetition and explanation by Master Norman Smith. In English. Master Smith will break down the form and include some Chen style drills.  VSCL.


Tai Chi - Chen Style 36 Forms.  By Dr. Paul Lam.  Instructional DVD, NTSC Format.  Tai Chi Productions, 1993.  ISBN: 978-0975200377.  VSCL


Tai Chi 18 Short Form DVD (PAL) by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei    Instructional DVD in the PAL format (used outside the USA).  "Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei is the foremost authority on Chen Style Tai Chi and the creator of the 18 Short Form. This form has been designed for beginners of Chen Style Tai Chi, and is part of the book Tai Chi for Health. The DVD includes an introduction, followed by a demonstration of the 18 Short Form with step by step instructions for each individual movement as well as explanations and breakdowns repeated from different camera perspectives and at different speeds with detailed commentary to maximize the benefits of practice and implementation. The video footage was filmed in a professional studio in China with the latest DVD authoring techniques enabling you to navigate and watch the DVD easily and efficiently. The commentary of the DVD includes English and Chinese with the introduction section covered by more languages such as Spanish, Greek. Published by the Chen Style Tai Chi Centre.  ISBN: 1904719163."  Tai Chi Centre


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.   AmazonTai Chi Centre  "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 color 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.   The Tai Chi Centre offers two free downloadable sections of this book.  Chen Style Taijiquan Short 18 Form.  Performance by Master Chen Zhenglei.  UTube, color, 3:38 Minutes, 2007. Available as a PDF version for Free online. VSCL.

 

                   

 

Tai Chi for Health 18 Form DVD.  Instructional DVD by Master Chen Zhenglei.  PAL format???  "The new DVD - Tai Chi 18 Form DVD for the book – Tai Chi for Health - featured by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei has been officially released and It is now available to purchase at: the online shop . Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei is the foremost authority on Chen Style Tai Chi and the creator of the 18 Short Form. This form has been designed for beginners of Chen Style Tai Chi, and is part of the book Tai Chi for Health. The DVD includes an introduction, followed by a demonstration of the 18 Short Form with step by step instructions for each individual movement as well as explanations and breakdowns repeated from different camera perspectives and at different speeds with detailed commentary to maximize the benefits of practice and implementation. The video footage was filmed in a professional studio in China with the latest DVD authoring techniques enabling you to navigate and watch the DVD easily and efficiently. The commentary for the introduction is covered by Chinese, English, Spanish and Greek."


Tai Chi Qigong   Instructional DVD by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.  110 Minutes.  ASIN: B001QU3ZUA.  


Tai Chi--The Perfect Exercise: Finding Health, Happiness, Balance, and Strength  By Arthur Rosenfeld.  Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2013.  ISBN: 978-0738216607.  VSCL


Taijiquan: Cultivating Inner Strength  By C. P. Ong.  Bagua Press, 2013.  366 pages.  ISBN: 978-0615874074. "This book diverges from traditional exposition on Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) as it engages rather than shuns the role of muscles in elucidating the cryptic practice dictum of “using yi (mind) and not li (muscle force).” It centers on the core principle of Taiji balance—the balance of yin and yang, but presents the metaphysics of balance the way the body comprehends it, developmentally, through practice in the musculo-skeletal framework. In the process, the fog of mystique lifts, and the many abstruse concepts of Taijiquan become clear. Taijiquan training is physical at the initial phase, but the slow-motion exercise nurtures a meditative discipline of the mind. As it progresses, the soft methodology grows into one of building qi-energy, and then the practice becomes more internalized. The process fortifies the body with qi and cultivates a holistic balance of the organ systems. The book explains how the training methodology, in pursuing Taiji balance, leads to the development of a highly refined strength called neijin (inner strength). By incorporating the training of “silk-reeling energy” in Taiji balance, the practitioner develops the coiling power (chanrao jin) that underlies the magic of Taijiquan kungfu."  Dr. Ong has a Ph.D. in mathematics from U.C. Berkeley.  C.P. Ong is a 20th generation Chen Family Taijiquan disciple of both Chen Xiaowang and Chen Zhenglei. He has traveled with them, as well as with Zhu Tiancai, for a few years in their U.S. workshop tours. VSCL.

 

 

                                                 

 

 

Taijiquan: The Art of Nurturing, The Science of Power  By Yang Yang with Scott A. Grubish.  Champaign, Illinois, Zhenwu Publications, Center for Taiji Studies, 2005.  Bibliography, index, notes, glossary, 219 pages.  ISBN: 0974099007.  Emphasis upon the theory and methods of Taijiquan, exercise science, and health benefits.  VSCL.


Talking Chen Tajiquan with David Gaffney  Blog.


Taoism and the Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan


The Three Treasures: Body, Mind, Actions. By Michael P. Garofalo.


Vacation and Learn Taijiquan and Qigong with Mike Garofalo in Vancouver, Washington


Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California.  Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.


Videos of Chen Taijiquan Short 18 Form


Chen 18 Form Resources. A webpage with 12 videotaped demonstrations on UTube of the Chen 18 Tajiquan form. Prepared by Earth Balance Tai Chi.
 

VSCL Valley Spirit Center Library, My Home Library, Vancouver, Washington 
 

Yang Style of Taijiquan   Bibliography, links, resources, quotes, notes. 


Yang Style Taijiquan, Standard 24 Movement Short Form


Zhan Zhuang, Standing Like a Tree, Post Standing, Standing Meditation  

 

 

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Chen Taijiquan, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California
 

Bibliography

Links Chen Blog

Short 18 Form

Old Frame, First Form Old Frame Second Form

Sword

Staff Saber

Spear

Pole Ruler

Standing

Silk Reeling Ball

Qigong

Internal Training Relaxation

Cloud Hands Blog

Cloud Hands Website Cloud Hands Index

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UTube Video Performances of the Chen Taijiquan Short 18 Form


New videos of performances of the Chen Short 18 are added to UTube on a regular basis.   Based on what I've viewed, as of 2/1/10, I recommend:

    1.  Performance by Master Chen Zhenglei, 3:38 Minutes. 

    2.  Performance by Augusto Garcia, 3:29 Minutes. 

    3.  Performance by Master Peili Hu, 3:56 Minutes. 

 

Chen Short 18.  Performance by Master Chen Zhenglei.  UTube, color, 3:38 Minutes, 2007.  Professional setting in a grant hall; but video is bit unclear.  Sound good. 

Chen Short 18.  Performance by Master Chen You Nan.  UTube, color, 1:42 Minutes, 2007.  A brisk performance by Master Chen in a shopping center. 

Garcia Short 18.  Performance by Augusto Garcia.  UTube, color, 3:29 Minutes, 2007.  Performed outdoors in a park, mixed sounds. 

Henry Short 18.  Performance by Henry.  UTube, color, 2:30 Minutes, 2009.  In Henry's backyard. 

Hori Short 18.  Performance by Seiji Hori.  UTube, color, 4:21 Minutes, 2009.  Filmed in a studio, from a left front view.  Filmed a bit too close so you can't see feet below knees. 

Huang Short 18, Part I.  Performance by Master Henry Huang.  UTube, color, 2:27 Minutes, 2009.  Filmed in an outdoor setting in Thailand.  Part I. 

Huang Short 18, Part II.  Performance by Master Henry Huang.  UTube, color, 1:45 Minutes, 2009.  Filmed in an outdoor setting in Thailand.  Part I. 

Man Short 18.  Performance by an unnamed young man.  UTube, color, 4:05 Minutes, 2008.  Filmed outdoors in a backyard.  Outdoor sounds of cars and birds. 

Suter Short 18.  Performance by Michael Suter.  UTube, color, 2:29 Minutes, 2008.  Filmed from a side view.  Mr. Suter names the movements.  Not all of form is shown. 

Liu Short 18.  Performance by Master Liu Yong.  UTube, color, 2:06 Minutes, 2007.  Very blurry video. 

Peili Short 18.  Performance by Master Peili Hu.  UTube, color, 3:35 Minutes, 2008.  The lighting is too dark.  The video includes the names of each movement. 

Wang Short 18.   Performance by Master Wang Zhi Ping.  UTube, color, 3:56 Minutes, 2005.  A new interpretation by Master Wang.  Not all of the form is shown. 

Woman Short 18.  Performance by a unnamed young woman.  UTube, color, 2:56 Minutes, 2009.  Filmed near a lake.  Incomplete. 

Search UTube:   Chen Taijiquan 18 Form,

 

 

 

 

 

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Chen Style Taijiquan
Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's Short 18 Movements Tai Chi Hand Form, 2001

List of 18 Movements

 

1.     Beginning Posture of Taiji    (Taiji Chu Shi) 

2.     Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar   (Jin Gang Dao Dui) 

3.     Lazily Tying One's Coat   (Lan Zha Yi)   

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

5.     Single Whip   (Dan Bian)  

6.     White Crane Spreads Its Wings   (Bai E Liang Chi) 

7.     Walk Diagonally   (Xie Xing)    

8.     Brush Knee   (Lou Xi) 

9.     Stepping to Both Sides   (Ao Bu)    

10.   Cover Hands and Strike with Fist   (Yan Shou Gong Quan)    

11.   High Pat on the Horse   (Gao Tan Ma)   

12.   Kick with the Left Heel    (Zuo Deng Yi Gen) 

13.   Jade Maiden Working Her Loom   (Yu Nu Chuan Suo)    

14.   Cloud Hands   (Yun Shou)     

15.   Turn Body with Double Lotus Kick    (Zhuan Shen Shuang Bai Lian) 

16.   Cannon Fist Over the Head   (Dan Tou Pao)    

17.   Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar   (Jin Gang Dao Dui)    

18.   Closing Posture of Taiji   (Taiji Shou Shi)      

 

List of Movements in Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's Short 18 Form  (1 Page, PDF)  English Only 

List of Movements in Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's Short 18 Form  (1Page, PDF)  English and Chinese  

List of Movements in Chen Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form, Laojia Yilu   (2 pages, PDF)  English and Chinese 

Comparison of Chen 18 Taijiquan Form with the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame First Form Laojia Yilu.

 

 

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Chen Style Taijiquan
Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's Short 18 Movements Tai Chi Hand Form

Description, Notes, Comments, Instructions

 

It not my intention to provide detailed verbal descriptions of each movement.  Books by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, and other good Chen Taijiquan books and instructional DVDs/UTubes already provide this detailed and useful information. 

I want to collect together my thoughts about the possible meanings of the movement names, historical musings, interesting quotes, interrelations with ideas from other Taijiquan styles, and related matters. 

I will frequently give directional information for movement sequences, because this information is useful to me. 

When learning, it benefits me and helps me to remember by making notes and doing research.  So, is this webpage really intended for readers other than me?  Yes and No! 

When citing references, I will use the convention of "(Author, Publication Date: Page)" and list all references cited from the resources listed in the general Chen Taijiquan Bibliography.

All movements in the Chen 18 Tai Chi Short Form are found in the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame First Form.  I find the Chen 18 Form more Old Frame than New Frame.  Do you agree? 

This webpage is an ongoing project, and will not be a finished product in 2022. 

I welcome comments, suggestions, ideas, constructive criticism, and feedback from the readers of this webpage.

I have been practicing Taijiquan and Qigong since 1986, teaching Taijiquan and Qigong since from 2000-2022, and teaching Yoga from 2004-2016. My wife and I retired and moved from Red Bluff to Vancouver, Washington, in April of 2017.

I do have some suggestions for beginning Taijiquan students. 

Practice and study, practice and study, practice and study! 

 

 

"The fundamental principles for Chen Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan are summarized as follows:

Keeping the head upright (虚领顶劲, xū ling ding jin)

Keeping the body straight (立身中正, lìshēn zhōngzhèng)

Drop the shoulders and sink the elbow (松肩沉肘, sōng jiān chén zhou)

The chest curve inwards and the waist pressed forward.(含胸塌腰, hán xiōng tā yāo)

Sink the energy to the dantian (心气下降, xīn qì xià jiàng)

Breathe naturally (呼吸自然, hū xī zì rán)

Relax the hips and keep the knees bent (松胯屈膝 ,sōng kuà qū xī)

The crotch is arch shaped (裆劲开圆, dāng jìn kāi yuán)

Keep the mind pure and clear (虚实分明, xū shí fēn míng)

The top and bottom work together (上下相随. shàng xià xiāng suí)

Adjust hardness and softness (刚柔相济, gāng róu xiāng jì)

Alternate fast and slow (快慢相间, (kuài màn xiāng jiàn)

The external shape is curved (外形走弧线, wài xíng zou hú xiàn)

The internal energy travels a spiral path (内劲走螺旋, nèi jìn zou luó xuán)

The body leads the hand (以身领手, yi shēn ling shou)

The waist is an axis (以腰为轴, yi yāo wèi zhóu)

Chen Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Wikipedia

 

 

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1.   Beginning Posture of Taiji
        Preparatory Stance    (Yu Bei Shi, Taiji Chu Shi)

 

The first movement sequence is called the "Preparing Form" (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 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."   

Preparing Form    [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]   
Beginning Posture of Taijiquan (Taiji Qi Shi)    [Chen Zhenglei 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)
Maintien Commençant de Taijiquan  [French]
Anfangenlage von Taijiquan
  [German] 
Postura que comienza de Taijiquan  [Spanish] 
预备式  :  Yu Bei Shi  [Chinese Characters & Pinyin] 
Preparing Form, Shaolin Tai Tzu Chang Quan Yi Lu, from military Hong Quan, circa 970 CE
 

Bibliographic Citations for Chen Taijiquan for the Cloud Hands' Webpages     Bibliography of Chen Taijiquan.

List of Movements in Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's Short 18 Form  (1Page PDF) 

The best written description of the Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form, is found in Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yuei's Tai Chi for Health, 2005, pp. 75-115.  Each move in the Chen 18 Form is also found in the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame First Form Laojia Yilu 74 Movements Form, and the most detailed wirtten description of the Laojia Yilu is found in Chen Zhenglei's book Chen Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword, 2003, pp. 65-262. 
The Chen 19 Form has movements from

At the beginning of the "Beginning Posture of Taiji", your very first posture, is standing up properly [Figure 1a].  Stand tall and relaxed.  You are a martial artist.  This shows respect to yourself and others.  It provides a quiet moment for doing nothing, wu wei, repeating a mantra, motto or poem, saying a prayer, contemplating, building up your self-confidence, practicing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, or feeling your enthusiasm for training in Tai Chi Chuan.  A moment of silence, everyone be quiet.  This standing posture, standing post, is commonly used in Qigong and Yoga.  In my yoga class, we have two versions:  Samasthiti (heels together, hands at side of hips [1a]  and Tadasana (heels touching or feet no more than 8 inches apart, hands out fingers open, palm forward.  These are a couple of basic standing meditation postures [1a or 1b] used to settle the mind, calm the body, unwind before winding, awaken the Dan Tien and inner body, get in the proper mood for the upcoming Taijiquan activity, opening up to our kinesthic sensorium and the flowing ingress from our five senses, staying still as a discipline of the mind-body, using another tool in the technology of enriching and nourishing our pleasures and happiness, etc. 

Some men and women stand for up to 30 minutes or longer in Standing Post [Figure 1a or Figure 1b or Figure 1e].  Step 1, Beginning-Preparing, is all the Qigong they do.  They just stand quietly and don't move very much.  Yi Quan, Mind Boxing.  They don't do Steps 2 to 18 of this Taiji form.  Just Stand:  Iconoclasts, Unificationists, Returning to the One, Forgetting ...  Wu Ji ... Emptiness, Nirvana.  Oftentimes, I am an antsy and impatient person; so I just move on to Steps 2 to 18, and do Taiji Quan, Grand Ultimate Boxing. 

Figure 1b is a narrow Horse Stance, Ma Bu.  It is a narrow horse stance with your feet separated about or less than your shoulders width apart, toes facing forward, knees only slightly bent, hands at sides of hips.  Yang Taiji players take a comfortable easy tall stance in 1b.  Some Chen Taiji players step out to much wider and lower Horse Stance postures, knees lower, groin area tucked, feet pointing outward, giving more room for waist-hips-groin-legs-feet silk-reeling skills and connected strength movements.  Figure 3e shows this lower squatting wide Horse Stance posture.  Squatting is an essential strength building exercise, benefiting the entire body.  All bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts do squatting exercises. 

Figure 1e shows the person in a narrow Horse Stance bending his knees more, settling lower, thrusting his hips back and engaging the Kwa (groin, anterior musculature in the pelvis), looking forward, with his hands lowered from [1d] to about Dan Tien level (abdominal area around your navel, intestines, kidneys) [1e].  Again ... squatting, lowering, gently bending the knees [1e]. 

Taiji likes to yin-yang between rising and lowering, up and down, forward and back, pushing and pulling, coiling and uncoiling, spiraling out and spirlaing in, rotating clockwise and rotating counter-clockwise, moving left and moving right, using inner and using outer, balance on right leg and balance on left leg, extending muscles and flexing muscles, etc.  Good Taiji provides for exercising the legs and hips (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin) and packing up energy, reenergizing and powering up the body.  I sometimes refer to doing "Thigh Chi" rather than "Tai Chi" to emphasize leg movements, using the power of the legs and hips to express strength and force, grounding and rooting, and strengthening and conditioning the legs and waist for more successful Taijiquan practice.   

 

 

 


A note on the directional scheme.  

1a - 1e.  Face N 12.
1d.  Raise hands up to about shoulder height. 

Martial Applications of Beginning Posture of Taiji, UTube, 2:02 minutes, Part 1.  Part 2, 1:21.

 

    We begin by standing in a relaxed, upright, dignified posture.  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.  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), 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). 

      Slowly and gently let the weight shift into the right leg, then lift the left foot, and step to the left.  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 #1. 

    Gently raise the hands, palms facing down, to about shoulder height.  The elbows are slightly curved as the arms rise up. Then gently lower the arms back down to the waist, with wrists touching the waist, palms facing down.  Maintain the feeling of Sung.  This movement is not shown in illustration #1. 

    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.  Some end the form with a Taiji Salute

    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. 

 

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2.   Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar
      (Jin Gang Dao Dui)

 

Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar   [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]   
Pounding the Mortar (Jin Gang Dao Dui)   [Chen Zhenglei 2003]
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]
Martèlement du Mortier 
Zerstoßen des Mörsers
 
Golpear el Mortero
金刚捣碓  :  Jin Gang Dao Dui
Scoop Moon from Ocean Bottom (Hai di lao yue), Grasp Hammer (ba chui), Shaolin Tai Tzu Chang Quan Yi Lu, from military Hong Quan, circa 970 CE. 
 

 

 

A note on the source of the illustrations.



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

Martial Applications of Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar, UTube, 1:49 minutes.

The best description of the Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form, is found in Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yuei's Tai Chi for Health, 2005, pp. 75-115.  Each move in the Chen 18 Form is also found in the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame First Form Laojia Yilu 74 Movements Form, and the most detailed description of the Laojia Yilu is found in Chen Zhenglei's book Chen Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword, 2003, pp. 65-262. 

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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3.   Lazily Tying One's Coat   (Lan Zha Yi)

 

Lazy About Tying the Coat    [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]   
Lazily Tying One's Coat (Lan Zha Yi)    [Chen Zhenglei 2003] 
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, 1932, 2007] 
Lazy About Tying Coat  [Zhaohua]
Attacher Paresseux Son Manteau 
Irgendjemandes Mantel Faul Binden 
Perezoso Atar Su Capa  
懒扎衣  :  Lan Zha Yi 
Head-on Wrenching Hand (Ying-mian Ban Shou), Shaolin Tai Tzu Chang Quan Yi Lu, from military Hong Quan, circa 970 CE.   
 

 

 

 


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

The best description of the Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form, is found in Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yuei's Tai Chi for Health, 2005, pp. 75-115.  Each move in the Chen 18 Form is also found in the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame First Form Laojia Yilu 74 Movements Form, and the most detailed description of the Laojia Yilu is found in Chen Zhenglei's book Chen Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword, 2003, pp. 65-262. 

 

         
             3f


"In order to learn Taiji well, the first requirement must be diligence and perseverance.  Taiji classics state: "Without perseverance there can be no gain" and "Learning Taiji is like rowing a boat against the flow of water; if you do not go forward, you will drift back."  In order to glimpse the full wonder of Taiji and to attain a high level of skill, one must possess a will to carry on despite hardships, setbacks, frustration and boredom.  From the beginning, students must be willing to commit themselves to a long-term goal and be patient during the process of achieving that goal.  The process of learning takes time, and the necessary length of time must be allowed to understand the content of the teaching.  One will not succeed if focus is only on the final product."
-  Sim and Gaffney, Chen Style Taijiquan: The Source of Taiji Boxing, 2002, p. 212

 

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

 

Six Sealing and Four Closing    [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]  
Sealing Six Avenues of Attack and Closing Four Sides (Liu Feng Si Bi)    [Chen Zhenglei 2003] 
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 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

 

 

 

A note on the source of the illustrations.

 

 


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

Martial Applications of Six Sealing and Four Closing, UTube, 1:29 minutes. 

Troubleshooting "6 Sealing and 4 Closing."  Comments on short forms and the left version of this movement and 60%/40%. 

"However-- I have to disagree that there is deep meaning in the movements at all, let alone in the Chinese names as opposed to the English translations. This is a martial art; or if it's not really a martial art anymore as it's frequently taught, it still has martial origins. The movements aren't mystical clues a la Dan Brown; they're punches, kicks, throws, blocks, etc. They don't have MEANING, they have PURPOSE. Furthermore, the names for the movements are often misleading, uninformative, or open to interpretation. Chen taiji stylists say "six sealing, four closing"; Yang taiji people say "like sealing, like closing", or shorten the whole thing to "apparently closing". The two phrases sound very similar in Mandarin; they're written with different characters, but the martial artists who originally came up with the names were illiterate, so we don't really know what they had in mind. I'm inclined to think it means six parts sealing, four parts closing, except I don't really understand what the difference is between the two verbs in the first place."  -  Jerry Larson  

I believe that "deep meanings" can be associated with any movement.  Philosophers and scholars who practice Taijiquan and Qigong have long been interested in using and connecting  Buddhist, Taoist, I Ching, Confucian, Chinese cultural, and Traditional Chinese Medical ideas, theories, practices, and iconography with various internal martial arts and Daoyin mind-body movement arts.  Sun Lu Tang, Cheng Man Ching and others helped popularize internal martial arts by making these theoretical, metaphorical, and "mystical" connections.  Most people who practice Taijiquan these days know no little or nothing about martial applications, but still greatly enjoy this mind-body art.  These days, in the post-firearms era, many persons find the health improving, stress reducing, meditative, spiritual, and mystical aspects of "New Age" Taijiquan more useful, uplifting, and meaningful than thinking about how they might kick someone's butt in a bar fight. We often "think" via associative and metaphorical means, thrive on open interpretations, and cherish imaginative games.  We now have a greater need to fight stress, boredom, rigid thinking, literalism, and laziness. Taijiquan can seal us off from these destructive forces. 

"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.

 

The best description of the Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form, is found in Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yuei's Tai Chi for Health, 2005, pp. 75-115.  Each move in the Chen 18 Form is also found in the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame First Form Laojia Yilu 74 Movements Form, and the most detailed description of the Laojia Yilu is found in Chen Zhenglei's book Chen Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword, 2003, pp. 65-262. 

 

 

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5.   Single Whip   (Dan Bian

 

Single Whip (Dan Bian)    [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005; Chen Zhenglei 2003]
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]
Choisissez Le Fouet 
Single Peitsche  
Escoja El Azote
 
单鞭  :  Dan Bian 
Pull up hidden block (Liao Yin Jie), Shaolin Tai Tzu Chang Quan Yi Lu, from military Hong Quan, circa 970 CE.   

 

 

 


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

The best description of the Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form, is found in Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yuei's Tai Chi for Health, 2005, pp. 75-115. 

How many minutes will it typically take to perform the entire Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form?

 

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

 

"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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6.   White Crane Spreads Its Wings   (Bai E Liang Chi

 

White Crane Spreads Its Wings   [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005] 
White Goose Spreading Its Wings  (Bai E Liang Chi)  [Chen Zhenglei 2003]
White Goose Spreads Wings  (Bai E Liang Chi)  [Mark Chen] 
White Crane Spreads Wings  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
White Crane Spreads Its Wings (Bai He Liang Che)  [Sim & Gaffney] 
White Goose Reveals Its Wings  (Bai E Liang Chi)  [Chen Xin 1932, 2007]
The White Crane Spreads Its Wings  [Zhaohua] 
La Grue Blanche Répand Ses Ailes 
Weißer Kran Verbreitet Seine Flügel 
La Grúa Blanca Separa Sus Alas 
白鵝亮翅  :  Bai E Liang Chi 
Support Forearm (Cheng Bang), Shaolin Tai Tzu Chang Quan Yi Lu, from military Hong Quan, circa 970 CE.   

 



6a.  Face

The best description of the Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form, is found in Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yuei's Tai Chi for Health, 2005, pp. 75-115. 

 

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7.   Walk Diagonally   (Xie Xing

 

Walk Diagonally  [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]
Diagonal Posture  (Xie Xing)  [Chen Zhenglei 2003] 
Oblique Posture  (Xie Xing)  [Mark Chen]
Kick Forward and Twist Step  [Jou Tsung Hwa]
Walking Obliquely (Xie Xing)  [Sim & Gaffney] 
Walking Obliquely and Twist Step on Both Sides  [Zhaohua] 
Marche Inclinée 
Schräg Gelegenes Gehen 
El Caminar Inclinado 
斜行  :  Xie Xing

 



A note on the directional scheme.  

7a.  Face

The best description of the Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form, is found in Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yuei's Tai Chi for Health, 2005, pp. 75-115. 

"The 18 form takes the essential movements of LaoJia YiLu and removes much of the repetition to create a short form that retains the essence of YiLu without requiring as much time to learn or to perform. This is an ideal form for beginners who want to gain the benefits of practicing YiLu in a shorter amount of time. The experienced practitioner will gain the benefits of being able to refine movements directly applicable to YiLu as well as learning a useful form to teach to beginners or to practice when time constraints don't allow you to practice the full form. Learn this form from the person who created it!"
Tai Chi Center UK

 

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8.   Brush Knee   (Lou Xi

 

Brush Knee  (Lou Xi)  [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]  
Holding Up the Knee  (Lou Xi)  [Chen Zhenglei 2003] 
Embrace Knee  (Lou Xi)  [Mark Chen] 
Brushing Knees (Lou Xi)  [Sim & Gaffney] 
Genou De Brosse 
Bürste Knie 
Rodilla Del Cepillo
搂膝  :  Lou Xi



8a.  Face

The best description of the Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form, is found in Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yuei's Tai Chi for Health, 2005, pp. 75-115. 

 

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9.   Stepping to Both Sides   
      (Ao Bu

 

Stepping to Both Sides (Three Steps Forward)  (Ao Bu)   [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]
Stepping to Both Sides (Ao Bu)  [Chen Zhenglei 2003]
Twist Steps  (Ao Bu)   [Mark Chen]  
Side Walk and Twist Step [Jou Tsung Hwa]  
Stepping Three Steps (Shan San Bu)  [Sim & Gaffney] 
Brush Knee and Twist Step  (Lou Xi Ao-bu)  [Chen Xin 1932, 2007]
Wade Forward and Twist Step on Both Sides  [Zhaohua] 
Progression Aux Deux Côtés 
Treten Zu Beiden Seiten 
El Caminar a Ambos Lados 
拗步  :  Ao Bu



9a.  Face

The best description of the Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form, is found in Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yuei's Tai Chi for Health, 2005, pp. 75-115.  Each move in the Chen 18 Form is also found in the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame First Form Laojia Yilu 74 Movements Form, and the most detailed description of the Laojia Yilu is found in Chen Zhenglei's book Chen Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword, 2003, pp. 65-262. 

How many minutes will it typically take to perform the entire Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form?

 

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10.   Cover Hands and Strike with Fist  
        (Yan Shou Gong Quan

 

Cover Hands and Strike with Fist   [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]  
Cover Fist and Punch  (Yan Shou Gong Quan)  [Chen Zenglei 2003] 
Covered Hand Punch  (Yan Shou Hong Quan)  [Mark Chen] 
Hidden Hand Punch  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
Hidden Thrust Punch and Whirling Upper Arms (Yan Shou Hong Quan)  [Sim & Gaffney] 
Screening Hand Strike with Hidden Forearm  (Yan Shou Gong Chui)  [Chen Xin]
The Fist of Covering Hand and Arm  [Zhaohua] 
Covered Fist Punch  [Mike Garofalo]  My Notes on Movement 14
Poinçon Couvert De Poing 
Bedeckter Faust-Durchschlag 
Sacador Cubierto Del Puño
掩手肱拳  :  Yan Shou Hong Quan



10a.  Face

 

 

A Few Highlights of Chen Taijiquan History

"According to the Li Family Genealogy, the early patriarchs of Li, Chen (Chen Bu), and three other families became sworn brothers on their migration from Shanxi in the fourteenth century. This event took place in the Qianzai Temple of Tang Village in Boai County, which is about 30 miles away from the present Chen Village. By the ninth generation, the Li patriarchs Zhong and Xin, and their inter-marriage cousin Chen Wangting again swore themselves to be brothers like their forefathers, and took the abbot Bogong Wudao as their master at the Taiji Gate of Qianzai Temple. The contents of the papers day that Chen and the Li brothers created taiji yangshen gong, or "the art of Taiji Cultivating Life," and practiced and transmitted wuji yangshen gong, or "the art of Wuji Cultivating Life," shisanshi tongbei gong , or "the Thirteen Postures Boxing." "The art of Wuji Cultivating Life" and "the Thirteen Postures Boxing" had been created by the Qianzai Temple priest Shi Li (614-741), or Li Daozi, according to stone tablets at the temple, who well studied the Three Teachings, Qianjin yifang: "Revised Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold;" daoyin: "guiding and pulling"; and tunai: "expelling the old breath and drawing the new." It is said that various martial art postures (from nearby Shaolin and other sources, such as the Chang Nai Chou’s Nei Jia Quan, from the neighboring Wen county) were combined with classic Chinese internal health theories of passages of blood, air flow, and energy. This new art eventually became known as Chen family boxing. By the 1700's, Chen Wang Ting's style had developed into the Five Routines of Pao Chuoi and Hong Quan, a 32- and a 108-posture Tai Ji form, and one Duan Da (short strike) form. Over time many of these forms were said to have been lost. By the end of the century, the art had been passed to Chen Chang Xing, 14 th generation, who united and simplified the various routines. It is said by some that Chen Chang Xing re-introduced Nei Jia Quan into his Chen family art via teachings from Wang Zong Yue and Jian Fa. According to an interview (by Yuan Quan Fu) with Li Libing, the present eighteenth generation of Li family, Wang Zong Yue came from Shanxi, and lived in the Tang village as a schoolteacher for five or six years. There, Wang studied martial arts with Li Helin, who was born in 1721, the twelfth generation of the Li Family. (Chen Chang Xing was also the teacher of Yang Lu-chan, originator of Yang Tai Ji Quan. What is very interesting is that the Chen linage, Yang Lu Chan, and Wu Yu Xiang and his brothers, ALL had learned Shaolin Hong Quan in their youth. Many of the ideas and movements seen in Yang style, but not obvious in Chen style, can be found in Hong Quan forms, especially the Xiao Hong Quan form. The concept and movements of Tai Ji Quan’s Push Hands are also found in the Step Forward Push Palms postures in Xiao Hong Quan, along with the Fair Lady Works at Shuttles movement.)"
-   The Hidden Song Taizu Chang Quan Roots of Chen Taiji.  By Salvatore Canzonieri.  Shaolin Kung Fu Magazine, January/February, 2007, Article #30. 

The Origins of Tai Chi: The Chen Camp   Literati Tradition, Xiansheng Bing F. YeYoung 

 

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)

 

Chen Zhenglei, 1949- , 19th generation in the Chen Village, utilized the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame First Form (Laojia Yilu) and created a simplified Chen Taijiquan short form of 18 movements in the 1990's. 

                     

                                     Chen Zhenglei (1949 - )

 

 

 

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11.   High Pat on the Horse   (Gao Tan Ma

 

High Pat on the Horse  (Gao Tan Ma)   [Cheng Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]
Patting the Horse's Back  (Gao Tan Ma)  [Chen Zhenglei 2003]  
High Pat on Horse  (Gao Tan Ma)  [Mark Chen]
High Pat on Horse  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
High Pat on Horse  (Gao Tan Ma)  [Sim & Gaffney]
High Pat on the Horse  (Gao Tan Ma)  [Chen Xin]
High Pat on Horse  [Zhaohua]
高探马  :  Gao Tan Ma



11a.  Face

Martial Applications of High Pat on Horse, UTube, 1:10 minutes. 

The best description of the Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form, is found in Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yuei's Tai Chi for Health, 2005, pp. 75-115.  Each move in the Chen 18 Form is also found in the Chen Taijiquan Old Frame First Form Laojia Yilu 74 Movements Form, and the most detailed description of the Laojia Yilu is found in Chen Zhenglei's book Chen Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword, 2003, pp. 65-262. 

How many minutes will it typically take to perform the entire Chen Taijiquan, Short 18 Form?

 

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12.   Kick with the Left Heel   (Zuo Deng Yi Gen

 

Kick with the Left Heel  (Zuo Deng Yi Gen)   [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005] 
Kicking with the Left Heel  (Zuo Deng Yi Gen)  [Chen Zhenglei 2003]  
Left Heel Kick  (Zuo Deng Yi Gen)  [Mark Chen]
Turn Body and Kick  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
Kick with the Left Heel  (Zuo Deng Gen)  [Sim & Gaffney]
Kick with Left Heel  [Zhaohua] 
左蹬跟  :  Zuo Deng Gen


12a.  Face

 

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13.   Jade Maiden Working Her Loom   (Yu Nu Chuan Suo

 

Jade Girl Works the Shuttles  (Yu Nu Chuan Suo)   [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005] 
Jade Maiden Working Her Loom  (Yu Nu Chuan Suo)  [Chen Zhenglei 2003]  
Jade Maiden Works Shuttles  (Yu Nu Chuan Suo)  [Mark Chen]
Fair Lady Works at Shuttles  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
Jade Girl Works Shuttles  (Yu Nu Quan Shou)  [Sim & Gaffney]
Fair Lady Works the Shuttles  (Yu Nu Chuan Suo)  [Chen Xin] 
The Jade Girl Works at Shuttles  [Zhaohua] 
玉女穿梭  :  Yu Nu Quan Shou



13a.  Face

 

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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14.   Cloud Hands   (Yun Shou

 

Wave Hands  (Yun Shou)   [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005] 
Rolling Hands Through the Clouds  (Yun Shou)  [Chen Zhenglei 2003]  
Hand Technique  (Yun Shou)  [Mark Chen]
Waving Hands Like Clouds  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
Cloud Hands  (Yun Shou)  [Sim & Gaffney]
Wave Hands Like Clouds  (Xia Yun Shou)  [Chen Xin] 
Wave Hands  [Zhaohua] 
雲手 v运手  :  Yun Shou



14a.  Face

 

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15.   Turn Body with a Double Lotus Kick  
        (Zhuan Shen Shuang Bai Lian

 

Turn Body with Double Lotus Kick  [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005] 
Turning Around and Sweeping with Both Legs  (Zhuan Shen Shuang Bai Lian)  [Chen Zhenglei 2003]  
Swing Foot  (Bai Jiao)  [Mark Chen]
Turn Around and Sweep Lotus  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
Turn Back and Wave Double Lotus  (Zhuan Shen Shuang Bai Lian)  [Sim & Gaffney]
Shake Foot  (Bai Jiao)  [Chen Xin] 
Turn Body and Double Wave Lotus  [Zhaohua] 
双摆莲  :  Shuang Bai Jiao  :  Slap Foot



15a.  Face

 

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16.   Cannon Fist Over the Head  
        (Dang Tou Pao

 

Cannon Fist Over the Head   [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]
Cannon Right Overhead  (Dang Tou Pao)  [Chen Zhenglei 2003]  
Head-on Cannon  (Dang Men Pao)  [Mark Chen]
Face Opponent Cannon  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
Head-on Blow  (Dang Tou Pao)  [Sim & Gaffney]
Head-on Blow  (Dang Tou Pao)  [Chen Xin] 
The Cannon Right Overhead  [Zhaohua] 
当头炮  : Dang Tou Pao

 



15a.  Face

 

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17.   Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar  
        (Jin Gang Dao Dui)

 

Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar   [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]   
Pounding the Mortar (Jin Gang Dao Dui)   [Chen Zhenglei 2003]
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]
Martèlement du Mortier 
Zerstoßen des Mörsers
 
Golpear el Mortero
金刚捣碓  :  Jin Gang Dao Dui



17a.  Face

 

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18.   Closing Posture of Taiji  (Taiji Shou Shi)   
        

Finishing Form   [Chen Zhenglei and Liming Yue 2005]  
Closing Posture of Taijiquan  (Taiji Shou Shi)  [Chen Zhenglei]  
Closing Movement  (Shou Shi)  [Mark Chen]
Conclusion of Tai-Chi  [Jou Tsung Hwa] 
Closing Form  (Taiji Shou Si)  [Sim & Gaffney]
Closing Form  [Zhaohua] 
收式  :  Shou Shi



18a.  Face

 

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Chen Style Taijiquan
Suggestions for Beginning Your Practice of Chen Taijiquan
By Mike Garofalo

 

If you are fortunate enough to have a qualified instructor teaching you the Chen Taijiquan short 18 form, then just resolve to carefully and diligently learn from that instructor and practice often on your own. 

If, like me, you do not have a local Chen Taijiquan instructor to teach you directly, then you can still proceed to learn and practice the basics on your own using instructional DVDs, books, and Internet resources.  I lived in a rural area from 1998-2017, that was 130 miles from Sacramento, California, where there are a few Chen Taijiquan teachers.  From 2017-2020 I am living in Vancouver, Washington; however, I have not yet found a Chen Taijiquan 18 form teacher near my home.

The instructional DVDs and books I have used are listed in the bibliography on this webpage.  In particular, I used the following four resources on a daily basis when first learning the basics of this form:

1.  Essence of Traditional Chen Style 18 Posture Short Form.  Instructional DVD, 87 Minutes, with teaching by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye.  (Note: Some of the angles of the postures in this instructional DVD do not match those of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, so one needs to carefully adjust one's practice to the standard set by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.  However, this instructional DVD is very useful for English learners in the USA.) VSCL.

2. Tai Chi for Health.  By Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei and Master Liming Yue.  Textbook for the 18 Form, warm ups, silk reeling, principles. Available as a PDF version for Free online. VSCL.

3. Health Preserving Qigong, Chen-style TaiChi Quan I.  Instructional DVD by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.  3 instructional DVDs in the Chinese language with English and Chinese subtitles.  ISBN: 7883046802.  "By Chen Zhenglei. 3 DVDs. A brief introductory section is in Chinese only, but teaching is in Chinese with English and Chinese subtitles. He teaches introductory and foundation exercises as well as an 18 movement form based on Chen Laojia with the difficult moves removed. The teaching is detailed with multiple repetitions and different camera angles."  - Wayfarer.   VSCL.  These instructional DVDs cover the exact same material as found in the book Tai Chi for Health.  The English subtitles are adequate for understanding, although the printed translations are a bit ungrammatical and awkward at times; or, I would have preferred a voice over by an English speaker.  VSCL.

4. Chen Style Tai Chi Essential 18 Postures with Patrick Martin.  Instructional DVD, 2 DVDs, 238 minutes.  Disk 1, 130 Minutes.  Jade Dragon Tai Chi International, Empty Circle Productions, 2008.  VSCL.  Patrick Martin is a student of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, and has been practicing and teaching Chen style Tai Chi for the last 20 years.  Detailed instruction for each movement sequence.  This would be my first choice for an excellent instructional DVD on the Chen 18 Form. VSCL. This DVD may no longer be available in 2022.
VSCL.

5. Tai Chi Chen 18 Form.  Instruction by Master Norman Smith.  DVD, 60 minutes. This DVD video teaches the Chen Style 18 movements posture-by-posture with repetition and explanation by Master Norman Smith. In English. Master Smith will break down the form and include some Chen style drills.  VSCL

   I have given a number of suggestions to beginners about learning Taijiquan in my webpage on the Standard 24 Beijing Short Form in the Yang Style of Taijiquan.  

I also post to my Cloud Hands Blog about Chen Taijiquan

Beginning students need to keep in mind that Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei recommends in his text book Tai Chi for Health a program of study and practice including:

    1.  Warm up exercises.  He provides an interesting gentle warm up routine, or you can practice a variety of qigong routines, e.g., Eight Section Brocade, Five Animal Frolics, etc. 

    2.  Standing or seated meditation.  The subject of quiet sitting, post standing, and meditation is quite complex.  It is one of the cornerstones of Buddhist and Daoist practices. 

    3.  Silk Reeling exercises.  These exercises involve twisting, turning, circling, twining, reeling, winding movements - both externally and internally. 

    4.  Practicing the Chen Tai Chi Short 18 Movement Routine

Learning and practicing with a group can always be fun and beneficial.  A dedicated Taijiquan practice group does not always need a "leader" to succeed in helping you learn and practice.

I always recommend learning from the Master Teachers of Chen Taijiquan by READING their books and using their instructional DVDs

Keep looking for Chen Taijiquan workshops, seminars, and camps that you can attend.  Maybe we will meet at one of these events in 2023 in the Western USA. 

   My very best wishes to you for much success in your study and practice of the Chen Taijiquan Short 18 Form. 
  
   May we all enjoy good health, peace and prosperity in 2022,

       
        
        Mike Garofalo
        
        August, 2022, Valley Spirit Center, Green Way Research, Vancouver, Washington
        

 

 

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How Can You Be Successful in Your Taijiquan Training

By Michael P. Garofalo, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California

August 2022


1.  Get stronger in your legs and waist.  I recommend walking for 1.5 hours four days a week at a brisk pace to condition the legs and waist.   Taijiquan requires you to stand and move for 60 to 90 minutes during a typical Taijiquan practice session or class.  "Tai Chi" (Taijiquan) could also be called "Thigh Chi" because of the demands it makes on the legs, feet, knees, and waist.  You need some cardio-vascular (aerobic) training, like long walks, to condition the heart and lungs and legs to better prepare for the demands of Taijiquan training.  Most Taijiquan Masters recommend practicing standing postures (Ma Bu, Trinity, Zhang Zhuang) to improve concentration. self-discipline, and leg strength.  Standing still and holding some part of a numbered Chen Taijiquan posture, e.g., some part of Lazily Tying the Coat; keeping perfectly still, not moving, holding an isometric posture for 45 seconds, static discipline ... will indeed strengthen your legs, hips and waist. 

2.  Practice, Learn, Practice, Learn, Practice, Learn, Practice, Learn ....  The daily practice of the Taijiquan Forms and Sets is required for "success" (i.e., achievement, skill, adeptness, facility, superior performance, excellence, advancement, fluency, etc.) in Taijiquan training.  You must challenge yourself to learn more each week and month.  Hard work and dedication (Kung Fu) are necessary for integrating the practice of Taijiquan in your life. 

3.  Listen, observe, imitate, and learn from your Taijiquan teachers.  Use the many fine instructional DVDs now available to learn more about the Taijiquan forms you are practicing.  Read books and magazine articles and web pages, and study UTube demonstrations, to learn more about the Taijiquan forms you are practicing.  Learn more about the history and styles of Taijiquan.  If you are among the few persons fortunate enough to learn directly from a Taijiquan master or grandmaster, then treasure this unique learning opportunity, and advance accordingly under their tutelage.  Give respect to teachers who have earned and deserve respect.  Be humble and open-minded so as to properly absorb new information, ideas, and techniques.  Don't be overly judgmental of others, but don't be a fawning fool or credulous. 

4.  Taijiquan has "Principles" that should be embodied and exemplified in your mind-body practice of this ancient Chinese art.  Some time must be spent learning these key ideas, concepts and principles so as to integrate them into your practice.  For examples, concepts like relaxed, sinking, centering, weighted, balanced, energized, focused, intentions, opponent, forms, styles, heart-mind, spirit, etc., must be learned.  Some understanding and appreciation for the Taoist and Zen outlooks are valuable and useful for advancement in Taijiquan.  

5.  Find the Taijiquan style suitable to your physique, age, temperament, attitude, limitations, and physical condition.  Select an intensity of practice suitable to your energy level for the day or week, and any physical limitations of a temporary or permanent nature.  Be flexible, explore, adapt, and experiment to find appropriate solutions to your specific individual circumstances.  Cultivate good self-awareness and realistic views of your personal skill sets.  Avoid too many comparisons with other more advanced Taijiquan players.  

6.  Be detailed orientated.  Be precise in your movements, postures, and sequences.  Appreciate the beauty and function of the movements in the tradition of Taijiquan that you practice.  Learn the sequence and names (English and Chinese) for all the parts and postures of the Taijiquan forms you are studying.

7.  Fight against your real opponents: inactivity, laziness, inflexibility, weakness, inertia, fear, worry, depression, confusion, and sloth.  You are training to become stronger, more agile, more balanced, more enlightened, more conditioned.  You serious efforts in your Taijiquan training will help to ward of disease, improve your immunity, strengthen you muscles, improve your cardio-vascular functioning, ameliorate existing health problems, brighten your attitude, uplift your spirits, calm your emotions, and boost your confidence.  Taijiquan is a self-defense system against poor health habits and sloppy living.  Your final opponents are illness and dying.  Fight on, brothers and sisters!! 

8.  Be patient.  Think and act in terms of weeks, months, seasons, and years.  Persevere through the inevitable stale, boring, plateau periods when progress seems stuck.  Consistent practice cultivates will power.  Don't give up.  Have confidence that your self-discipline will bear fruit in due season, and create the seeds leading to a new and rewarding self-appreciation and self-respect. 

9.  Accept the fact that you will make mistakes, mistakenly concieve, stumble, incorrectly apply, and lack depth of understanding.  You will get to correct, change, and modify how you have learned (incorrectly) to habitually move.  You will need to relearn movements.  Make the effort and train. 

 

"The space, the distance between the incorrect and correct execution of the movements, is what we call ‘temporary mistakes,’ mistakes that occur midway, obstacles so to speak.  These mistakes, these obstacles on the trail are part of the normal course of learning Taijiquan; they belong to it and are part of the way of learning the Gong, that is: the artistry.”
-  Chen Xiaowang interview, Chen by Jan Silberstorff, p. 270. 

 

 

 

What characteristics do we need to make a success of our Taijiquan training?

By Chen Ziqiang.

Thanks to Randy Chakerian from Corvallis, Oregon, for sending me (6/18/2014) information about this short article by Chen Ziqiang.  "The following article by Chen Ziqiang was translated by Davidine Sim for the Chenjiagou Taijiquan GB website, and after reading it I (David Gaffney) thought that some of you guys would enjoy it: 


 
What you need to know for your Taijiquan practice? 

 
1.Respect your teacher.  Place strict demand on yourself. Not respecting your teacher may not present a problem on the surface, but in actual fact you have not realised the true essence of martial arts principle.  If the character is not upright, attempts to take short cuts, harbouring unnatural thoughts - will inevitably not attain the true essence of Taijiquan's philosophy and martial art.

 
2Do not be arrogant and egotistical. It is easy to attract trouble and disputes when a person is arrogant and egotistical.  Do not be arrogant with your skill, and do not be conceited in your speech.  Be calm  and harmonious in your dealings. One who is arrogant and conceited is bound to run aground in mid-course.

 
3. Do not be prideful and self-satisfied when learning Taijiquan, as "an army puffed up with pride is bound to lose".   The proverb says: "Beyond the heaven there's another heaven; besides this man there's another man".   A humble man who is worthy of being taught, the venerable elder empties his treasure trove to transmit.

 
4.When you learn Taijiquan you should learn with concentrated attention.  Every posture must be practised and studied repeatedly.   Thinking must be natural and rational. Movements must be continuous and unbroken. If they are not continuous the energy flow will not be smooth and in order, and it would be impossible to utilise your primary dantian energy at will.

 
5. You must understand the way and principle of Taijiquan.  If you don't understand the way, you will not understand how to learn.  Ultimately you will not be able to experience the wondrous essence of the art.

 
6. You must be conscientious during practice.  Understand the changes within movements.   Train with method; the method must be compatible with your body and understanding.  Train systematically; work with your concept, in order to enable your physical movements to change and alter to fit in and harmonise with your intellectual understanding.  From the first posture to the last, if you are familiar and are able to remember the principle of every direction, angle, posture and its transition, only then can you claim to have grasped a form (taolu).  This is known as "Zhao Shu" or "Familiarity with the Form".

 
7. During practice pay attention to the functions of the movements.  Every movement has a different function but at the same time movements are mutually changeable, and supplement and balance each other.   It can therefore be said that the function of every movement in a form from the beginning to the end is elastic,  changeable  and linked.  Only in this way the power of every movement is expressed perfectly in the appropriate place.   This is known as "Dong Jin" or "Understanding Energy".

 
8. There must be intention during practice.  Because every move expresses its function and thought process.  A common saying states: "During training act as if there's an opponent.  In combat act as if there's no opponent".   When you reach a stage where you don't need to pause to ponder either in practice or in actual usage, when you're able to spontaneously use your every move and posture to deal with external changes.  This is the instinctive manifestation of "xin" and "yi" (mind and intent).  It is known as "Shen Ming" or "Divine Realisation".

 
9. Fear neither hardship nor fatigue; make unremitting efforts; in order to reach your full potential.  You must have patience, perseverance, and a calm harmonious heart in order to arrive at the final level of "Divine Realisation".

Chen Ziqiang, "What characteristics do we need to make a success of our Taijiquan training?"

 

 

"Yangsheng is generally translated as ‘nourishing life’ and consists of various self-cultivation practices, generally considered to be Daoist, which are directed towards health and longevity. Life (sheng) can be supported, maintained, cultivated and nourished (yang) by sustaining the ‘Three Treasures’: Jing (Essence), Qi (Energy) and Shen (Spirit).

Everyone is born already possessing a certain amount of jing and qi but these energies eventually diminish with age. To enable longevity one should maintain or restore these energies. Shen, however, comes to an individual at birth and must be cultivated throughout life. Yangsheng whose techniques are based on physiological, psychological, and behavioural principles are central to this belief. According to the ‘Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy’ Daoist self-cultivation practices can be divided into three categories: Meditation, Alchemy and yangsheng. The yangsheng category includes such practices as daoyin, breathing, sexual hygiene and dietetics.

However, the ‘Encyclopedia of Taoism’ widens the yangsheng practices to also include massage, meditation and visualisation, healing, and rules of daily behaviour. What this indicates is that the definition of yangsheng is very fluid. No definitive list of what constitutes Yangsheng practices can be made. It has changed over time and continues to change even today as in the West it has been mixed with New-Age ideas. One thing that has not changed is the inclusion of the core practices of daoyin, breath-cultivation and sexual-cultivation. The core practices are also part of the yangxing (Nourishing the Body) and are often confused with each other, though ‘body’ techniques alone are considered inferior to the ‘life’ techniques because they do not go far enough as they do not work with tianli (the Celestial Principle)."
- Tai Chi Forum, 8/2022

 

 

 

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Chen Style Taijiquan
Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's Short 18 Movements Tai Chi Hand Form

General Notes, Endnotes

 

Chen 18 Form Resources. A webpage with 12 videotaped demonstrations on UTube of the Chen 18 Tajiquan form. Prepared by Earth Balance Tai Chi.

 


Performance Time for a Complete Performance
Of the Chen Taijiquan Short 18 Movements Form of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei
      

Time Performer Source
              
3:38 Chen Zhenglei UTube, DVD
4:24 Jiang Jian-ye DVD, 1997   
3:33 Peili Hu

UTube, 2008

3:31 Augusto Garcia

UTube, 2007 

3:54 Chen Zhenglei Chen style Tai Chi 18 Essential Forms, DVD
4:16 Mark Ditcher UTube 
3:17 Yin Fei UTube
2:58 Pauline Bao Utube
2:55 Jing Tian Utube
     

 

 

 

 

 

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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 English language classic "The Tao of Tai-Chi Chuan: Way to Rejuvenation."  VSCL. 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).  These black and white illustrations are widely available on the Internet.  It should be noted that these illustrations do not correspond exactly to how the Chen Taijiquan Short 18 Form is actually done. 

Using the drawings published by Chen Sin and Shen Chia-Jen, I have organized 4-8 of these line drawings into a graphic for each individual named movement sequence where 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 Old Frame First Form (Laojia 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. VSCL.

 

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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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Chen Taijiquan Hand Forms
 

Short 18 Chen Form Taijiquan, Chen Zhenglei

 

Old Frame First Form, Laojia Yilu, 74 Movements

 

1.  Beginning Posture of Taiji 1.  Preparing Move 
2.  Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar  2.  Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar  (#2, 6, 15, 73) 
3.  Lazily Tying One's Coat    3.  Lazily Tying One's Coat  (#3, 49) 
4.  Six Sealing and Four Closing  4.  Six Sealing and Four Closing  (#4, 25, 41, 46, 50, 60)
5.  Single Whip    5.  Single Whip  (#5, 26, 42, 47, 51, 61, 67) 
6.  White Crane Spreads Its Wings    7.  White Crane Spreads Its Wings  (#7, 21, 56) 
7.  Walk Diagonally  8.  Walk Diagonally  (#8, 11, 22, 57) 
8.  Brush Knee  9.  Brush Knee  (#9, 12) 
9.  Stepping to Both Sides (Three Steps Forward)  10.  Stepping to Both Sides  (#10, 13) 
10.  Cover Hands and Strike with Fist 14.  Covered Fist Punch  (#14, 24, 38, 59) 
11.  High Pat on the Horse  28.  High Pat on Horse  (#28, 63) 
12.  Kick with the Left Heel  31.  Kicking with the Left Heel  (#31) 
13.  Jade Maiden Working Her Loom  48.  Jade Maiden Working Her Loom  (#48) 
14.  Cloud Hands  52.  Cloud Hands  (#27, 52, 62) 
15.  Turn Body with a Double Lotus Kick  71.  Turn Around and Sweep with Legs (#71) 
16.  Cannon Fist Over the Head  72.  Cannon Right Overhead (#72
17.  Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar 73.  Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar  (#2, 6, 15, 73) 
18.  Closing Posture of Taiji  74.  Closing Posture of Taiji

 

 

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Valley Spirit Center, Gushen Grove, Red Bluff, Tehama County, North Sacramento Valley, California (1998-2017)
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This webpage was last modified, improved, edited or updated on September 2, 2022.     

This webpage was first published on the Internet in May of 2009.

 

 

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A Note to Readers: 

     The Cloud Hands Taijiquan webpages have been online continuously since 2001.  In 2009, for example, over 1,350,000 webpages (excluding graphics), webpage views, were served to readers around the world from six websites: Cloud Hands Taijiquan, Valley Spirit Qigong, Ways of Walking, Taoism, Virtues, and Yoga.  Since 2005, I have also provided information about Body-Mind Arts, Philosophy, and the Eight Ways at my Cloud Hands Blog.  Since these hypertext notebooks have been freely available on stable and well established websites, they have provided readers with a good and secure starting point for their online research into topics like Nei Gong, Chi Kung, Taijiquan, Philosophy, Walking, The Tao Te Ching, Daoism, Inner and Outer Work and Play, Meditation, and Yoga.  The Cloud Hands websites are funded entirely by Green Way Research, with volunteer efforts by Michael P. Garofalo

     As I write in 2022, I have been providing hypertext notebooks on these subjects for over 23 years, and easily over 29 million webpage views have been served to people around the world back in 2011.  I don't track usage anymore.

     Unfortunately, as everyone knows, many other websites and webpages, documents, photographs, and videos appear and then disappear from the Internet scene.  Authors do not pay to keep up their web hosting services, loose a "free hosting" option, change filenames, recode away from HTML, move to a new information distribution software platform like Drupal or another database application, or decide to remove the webpages for various reasons.  Consequently, links to some good webpages or videos become invalid and the files are no longer found on the Internet.  You may find a some of these "dead links" to nonexistent webpages or videos cited in my hypertext documents.  Unfortunately, there are few ways to to avoid this troublesome situation.  For these reasons, it is important to have a tactic planned for saving files.  When you do find a good and useful webpage or file, be sure to save the webpage or file to a folder on your hard drive, or server, or Cloud memory.  I've used AskSam, Microsoft OneNote, and Cloud Server services for organized file saving.   

    In most of my hypertext notebooks, books cited in my bibliography on a subject are all arranged in title order.  Links to a WWW Internet webpage, website, resource, or service are all arranged in title order.  Links to books, documents, or online video files are arranged in title order.  Links to books or merchandise are typically through Amazon.Com.  An overall index to my hypertext notebooks is available. 

    I welcome your suggestions for how to improve this webpage.  Your comments, ideas, contributions, and constructive criticism are encouraged.  Send your suggestions to my email box.

 

 

 

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