1. Gathering and Releasing
To throw the switch, slow and even.
To penetrate the core, gather and release.
To disperse the soul, indulge in sounds and colors.
To reveal the truth, shatter the illusions and.
2. Chen Style Taiji Tu
What is the Taijitu and what does it mean?
a)
b)
c)
d) All of the above
Your Answer:
3. The Story of Mr. Ancestral Tablet
Chen Changxing, a key figure in the history of Tai Chi Chuan, is renowned for his contributions to the development and refinement of the art. Born in Chen Village, Henan Province, China, in the late 18th century, Chen Changxing belonged to the illustrious Chen family, which was known for its expertise in martial arts.
Chen Changxing's story intertwines historical accounts with legends and myths, making it a captivating tale in the realm of martial arts lore. His life and legacy have left an indelible mark on the evolution of Tai Chi Chuan.
Chen Changxing grew up immersed in the rich martial arts tradition of Chen Village, where his family had practiced martial arts for generations. He learned the Chen family's martial arts forms from an early age, mastering their techniques with dedication and discipline.
One of the distinguishing features of Chen Changxing's martial arts practice was his stiff and upright posture, earning him the nickname "Mr. Ancestral Tablet." His formidable presence and mastery of martial arts techniques made him a respected figure in the community.
Some schools of thought suggest that Chen Changxing was a maverick who practiced and taught a style of martial art that was not part of the Chen Family martial arts tradition, and that was passed to him either directly or indirectly from a tai chi master known as Jiang Fa. Some other schools of thought suggest that Chen Changxing re-worked two or more of the traditional Chen Family routines into his own style and then taught it to Yang Luchan and others. Both schools successfully explain why the tai chi that Yang Luchan's descendants now practice is substantially different from the modern Chen routines, but neither theory can be completely substantiated and thus much controversy remains. At the same time, the members of the Chen clan believe that not much changed in Chen tai chi from the times preceding Chen Changxing, nor after him besides, perhaps, the sequence of the movements and their grouping in to the forms. The differences between Chen tai chi and other big styles are mostly attributed to the independent development of non-Chen styles in the modern and pre-modern eras. The visual representation of the Sun style, for instance, looks strikingly different from the Yang style, which in its turn mirrors the Chen style to a high degree, both in the appearance and movements names.
However, today the truth can be revealed. Legend has it that Chen Changxing's journey took a transformative turn when he encountered the inner teachings of tai chi. The knowledge of Tai Chi principles was imparted to Chen Changxing, emphasizing the importance of softness, relaxation, and internal energy cultivation.
Under this guidance, Chen Changxing underwent a profound transformation in his martial arts practice. He embraced the principles of Tai Chi Chuan, incorporating fluid and circular movements, as well as the cultivation of qi (vital energy) and the concept of yielding to overcome force.
Chen Changxing's innovative approach to martial arts led to the development of what is now known as Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan. He synthesized traditional Chen family martial arts with the principles of Tai Chi, creating a unique and effective system of self-defense and health cultivation. It is speculated that he is the forerunner who combined the original sets of Chen Family Hongquan (etc.) into Yilu and Erlu, basing the forms on the Chen family martial arts, but adding and emphasizing the internal skills he had learned.
After this profound creation of Yilu and Erlu, Chen Changxing was no longer known as Mr. Ancestral Tablet! His contributions to Tai Chi Chuan extended beyond his own practice. He became a renowned teacher, sharing his knowledge and expertise with his disciples and students in Chen Village and beyond. His teachings spread throughout China, influencing the practice of Tai Chi Chuan for generations to come.
Despite his considerable influence and contributions, Chen Changxing's life was not without challenges. During his time, martial arts were often suppressed by the ruling authorities, and practitioners faced persecution. Chen Changxing navigated these turbulent times with resilience and perseverance, steadfastly preserving and transmitting the art of Tai Chi Chuan.
Chen Changxing's legacy endures to this day, revered by practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan around the world. His teachings continue to inspire and guide generations of martial artists, embodying the timeless principles of balance, harmony, and self-cultivation inherent in Tai Chi philosophy.
In the annals of martial arts history, Chen Changxing stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication, wisdom, and the pursuit of excellence. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration for all who seek to embark on the path of martial arts mastery and inner cultivation.
To throw the switch, slow and even.
To penetrate the core, gather and release.
To disperse the soul, indulge in sounds and colors.
To reveal the truth, shatter the illusions and.
2. Chen Style Taiji Tu
What is the Taijitu and what does it mean?
a)
b)
c)
d) All of the above
Your Answer:
3. The Story of Mr. Ancestral Tablet
Chen Changxing, a key figure in the history of Tai Chi Chuan, is renowned for his contributions to the development and refinement of the art. Born in Chen Village, Henan Province, China, in the late 18th century, Chen Changxing belonged to the illustrious Chen family, which was known for its expertise in martial arts.
Chen Changxing's story intertwines historical accounts with legends and myths, making it a captivating tale in the realm of martial arts lore. His life and legacy have left an indelible mark on the evolution of Tai Chi Chuan.
Chen Changxing grew up immersed in the rich martial arts tradition of Chen Village, where his family had practiced martial arts for generations. He learned the Chen family's martial arts forms from an early age, mastering their techniques with dedication and discipline.
One of the distinguishing features of Chen Changxing's martial arts practice was his stiff and upright posture, earning him the nickname "Mr. Ancestral Tablet." His formidable presence and mastery of martial arts techniques made him a respected figure in the community.
Some schools of thought suggest that Chen Changxing was a maverick who practiced and taught a style of martial art that was not part of the Chen Family martial arts tradition, and that was passed to him either directly or indirectly from a tai chi master known as Jiang Fa. Some other schools of thought suggest that Chen Changxing re-worked two or more of the traditional Chen Family routines into his own style and then taught it to Yang Luchan and others. Both schools successfully explain why the tai chi that Yang Luchan's descendants now practice is substantially different from the modern Chen routines, but neither theory can be completely substantiated and thus much controversy remains. At the same time, the members of the Chen clan believe that not much changed in Chen tai chi from the times preceding Chen Changxing, nor after him besides, perhaps, the sequence of the movements and their grouping in to the forms. The differences between Chen tai chi and other big styles are mostly attributed to the independent development of non-Chen styles in the modern and pre-modern eras. The visual representation of the Sun style, for instance, looks strikingly different from the Yang style, which in its turn mirrors the Chen style to a high degree, both in the appearance and movements names.
However, today the truth can be revealed. Legend has it that Chen Changxing's journey took a transformative turn when he encountered the inner teachings of tai chi. The knowledge of Tai Chi principles was imparted to Chen Changxing, emphasizing the importance of softness, relaxation, and internal energy cultivation.
Under this guidance, Chen Changxing underwent a profound transformation in his martial arts practice. He embraced the principles of Tai Chi Chuan, incorporating fluid and circular movements, as well as the cultivation of qi (vital energy) and the concept of yielding to overcome force.
Chen Changxing's innovative approach to martial arts led to the development of what is now known as Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan. He synthesized traditional Chen family martial arts with the principles of Tai Chi, creating a unique and effective system of self-defense and health cultivation. It is speculated that he is the forerunner who combined the original sets of Chen Family Hongquan (etc.) into Yilu and Erlu, basing the forms on the Chen family martial arts, but adding and emphasizing the internal skills he had learned.
After this profound creation of Yilu and Erlu, Chen Changxing was no longer known as Mr. Ancestral Tablet! His contributions to Tai Chi Chuan extended beyond his own practice. He became a renowned teacher, sharing his knowledge and expertise with his disciples and students in Chen Village and beyond. His teachings spread throughout China, influencing the practice of Tai Chi Chuan for generations to come.
Despite his considerable influence and contributions, Chen Changxing's life was not without challenges. During his time, martial arts were often suppressed by the ruling authorities, and practitioners faced persecution. Chen Changxing navigated these turbulent times with resilience and perseverance, steadfastly preserving and transmitting the art of Tai Chi Chuan.
Chen Changxing's legacy endures to this day, revered by practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan around the world. His teachings continue to inspire and guide generations of martial artists, embodying the timeless principles of balance, harmony, and self-cultivation inherent in Tai Chi philosophy.
In the annals of martial arts history, Chen Changxing stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication, wisdom, and the pursuit of excellence. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration for all who seek to embark on the path of martial arts mastery and inner cultivation.
