Jiang
JianYe was born in 1950 and has studied Wushu from the age of 5,
learning from well-known masters such as Yu MingWei, Yu Hsia and
many other such as Professor Kang Ge Wu. He received a BA and MA
from QuFu University and Shanghai Physical Education Institute.
A national and international judge in China and the US, Shihfu Jiang
is also a master calligrapher and has garnered more than $10 000
donated to the ShanDong Disabled Association.
YuZhi
Lu was born in 1951 and has studied Wushu from the age of 12.
She received her Bachelor Degree from the Physical Education Department
of QuFu University and was an instructor there for more than 16
years. After that, she continued her Wushu studied in Beijing,
Shanghai and Shandong Province.
NOTE: Order any two and get a 10% discount. Click pictures to enlarge
New!! DVD #22042 Yang (Taiji) Tai Chi 68 Staff Part One
At 68 movements, this is a solid inventory, if nothing else, of just about all major movements with this weapon. It is about armpit length which makes it close to the Jo of Japanese style, and allows for easy transition from one hand to two and back again.
Some tao lu (forms) are beautiful enough to delight us. Others, like this one, store a wealth of data and are more known for content than performance. The demonstrator in this case is Jiang JianYi, a student of Sun JiXian, himself a student of Wang JiaoYu and he a student of Yang Ba Hou, a formidable example of the Yang style.
In this DVD, Jiang once again gives a plausible performance. Knowing over 200 forms his demonstration is often more technical than energetic in the Qi sense. We have been handling his Direct linage can be a difficult subject, especially since many forms in Tai Chi are “borrowed” from other styles. This extensive series may be one of these. My own feelings on this is that if the form is correct in detail, smooth in transition and clearly functional, you are at least on solid ground.
121
Minutes, English. The end of the DVD has previews for weapons of various styles and other samples from Jian's wide range of titles.
New!! DVD #22043 Yang (Taiji) Tai Chi 68 StaffPart Two
At 68 movements, this is a solid inventory, if nothing else, of just about all major movements with this weapon. It is about armpit length which makes it close to the Jo of Japanese style, and allows for easy transition from one hand to two and back again.
Some tao lu (forms) are beautiful enough to delight us. Others, like this one, store a wealth of data and are more known for content than performance. The demonstrator in this case is Jiang JianYi, a student of Sun JiXian, himself a student of Wang JiaoYu and he a student of Yang Ba Hou, a formidable example of the Yang style.
In this DVD, Jiang once again gives a plausible performance. Knowing over 200 forms his demonstration is often more technical than energetic in the Qi sense. We have been handling his Direct linage can be a difficult subject, especially since many forms in Tai Chi are “borrowed” from other styles. This extensive series may be one of these. My own feelings on this is that if the form is correct in detail, smooth in transition and clearly functional, you are at least on solid ground.
The end of the DVD has previews for weapons of various styles and other samples from Jian's wide range of titles.
121
Minutes, English
New!! DVD #24360 Chen Taiji Internal Power Qigong
The publisher has discontinued production on this DVD, although at some point may make them available for download purchase.
This form was developed from traditional Chen Family Tai Chi. It combines silk reeling and internal power. The unique upward-spiraling movement of this form quickly activates and send energy throughout the body. What we have here are nine fairly sophisticated exercises/Qigongs which breakdown the flavor and essence of Chen TC. This would be a very good series if you wanted to catch the distinctive type of movement we associate with Chen, especially for competition. Not bad exercises and, though simplified, still retaining the correct principles.
124
Minutes, English
New!! DVD #24370 Yang Taiji Tai Chi Spear 64 movement
The publisher has discontinued production on this DVD, although at some point may make them available for download purchase.
This is one of the longest spear sets we’ve ever handled. If you want a form that pretty much exhausts the normal and second level actions of the spear and yet is not a competition set (though it does have a few suspiciously non-Tai Chi jumping pokes, but these can all be done walking through), this is one for you. The background on this weapon is that it is from one Sun JiXian a student under Wang JiaoYu in Beijing. Wang was a direct student of Yang Ba Hou, this being the connection to Tai Chi. Over two hours of instruction. A major undertaking but one of the rare spear sets that has actually been “aged” in the Tai Chi style itself. .
121
Minutes, English
New! #24287/8 Yang Taiji Yang Ban-Hou Style Tai Chi
The general structure of the form is similar to the Yang Chen Fu version but almost every move in itself is different though often just as a logical variation. The Golden Cock Stands on One Leg, for instance, becomes a kicking action. Brush Knee and Push becomes more of a chopping action. Yang Ban Hou’s (1837-1892) version is considered by some Tai Chi practitioners to be more of a fighting form. It is also said to be a smaller frame though this is not evident from this presentation. Ban Hou who was designated as the inheritor of the system had the unfortunate habit of using full force on his students and therefore had few of them. He also worked with Li RuiDong and helped to create the Li style originally called Seven Start Postures. He also taught Wu Quan You, the creator of the Wu style. There are those who think of the Ban Hou form as being not only better fighting material but also the basis of what became the Yang Chen Fu version.
#24287 is now unavailable. The publisher has discontinued production on this DVD, although at some point may make them available for download purchase.
New! #24286 Yang Taiji Small Nine Heaven
This is considered by some practitioners to be a remnant of Yang Lu Chan’s original yang style Tai Chi. This is essentially a power issuing form more than an esthetically appealing routine. Many moves are repeated on both sides with some hands either never appearing in the Long Form or performed here in a much abbreviated and therefore probably more functional form. From what we are able to tell this is an accurate though relatively straight forward and unelaborated version of this form. Background Note: Though it is a general medical and Taoist term, the Small Nine Heavens can refer to the nine big joints of the body (three on the legs, arms and spine) and sometimes is a prelude to mastering the Macrocosmic Orbit. Interesting enough a form that focuses on energy expulsion might also allow that by coordinating the "Small Nine Heavens."
121
Minutes, English
The publisher has discontinued production on this DVD, although at some point may make them available for download purchase.
DVD #13995 Chen Taiji Short Whip Staff # 1
This is a series on the Short Stick, Chen Taiji style, coming from the lineage of Hong Jun Sheng, the indoor student of Chen Fa Ke. Hong created two sticks tailored to the Chen flavor. The first, this series, was called the Cross whip-staff and the second was named the Field whip-staff. This form has almost 150 movements mostly concentrating on tight poking actions from the "underarm" roll position. There are many movements with accompanying power issuance. A short stick set with emphasis on concealed arm positions This is Part One of the Three DVD series.
120
Minutes, English
DVD #13996 Chen Taiji Short Whip Staff # 2
This is a series on the Short Stick, Chen Taiji style, coming from the lineage of Hong Jun Sheng, the indoor student of Chen Fa Ke. Hong created two sticks tailored to the Chen flavor. The first, this series, was called the Cross whip-staff and the second was named the Field whip-staff. This form has almost 150 movements mostly concentrating on tight poking actions from the "underarm" roll position. There are many movements with accompanying power issuance. A short stick set with emphasis on concealed arm positions This is Part Two of the Three DVD series.
120
Minutes, English
DVD #13997 Chen Taiji Short Whip Staff # 3
This is a series on the Short Stick, Chen Taiji style, coming from the lineage of Hong Jun Sheng, the indoor student of Chen Fa Ke. Hong created two sticks tailored to the Chen flavor. The first, this series, was called the Cross whip-staff and the second was named the Field whip-staff. This form has almost 150 movements mostly concentrating on tight poking actions from the "underarm" roll position. There are many movements with accompanying power issuance. A short stick set with emphasis on concealed arm positions This is Part Three of the Three DVD series.
120
Minutes, English
#DVD 13998 Cheng Style Big 8 Cascading Palms Part 1
This is a series of Eight Changing Palms from the Cheng Ting Hua branch of Bagua Zhang. These are more advanced than the most commonly taught 8 basic palms with more body twisting, more kicking, more complex turns. Then entire set is broken into TWO DVDs with each half of the form explained in detail in each DVD. This FIRST DVD gives an overview of the entire series. .
120
Minutes, English
#DVD 13999 Cheng Style Big 8 Cascading Palms Part 2
This is a series of Eight Changing Palms from the Cheng Ting Hua branch of Bagua Zhang. These are more advanced than the most commonly taught 8 basic palms with more body twisting, more kicking, more complex turns. Then entire set is broken into TWO DVDs with each half of the form explained in detail in each DVD. This SECOND DVD gives an overview of the entire series in both normal and slow speeds after showing the latter eight palms and a review of just that partial form.
120
Minutes, English
#DVD 14001 Yang Style Post Birth Method
It
is probably no surprise to anyone that the Yang Family Tai Chi
is not entirely contained within the one, famous form of Yang
Chen Fu. Here is another claimant to the idea of various other
forms within Yang Lu Chang's original system of at least eight
forms. This one concentrates on "post-birth" movements
where at least some strength is shown. Somewhat like a Xing Yi
set, as many of the things dating to Yang's birthplace of Yong
Nian, are; this form uses elbows, double punches, back bends and
other movements not as common in the longer Solo Exercise. Is
this truly one of the "original" versions of the form?
Who can tell? Jiang's version here is straight forward and pedagogic
if not inspired.
118 Minutes, English
#DVD 14002 LIU
HE BA FA Part One (of three)
6 Harmonies and 8 Methods
NOTE:
This series requires ALL THREE DVDs.
from
the back covers:
"Liu He Ba Fa is an internal art, which combines tai chi,
ba gua and xing yi. What is Liu He? "Liu" means "six"
and "He" means "combination" and thus "Liu He"
means "Six Combinations". What is "Ba Fa"?
"Ba" is the number "Eight" and "Fa"
means "Principles" and thus "Ba Fa" means
"Eight Principles." This is a very extensive version
of the Liu He with detailed breakdowns on the movements. In essence
you have here six hours of instruction and demonstration showing
all 96 movements of the traditional Liu He Ba Fa form. ShihFu
Jiang's English is not perfect but it is more than adequate for
general video instruction.
118 Minutes, English
The publisher has discontinued production on this DVD, although at some point may make them available for download purchase.
#DVD 14003 LIU
HE BA FA Part Two (of three)
6 Harmonies and 8 Methods
NOTE:
This series requires ALL THREE DVDs.
PLUM
Special save 10% ($13.50) for ordering all three DVDs.
from
the back covers:
"Liu He Ba Fa is an internal art, which combines tai chi,
ba gua and xing yi. What is Liu He? "Liu" means "six"
and "He" means "combination" and thus "Liu He"
means "Six Combinations". What is "Ba Fa"?
"Ba" is the number "Eight" and "Fa"
means "Principles" and thus "Ba Fa" means
"Eight Principles." This is a very extensive version
of the Liu He with detailed breakdowns on the movements. In essence
you have here six hours of instruction and demonstration showing
all 96 movements of the traditional Liu He Ba Fa form. ShihFu
Jiang's English is not perfect but it is more than adequate for
general video instruction.
118 Minutes, English
The publisher has discontinued production on this DVD, although at some point may make them available for download purchase.
#DVD 14004 LIU
HE BA FA Part Three (of three)
6 Harmonies and 8 Methods
NOTE:
This series requires ALL THREE DVDs.
from
the back covers:
"Liu He Ba Fa is an internal art, which combines tai chi,
ba gua and xing yi. What is Liu He? "Liu" means "six"
and "He" means "combination" and thus "Liu He"
means "Six Combinations". What is "Ba Fa"?
"Ba" is the number "Eight" and "Fa"
means "Principles" and thus "Ba Fa" means
"Eight Principles." This is a very extensive version
of the Liu He with detailed breakdowns on the movements. In essence
you have here six hours of instruction and demonstration showing
all 96 movements of the traditional Liu He Ba Fa form. ShihFu
Jiang's English is not perfect but it is more than adequate for
general video instruction.
118
Minutes, English
The publisher has discontinued production on this DVD, although at some point may make them available for download purchase.
#DVD 14005 Yang Style
Tai Chi 13 Dan
It
is probably no surprise to anyone that the Yang Family Tai Chi
is not entirely contained within the one, famous form of Yang
Chen Fu. Here is another claimant to the idea of various other
forms within Yang Lu Chang's original system of at least eight
forms. This one concentrates on "post-birth" movements
where at least some strength is shown. Somewhat like a Xing Yi
set, as many of the things dating to Yang's birthplace of Yong
Nian, are; this form uses elbows, double punches, back bends and
other movements not as common in the longer Solo Exercise. Is
this truly one of the "original" versions of the form?
Who can tell? Jiang's version here is straight forward and pedagogic
if not inspired.
118
Minutes, English
The publisher has discontinued production on this DVD, although at some point may make them available for download purchase.
#DVD 14006 Dao
of Dragon Chi Kung
A
good series of Chi Kung exercises from other than WuDang Daoism
(WuDang is not the only center of Daoism in China). This
video contains many dragon based exercises including some Swimming
Dragon moves. The movements require a certain limberness. They
include some squatting and twisting. The theme of the entire series
is dragon motions.
121 minutes,
#DVD 14007 Sun Style Bagua Sword level 1
It
is probably no surprise to anyone that the Yang Family Tai Chi
is not entirely contained within the one, famous form of Yang
Chen Fu. Here is another claimant to the idea of various other
forms within Yang Lu Chang's original system of at least eight
forms. This one concentrates on "post-birth" movements
where at least some strength is shown. Somewhat like a Xing Yi
set, as many of the things dating to Yang's birthplace of Yong
Nian, are; this form uses elbows, double punches, back bends and
other movements not as common in the longer Solo Exercise. Is
this truly one of the "original" versions of the form?
Who can tell? Jiang's version here is straight forward and pedagogic
if not inspired.
118
Minutes, English
#DVD 14008 Dragon
Door Chi Kung
by Shihfu Jiang JianYe
There
is a great deal of emphasis here on gathering energy and spinal
twisting (light and safely done). A very decent and reasonable
regimen for those looking for Chi Kung. Some difficulties but
anything in the routine can be modified to the beginner. Some
very logical and well planned sections.
121 minutes,
The publisher has discontinued production on this DVD, although at some point may make them available for download purchase.
#DVD 14010 Bagua Staff
This
is a long BaGua staff form and a long tape. Many interesting and
sometimes challenging staff changes including neck wraps, 1000
man sweeps, and other major sticks moves associated with Shaolin
but performed in a BaGua manor. Created with special diligence
to represent BaGua's flavor by a famous Wushu instructor.
120
Minutes, English
#DVD 14011 Wu Dang/Qing Dao Tour
A
survey tape that is worth it. First is a brief tour, with students,
of the WuDang mountains with the Xuan Wu sect (see our other VCDs).
Some nice QiGong is taught and forms are shown of this branch
of Taoist BaGua, Tai Chi, Staff and saber work and much more.
There is a meeting with the oldest woman in China at 130 years.
Then Jiang visits his LiuHeBaFa teacher, Zhuo YongFu who was also
a student of Chen FaKe. The entire LiuHeBaFa is demonstrated along with Feng Mo Palms, Ape plucks Peach (Mantis),
Tai Chi stick, BaGua Elk Horn knives, Push Hands, Tai Yi Palms,
and more. Later, in a public park there is also a rendition of
the Blue Dragon Double swords, Tai Chi sword and Yang Short Stick.
Some parts, such as the Zhuo Yong Fu sections, are quite interesting
and good quality.
120-
Minutes, English
DVD#14012 Dragon Boxing
Dragon Boxing is one of many styles of Chinese Wushu. This form imitates the eagle's characteristics and is very good for the whole body - the arms, the legs and joints. It promotes flexibility and increases speed. The long moves of the Dragon are imitated in this form of boxing with particular emphasis on waist turning and one hand following another. This is the Dragon swimming through the clouds.
118
Minutes, English
DVD#14013 Shaolin Eagle Boxing
Eagle Boxing is one of many styles of Chinese Wushu. This form imitates the eagle's characteristics and is very good for the whole body - the arms, the legs and joints.
This set is not an "Eagle Claw style " form but rather a Long
Arm with imitative motions of the Eagle intermixed such as the
claws, wingspread formations and gyreful glide.
111
Minutes, English
DVD#14014 Tai Chi Spear
This
version of Tai Chi Spear comes from the Wu tradition. This form
derives from Grandmaster Wu Ying-Hua, daughter of Wu Jian Quan
(founder of Wu Family Tai Chi).
116
Minutes, English
DVD#14015 Tiger Boxing
Animals
imitation is an ancient and popular part of the Kung Fu repertoire.
This set replicates the powerful actions of the Tiger. It promotes flexibility and increases speed.
118
Minutes, English
DVD#14016 Tai Chi Wisdom Fist (Zhi Chui)
This
is said to represent one of the original forms of the Yang
LuChan system of Tai Chi. This is a short to middling set of 29
postures. Jiang demonstrates each action from multiple angles
and also gives basic combinations and applications for each section.
Overall an interesting "short" Tai Chi form.
120
Minutes, English
DVD#14017 Snake Boxing
Animals
imitation is an ancient and popular part of the Kung Fu repertoire.
This set replicates the sinuous and movements of the Snake.
118
Minutes, English
DVD#14019 Tai Chi San Shou Part 1
This
tape show a T'ai Chi two person set combining applications from
Yang and Chen styles (to our eyes based on the famous Yang routine
structure) all performed in slow motion. This is a two tape series
with not only demonstration but instruction. Most of the moves
in T'ai Chi are shown in striking, defending and joint locking
modes.
120
Minutes, English
DVD#14020 Tai Chi San Shou Part 2
This
tape show a T'ai Chi two person set combining applications from
Yang and Chen styles (to our eyes based on the famous Yang routine
structure) all performed in slow motion. This is a two tape series
with not only demonstration but instruction. Most of the moves
in T'ai Chi are shown in striking, defending and joint locking
modes.
118
Minutes, English
DVD#14021 Praying Mantis Staff
This tape is of interest to those who like Praying Mantis. Not only does it contain a form but spends a good deal of time on Jiang's trip to Shandong and a mantis master he visited there. Mantis originated in Shandong province. This tape shows combination forms of 7 stars Praying Mantis, Plum Flower Praying Mantis and Liu He Praying Mantis.
118
Minutes, English
DVD#14022 Wild Goose Qigong Part 1
A
traditional Ch'i Kung often associated with the Li family, this
was created around 1700. It imitates the movement of wild geese,
even the flutter of the wings in flight. The style focuses on
stretching and opening the joints and the energy channels of the
body creating a strong bond between internal and universal (Heavenly)
energies. Having studied this form ourselves we can vouch for
it as a complete exercise; also presently extremely popular in
China for its depth and beauty. This is a two tape series showing
the complete 64 movement Wild Goose.
120
Minutes, English
DVD#14023 Wild Goose Qigong Part 2
A
traditional Ch'i Kung often associated with the Li family, this
was created around 1700. It imitates the movement of wild geese,
even the flutter of the wings in flight. The style focuses on
stretching and opening the joints and the energy channels of the
body creating a strong bond between internal and universal (Heavenly)
energies. Having studied this form ourselves we can vouch for
it as a complete exercise; also presently extremely popular in
China for its depth and beauty. This is a two tape series showing
the complete 64 movement Wild Goose.
118
Minutes, English
DVD#14024 Xing Yi Staff
Xing-Yi
Fist or Five Elements Boxing is a wonderful, straight forward,
deceptively simple art that combines the five classic elements
of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth into a boxing form that
has proven itself time and again in Chinese history. This staff
has the flavor of Xing Yi. Relatively easy to learn but essentially
true to the style.
120
Minutes, English
#DVD 14025 Bagua Broadsword
This teacher's work inspires different viewpoints. For some he is adequate at best with nothing inherently wrong but little martial spirit evident; much as one might expect from someone who identifies himself as a calligrapher. On the other hand his forms are accurate, and what he may—to some— lack in strength and martial forcefulness he makes up for in clarity of presentation. This is a Bagua Sword broken down in a straight form presentation. A nice form where the word "serviceable" comes to mind.
72
Minutes, English
#DVD 14026 Praying Mantis Boxing
This DVD shows the basics of fist and legwork of the Praying Mantis. It also introduces and breakdown a form created by the famous Mantis practitioner, Yu Hai.
119
Minutes, English
#DVD 14027 Yang
Style Tai Chi Ball
by Shihfu Jiang Jian-Ye
This system is said to come from Yang Lu Chan in Hebei. Yang taught the Wang family some of his secrets. Yang created a complete system with ten sub-sets, one of which is believed to be the ball practice. In 13 forms this DVD demonstrates the ball exercises of the Yang style. The medium sized form is shown fist and then broken down. The movements are large and clear and generally symmetrical. Jiang might demonstrate more Reeling SIlk in his torso but the actions of the form are clearly shown. The 13 posture idea replicates Tai Chi's original 13 postures. No applications are shown. NOTE: Ball practice can be amazingly useful. The order of the form is far less important than mastering torso and wrist control.
FIRST PART: This
form of mixed movements comes from Cheng Ting Hua, one of Dong Hai Chuan's top students. This is a complex form with many turns and twists. It combines movements of the Bagua Zhang Changes to make a form with less walking and more transforming. In classical Bagua Zhang practicing this form is one step away from spontaneously creating your own series. There are definitely distinct movement from the Cheng branch . This form is far ranging and moves more like it was created along interconnected circles than a single foot pattern.
SECOND PART: This
form of mixed movements comes from Cheng Ting Hua, one of Dong Hai Chuan's top students. This is a complex form with many turns and twists. It combines movements of the Bagua Zhang Changes to make a form with less walking and more transforming. In classical Bagua Zhang practicing this form is one step away from spontaneously creating your own series. There are definitely distinct movement from the Cheng branch . This form is far ranging and moves more like it was created along interconnected circles than a single foot pattern. This SECOND half of Cascading Palms continues and concludes this long and complex set. It has a reprise of the entire set at the end of the DVD.
120
Minutes, English
#DVD 22023 Xing Yi Spear
by Shihfu Jiang Jian-Ye
Jiang takes this from the teaching of Li Qu of ShanXi. As it should be this set shows the conservative and generally simple moves of Xing Yi interpreted with a spear. Among special characteristics are some body and neck wraps, reverse rolling, walking and retreats shoulder and waist carries and a repeated, unusual open legged jumping as a signature movement. We can't honestly say that Xing Yi is Jiang's forte, at least to our eyes, but all the elements of this five element system are there.
122
Minutes, English
#DVD 22024 Yang Jian Hou
Style Tai Chi 13 Spear
by Shihfu Jiang Jian-Ye
What so you look for in a Tai Chi spear form , anyway? Also, the Yang family Spear is notoriously hard to find as a set due to some mishaps among those practicing, or at least so the legends go. We should add to this that the use of the spear was beginning to wane as the gun and the canon blazed their alterations in Chinese warfare. According to Jiang this set derives from the son of Yang Lu Chang and father of Yang Chen Fu, namely Yang Jian Hou. But getting back to our introductory question, you look for a minimum of acrobatics. You look for a strong emphasis on the basic Open/Close/Thrust actions. This set which we cannot vouch for—and probably no one can—retains the key features of what a Tai Chi spear performance should be. And you get the advantage of learning one of the candidates for the relatively rare Tai Chi art of Yang Jian Hou.
120
Minutes, English
#DVD 22025 Chen Tai Chi Internal Power Training
by Shihfu Jiang Jian-Ye
CHEN Family Internal Power Training Method with bare-hand, staff and equipment
Topics include training with bare hands, staff and ball, stretch bands and bags. Most of these exercises are performed singly but there are also sections done with helpers. In many cases Jiang Jian Ye shows the Chen style movements form which the exercises are taken. Many of these are simple power issuing such as pushing with the ball in hand. But using equipment can often help the student attain not only the right amount of power but the “shape” of the power.
99
Minutes, English
#DVD 22027 Xing Yi 5 Element Cascade Form
with applications for intermediate level
by Shihfu Jiang Jian-Ye
Here is one of the most basic and famous forms of the Xing Yi canon. This performance unifies the elemental actions with the basic 12 animals styles. For man XIng Yi practitioners this is the first chance to "mix" different energies. This is considered an intermediate form in the overall structure of Xing Yi. Note: this is named "part two" but part one is just the five elements practice, the very basic practice of Xing Yi which we can order if you want both. Other than that everything here stands on its own.
99
Minutes, English
New! #DVD 14030 Bagua Turn Palm 8 Forms
This is one of the simplest Bagua Eight Changing Palm sets we have seen. Very appropriate if you want to taste the style and learn a relatively straightforward sequence of movements —based on the Yin Fu branch of the art—that will give you an entry point. Jiang Jian Ye retains the flavor of Bagua including the Three Strikes and some simple turning actions of the whole body common to most Bagua. Simple, understandable with a few interesting challenges. Many repetitions in the teaching section.
118
Minutes, English $49.95
NOTE: Order any two Jiang DVDs and get a 10% discount on both.