DVD #11651 Chen XiaoWang
Chen Style Taijiquan Lao Jia
4 DVD Set Chinese/English

Old Frame. This form of Lao Jia was created by 14th generation holder Chen Chang Xing. It is based on the originator, Chen Wan Ting’s, Routine #5, Canon Boxing Routine #1, and the 108 Long Road Routine #1. This is the cornerstone of the Chen style and this version shown by Chen Xiao Wang is one of the better ones. Unlike many less expert performers he clearly manifests Reeling Silk energy without sacrificing the basic postural requirements of the form. Very good, very informed. Quadruple Disk.

DVD #11661 Chen Xiao Wang
Chen Style Taijiquan Internal Practice
3 DVD Set Chinese/English

In our opinion this is the essential course for Tai Chi people, especially Chen stylists. In three disks Chen gives his views on the mechanics and the flow of energy in Tai Chi, the detials of movement, the specifics of posture and the meaning of intent. As in the any case where an expert shares his thoughts and findings of a lifetime of research, the privledged who can understand him get to ride free on someone else's ox. Many applications to usage but all from the standpoint of correct structure and precise intent. To those who can get the benefits of the experience, worth many times the cost. Triple Disk.

#29981 Chen Xiao Wang's Tai Chi
Chan Si Gong Exercise #1

#1. Slow motion and more. This has a nice series introduction by our friend professor Kang Ge Wu discussing the criterion for inclusion in this high level compilation. Next Chen Xiao Wang demonstrates numerous basic exercises all of which are shown in tremendous detail with both real time and slow motion presentations. Although the English subtitled translation is rough at times, the content of the explanation is definitely more thorough and detailed than most of the previous instruction we have reviewed. Truly seminal exercises which might not appear so to the inexperienced. Five major methods are shown.

60 minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles      

#29982 Chen Xiao Wang's Tai Chi
Chan Si Gong Exercise #2

#2. The second of this series distinguishes itself by immediately launching into double handed exercises. This is as good a time as any to discuss this approach to instruction. People who are not teachers and give a cursory glance‹the Youtube approach‹ might think that a whole DVD on one hand and then another on two handed exercises is just a waste of time and money. However decades of teaching this stuff tells us that these exercises are so subtle that learning these skills in this order is essential. People should not skip to two handed without setting a one handed standard. 8 more major exercises are shown with detailed explanations, slow motion demonstration and moving basics.

60 minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles      

#29983 Chen Xiao Wang's Tai Chi
Chan Si Gong Exercise #3

#3. Larger and smaller arms circles for Chan Si Jin are explored here including those where the hand actually touches the body during the circuit (sometimes called "washing"). More reverse circles are shown, too. Doubles are also shown in both directions. Front and side views supplied. Much instruction is given for these seemingly simple exercises which is appropriate since they are actually some of the toughest to do (that's why they're in disk #3). Then LEG Chan Si is introduced. First is outward circles. Then inward. Chen's legs are famously strong and agile and work well with his Chan Si skills. Finally Chen demonstrates the complete sequence of exercises. This entire series, but especially the last DVD show many actions where the Chan Si movements helps in self massage with the express purpose of activating the Tan Tian. Much superior to many Chi Kung exercises we see.

60 minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles      

#29984 Chen Xiao Wang's Tai Chi
Push Hands & Combat #1

#1. This starts with Chen explaining the basic purpose of Push Hands: its relation to form and to self defense. He demonstrates the basic of Single Fixed, Double Fixed, Double Fixed Step. Many of these will be familiar to Yang and Wu stylists but there are also the Chen variations which generally emphasize strong legs. Next he shows Free Step Push Hands. Overall he shows many versions of everything and gives two forms of explanation: the first covers the details of the basic exercises requirements, the next covers details relating to usage and "making it all work". He does this is a very instructive way by actually doing Push Hands and then stopping and showing at what points he would execute which techniques.

60 minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles     

#29985 Chen Xiao Wang's Tai Chi
Push Hands & Combat #2

#2. This DVD starts with Chen explaining the principles of Push Hands and its relationship to the form. He discusses the relationship of errors to decreased Qi flow. Then he shows the individual movements out of the form for specific self defense situations. In his sixties Chen is still , accurate and forceful. He shows many overlapping variations to reveal the depth of the movements and their meanings. He demonstrates explosive power from relaxed movements. Here he performs Old Frame created by the 14th generation successor, Chen Chang Xing. This is said to be based on Chen Wan Ting's #5 Cannon Boxing and the old 108 Routine. He also demonstrates the 38 posture Chen Taijiquan for which he is famous.

60 minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles       

#29986 Chen Xiao Wang's Tai Chi
Falchion (Kuan Dao) #1

#1. The idea of a Chen Taijiquan Kuan Dao may seem a little strange. It is said that this was a favorite weapon of the creator Chen Wan Ting and he was called a "second Kuan Kung". This is not improbably since Chen Wan Ting was an actual and successful general. The set itself is a well constructed and traditional Spring Autumn Knife set with definite complexity. Chen's command of the weapon is good with fluid transition, a long form, and a wide variety of actions native to the instrument.

60 minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles      

#29987 Chen Xiao Wang's Tai Chi
Falchion (Kuan Dao) #2

#2. Part two of this DVD series on the Chen style Falchion (Kuan Dao) continues with the breakdown and explanation of the form. Chen Xiao Wang's overall stability, authority and strength match well with this weapon. A single master shot in slow motion is the reference for all the sections and our only criticism is a lack of real time demonstration. The best Chen style Taijiquan version of this weapon we have seen to date.

60 minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles