Chen T'ai Chi with Chen Zheng Lei

The information on the majority of these DVDs is demonstrated by Chen Zheng Lei, one of China's most famous Wushu teachers and 19th generation exponent of Chen-style T'ai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan). He is considered by many to be a major representative of Chen Style T'ai Chi not to mention a family lineage holder. Author, teacher, demonstrator: though some may disagree with certain approaches, he is a tall figure on the scene and for thousands of players there is no higher authority.

Our Recommendation: With this DVD series you get English, not the best, but English. In additon Chen, though the translation makes him sound somewhat rambling, offers much information and personal opinion. If you are a real Tai Chi enthusiast you will find many sections of use. If you've been involved in Tai Chi for a long time you will be refreshed by hearing someone's opinions clearly and openly expressed and informed by a lifetime of practice.

See Chen Zhen Lei's multi-volume book series.

DVD #24231 Tai Chi Theory #1

This first lecture gives all the basic knowledge of Tai Chi Chuan needed to understand the system. CZL discusses respect, belief, decision, constancy and patience; all requirements to become good at Tai Chi Chuan . Among these are considerations for other practitioners and your practice. Then he notes the technical requirements of TCC practice for the Chen style. There is also a good deal of information on the history of Tai Chi with many in-depth facts such as the lineage and the evolution of the form.

DVD #24232 Chen Tai Chi Theory #2

More history including Chen Fa Ke’s boxing. From there he gives the lineage right up to himself and Chen Xiao Wong. He relates stories of travelling the world teaching Tai Chi including Texas and other places to spread the word about Tai Chi Chuan . Then he begins to explain the systematic structure of Tai Chi Chuan . He goes into the specific features such as Tai Chi ’s emphasis on outward softness and inward strength, moving Qi in a spiral, combining the martial with Qigong, coupling hardness with softness and more...

DVD #24233 Chen Tai Chi Theory #3

A little more technical discussion with descriptions of Tai Chi ’s health benefits and self defense practice. Demonstrating Push Hands movements and sections from the solo form CZL shows technical points like the division of the body into three sections, the proper formation of the Tai Chi palm and stances and why. He shows Chen style stepping practice and exercises. He also gives tips on the best way to learn.

DVD #24234 Chen Tai Chi Theory #4

CZL describes the level where considerations of Yin and Yang are expressed. He talks about the construction of the Tai Chi Tu and its inner meanings. He generalizes this to the concept of movement and shape, closed and open, straight and curved. He also introduces and analyzes Reeling Silk Energy and its relation to Tai Chi Chuan .

DVD #24235 Chen Tai Chi Theory #5

CZL discusses the five levels of all martial styles especially Tai Chiand how to distinguish them. He sees Tai Chi Chuan as an evolutionary development in martial studies. The concepts are done in percentage level one for instance being ten % Yin and Yang representing 90%. He talks about the boxing career from the standpoint of what you are thinking as well as practice. He also discusses different practices in relation to the level, such as San Shou starting at level two. He then demonstrates basics such as single punch and elbow striking but emphasizing these principles.

DVD #24236 Chen Tai Chi Theory #6

In this section CZL discusses the practice of Tai Chi Chuan and other martial arts with the correct relationship to Qigong. He defines two types of Qi, pre and post birth, with an explanation of how all this relates to the practice and some interesting comparisons. He then shows some simple and basic Qigong exercisers, standing and seated (including in the half lotus) with a running commentary on their internal and external goals and aspects. All this is followed by a group demonstration of the form and an individual performance by CZL himself.