ChanSiGong Blog » Videos

Lost in Generation?

lzy — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:38:32 +0000

This is a post by our guest blogger, Silkreeling who is also a keen player of Chen Style Taijiquan.

The video below may take a while to appear. Or you may view it at

(Please open the article to see the flash file or player.)

Watch the above clip, featuring Master Jiang Jiajun performing Yilu perhaps in the 1990s. Jiang, a top student of Grand Master Hong Junshen, trained initially under Chen Zhaopei prior to 1964. Through that experience, Jiang found good ties with the Chen Villagers; he was particularly close to Wang Xian and later was to become the godfather of Wang’s eldest son.

Jiang had to travel frequently to Jinan to train with Hong Junshen and on several occasions have had the good fortune to be coached also by Chen Yuxia, who was Chen Fake’s daughter. In his training diary, which now has been adapted to a book, Jiang relates one of this encounter:

After 10 repetitions of the form, Master Hong has just arrived with teacher-aunt (Chen Yuxia). That was around 6.30am and when teacher-aunt saw that that I was drenched in sweat, she asked how the practice was. I told her I played the form 10 times, which led Master Hong to add “Jiajun is really hardworking, practicing like this everyday in the morning, afternoon and night; just like how Master Chen Fake practiced.”

“You must be tired; we’ll continue tomorrow when I can come earlier.” Teacher-aunt said after a brief pause. I quickly responded saying I wasn’t tired and could immediately receive any instructions or corrections that may be offered. After which I proceeded to play the form for teacher-aunt’s review. I played the form to as close as I was taught, trying best to stay loosen yet focused without the use of clumsy strength. I completed Yilu and Erlu without any strain, feeling natural and overall goodness.

Teacher-aunt glanced at Master Hong before breaking into a smile saying “You practice the form very close to how your teacher’s teacher practiced it. The postures, movement coordination and spirit are all very similar. Looks like your teacher had spent considerable efforts in coaching you.”

Some moments later on the request of us students, teacher-aunt began her practice of Yilu, which was then followed by the sword form practice. All of us were really impressed with such an eye opener; and Master Hong said to teacher-aunt after she concluded the practice “Yet you say there wasn’t much time for practice, I see much improvement from before. And certainly, I see Master Chen Fake in the way you practice and that really brings back fond memories of my training with him.”

Master Hong and teacher-aunt then started to reminisce about the past trainings they both shared under Grand Master Chen Fake. Teacher-aunt told us “Your teacher has vast experience and knowledge in the practice of Chen taiji as taught by my father. In terms of skills and length of practice, he can be considered to be the representative of my generation. You guys got to learn diligently and do not let this precious knowledge be lost when it comes to your generation!”

Girl Power

lzy — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:56:28 +0000

This is a post by our guest blogger, Silkreeling who is also a keen player of Chen Style Taijiquan.

How is your practise for the year 2009? Let see how a 12 year old been doing. According to the note posted on Youtube, she is doing Chen Style Taijiquan from Ma Hong school. She is the daughter of a prominent student of Ma Hong.

(Please open the article to see the flash file or player.)

Spring And Autumn Falchion 春秋大刀

lzy — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:35:33 +0000

Commonly known as the GuanDao, the weapon of General Yu of the Three Kingdoms fame，the Spring And Autumn Falchion is classified as a long weapon. Traditionally very heavy,there are now lighter versions that weight less than 2 kg.

The Chen Taiji routine is made up of thirty phrases that run like a poem. The main applications of this weapons They are chop, cut, pierce, parry, thrust, intercept, press, push, slice, block and swing in figure-8 form. Here is a clip by Ni ShiQing ( 倪世清）, a disciple of Chen Zhenglei. Ni handles this weapon with ease and displays lots of power with this routine.

If you can’t see the embedded video, please view it directly at http://www.56.com/u98/v_MTQ3MTcxMTk.html

(Please open the article to see the flash file or player.)

Taiji Tiger – Li Jingwu 李经悟

lzy — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:38:10 +0000

This is a post by our guest blogger, Silkreeling who is also a keen player of Chen Style Taijiquan.

A lesser known figure outside of China, Li Jingwu (1912-1997)probably is one of the most accomplished Chen style Taiji master of his generation. Listed below are some quick references to his achievements:

One of Chen Fake’s top disciples, who could neutralise up to 4 of Chen’s successive fajings.
Known for his upright character, mild mannerism and integrity, especially when exchanging pointers with opponents.
Respected Grand Master of both Chen and Wu style Taiji.
He is Wang Peisheng’s kungfu brother and together they form 2 out of the 5 Taiji Tigers of that era.
Represented Beijing in the 1956 National Wushu Exchange Competition together with Wang Yongquan and Zhang Yansheng. He came in 1st in his Category.
Also practice Sun Style and Yang Style Taiji, and helped with the compiling of the standard Beijing 24-Form teaching video.
Made significant contributions to the book “Chen Style Taijiquan” of Shen Jiazhen and Gu Liuxin, but credits to him was mistakenly excluded.
Also known for his qigong and accupunture skills.
He not only contributed public articles on what is chansijing in the 1960s, he is also a testament to its high level application (See 2:10 to 2:19 of the clip above).
He is well liked and respected by students, teachers and all others in the Taiji circle.

Zhu Tiancai Mega Collection DVDs

lzy — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 07:33:33 +0000

Zhu Tiancai DVD

Just when I thought ChenXiaowang has published the largest collection of DVDs , his fellow gongfu brother, Zhu Tiancai come out with a collection of 37 DVDs. One of the most comprehensive collection as it covers the Old, New and Small Frame, short and long weapons including a new fan routine. Here are the contents :

The 39 Discs consist of the following

1. Chen-style Taiji Fan – 2 discs

2. Chen Style Spring & Autumn Falchion – 2 discs

3. Chen Style – 13 strokes Old Frame – 1 disc

4. Chen Style 4 Basic Pattern Routine – 1 disc

5. Chen Style Single Broadsword – 2 disc

6. Chen Style Sanshou – 2 discs

7. Chen Style Double Broadsword – 1 disc

8. Chen Style – 13 strokes New Frame – 1 disc

9. Chen Style New Frame Routine 1 – 4 discs

10. Chen Style New Frame Routine 2 – 3 discs

11. Chen Style Old Frame Routine 1 – 4 discs

12. Chen Style Old Frame Routine 2 – 2 discs

13. Chen Style Single Sword – 2 discs

14. Chen Style Spear- 2 discs

15. Chen Style Small Frame- 3 discs

16. Chen Style Push Hands – 2 discs

17. Chen Style Routine Demonstrations – 3 discs

If you want to add this to your collection, you may get it from here