DVDS: Chen Pan Ling's Kung Fu

Some people believe that Chen Pan Ling was one of the greatest martial arts academicians of the last century. He was instrumental in trying to modernize and standardize Wushu to fit our times. His Taiji is a beautiful mixture of Tai Chi, Bagua and Hsing I. It is sometimes known as Nanjing Integrated Tai Chi. Many famous teachers claim to have derived from his school, sometimes erroneously. He started his career with Shaolin boxing. While in Beijing studying construction engineering he practiced Xing Yi, Tai Chi and Yue Linked Boxing. Returning home he opened a Youth Development Club focusing on Wushu practice. In 1931 it became the Henan Wushu House. In 1936 he moved to Wuhan and started teachers training there. From 1940-44 he was the dean of the Wushu Compilation Committee of the Ministry of Education. He also completed his "Wushu Teaching Material". Moving to Taiwan in 1949, he became Chairman of the Board for the China Guoshu Advanced Learning. In 1955 he became dean of the Wushu branch of the Taiwan China Wushu Skills Committee.

Here is the work of Chen, much of it represented by his own son, Chen Yun Ching.

Click pictures.

"Taizhong, Taiwan. Family and students of the late great master and historian Chen Pan-Ling hold this large forms exhibition tournament. Bagua Zhang and Taiji forms are demonstrated for approximately 1 hour. Though this is not a teaching tape it is a wonderful reference collection of Chen's forms. Additionally, Yang style Taiji sword and empty-hand forms are shown. Forms are demonstrated by both adult and children's groups making this both an educational and fun tape to watch. Chen Pan-Ling's Bagua Zhang form is shown by a large group moving in unison and clearly presenting his unique collection of old Bagua postures and movements. Dubbed with traditional Chinese music. It's like watching a dream."

About 55 Minutes Only PA announcements in Chinese - very limited supply       $24.95

NEW! #14068  Push/Listening Hands

First, we always try to warn people: this is a perfectly fine DVD but it has NO CHAPTERS so you will have to use that Fast Forward button to navigate.
That understood, this is a well organized presentation showing Push Hands variations in an orderly fashion. It starts with a single hand demonstration of the Eight Basic Energies. Then we witness a number of un-narrated but very clear repetitions of Single Arm Push Hands with emphasis on energies such as the basic one arm circle (they call it Beng/Lu); next, Single Hand Infinity Shape; then Basic Double Hand Routine Swinging; then One Step Swing; Variable Step Four Hands; Circling Step; Propeller Hands; Dynamic Propeller Hands; Advancing and Retreating Four Hands and finally some open hands exchanges in an informal setting. Much information for basic circling. We hope to see more applied Push Hands in the future.

About 32 Minutes English Subtitles       $39.95

#14067  Shaolin Gung Fu

This DVD records Chen Pan Ling's choice of Shaolin forms. There are three: Crouching Tiger Empty Hand, Shaolin Sword and Shaolin Saber. Of particular note is the straight sword which is fluid, sophisticated and rather handsome. The saber is also good, solid and very traditional. At the end of the disk is a series of Chen's specific basics mostly from Tai Chi and Bagua. Note: this contains a short sequence of Chen Pan Ling himself from Robert Smith's collection (same as 14065).

About 20 Minutes English Subtitles       $39.95

#14066  Chen Pan Ling convocation

This DVD captures a 10 day workshop in Taiwan of Chen Pan Ling enthusiasts. Many things are covered including: Cane, tai Chi, Xing Yi Linking form, Xing Yi five elements, Mountain Top boxing, interviews, Bagua Changing Palms, Bagua stick, some basic health movements and Qigong, in short a taste of everything. Much convivial practice and many shots of people enjoying themselves in the practice.

About 120 Minutes English Subtitles       $39.95

#14065  Mountain Top Boxing

The pun here is that Mountain Top also comes from Chen Pan Ling's alternate name which had the character Feng. This is a set created by Chen himself and combines his knowledge of Shaolin, Tai Chi, Xing Yi and Bagua. It is a sophisticated form where each move represents an idea. The movements are not so much connected for continuity as representation of major concepts. The method is cautious, considered and conscious. Aspects of the DVD include: Front and Rear views, breakdown with details pointed out, and interview with two of Chen's sons, sections from a workshop in Taiwan on this subject. Note: this contains a short sequence of Chen Pan Ling himself from Robert Smith's collection (same as 14067).

About 25 Minutes English Subtitles       $39.95

#14064  Hsing I Chuan

This DVD shows one of Chen Pan Ling's strongest styles: Hsing I. The first part demonstrates the basic elements This is followed by earlier film footage, probably form Taiwan, where his son again shows the five elements. He then demonstrates the linking set. Then, finally, all twelve animals. Though many of the movements are standard Hsing I there are distinctive postural and footwork characteristics we can only associate with Chen Pan Ling's interpretation. No instruction per se, more of a general reference but very clearly shown. We have been told that the money from the sales of this DVD series goes to preservation of the pure teachings of Chen: Chen Pan Ling Foundation Inc.

About 20 Minutes English Subtitles       $39.95

#14063  Thunder Stick Form

This DVD actually shows two of Chen Pan Ling's series. The first is a series of Longevity exercises which might be considered healthful Qigong and basic stretching simultaneously. Next is Chen's own Thunder Stick form which, in this case, means a CANE set. This is followed by applications from the set. The form itself is filmed from multiple angles. No instruction per se, more of a general reference but very clearly shown. We have been told that the money from the sales of this DVD series goes to preservation of the pure teachings of Chen: Chen Pan Ling Foundation Inc.

About 25 Minutes English Subtitles       $39.95

#14062  Tai Chi Chuan

This DVD shows Chen Pan Ling's style of Tai Chi, probably his most famous and widely taught art. Though Chen was considered a master of Xing Yi and Bagua, his Tai Chi , developed supposedly with the help of other instructors, is a canny blend of all three arts. The structure is mostly Xing Yi, the movements Tai Chi and the foot patterns borrow much from Bagua. The second half of the DVD shows his Tai Chi sword, a very nice, medium length set of no mean skill. This is taken from his son's performance of obviously some years back but the quality is good. As far as our tastes the best DVD of the entire series. No instruction per se, more of a general reference but very clearly shown. We have been told that the money from the sales of this DVD series goes to preservation of the pure teachings of Chen: Chen Pan Ling Foundation Inc.

About 40 Minutes English Subtitles       $39.95

#14061  Bagua Zhang

This DVD is a record both of Chen Pan Ling's style of Bagua Zhang but also a Bagua Stick set. The first half demonstrates the eight palm changes of the style. The second shows the staff set which is based on circle walking like the palm changes. No instruction per se, more of a general reference but very clearly shown. We have been told that the money from the sales of this DVD series goes to preservation of the pure teachings of Chen: Chen Pan Ling Foundation Inc.

About 25 Minutes English Subtitles       $39.95