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CHEN Style Taijiquan with Chen Xiao Wang Chen Xiao Wang was born in 1946 and became studying martial arts at the age of seven. He started with two great instructors: his grandfather, the famous Chen Fa Ke, and his father Chen Zhao Xu. Later he apprenticed with his uncles, Chen Zhao Pi and Chen Zhao Kui. His thorough study of Chen family techniques has secured him an international reputation and first place, lifetime awards and presidencies of many significant events and organizations. He is the past president of Wushu Training Center of Physical Culture and Sports Commission of Henan. NOTE: Even though these are VCDs they are subtitled in English. At these prices that makes them particularly desirable. Click on pictures to see larger versions. Click HERE to see his excellent DVD series on Chan Ssu Jin and weapons work |
This abbreviated set comes directly from the demonstrator, Chen Xiao Wang, himself. It is actually one of the best known short sets of Tai Chi. It's inspiration was the Lao Jia of the the Chen Fa Ke lineage. A well-ordered composition this set mainly emphasizes softness with punctuated hardness. Chen did not exclude all difficult moves and some kicks, spin and explosive actions keep this set from looking like so many of the water-down short sets we see. Cleverly selected movements which should prepare the player for further progress in the style. Short but not easy. |
This is a simplified set for people wanting to get into Chen but not ready for the complex Lao Jia. The emphasis here is on softness with a bit of hardness, waist turning and breath control. The movements here have been simplified and our only criticism is that they sometimes seem incomplete compared to the original form but that may well be as expected. Inset frames give the same move from a second angle and the instruction is quite explicit. This would take some skill to learn from a VCD but it is possible. Double Disk. |
THIS VCD IS OUT OF PRINT, BUT WE HAVE THE SET IN DVD, NOW. CLICK HERE TO GO TO DVD PAGE. 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. |
New Frame. |
This is also known as Road #2 of the Chen Tai Chi. As the Xin Jia Road #1 concentrates on the first four key energies of Tai Chi, Cannon Fist concentrates on the so called “corner” energies: pluck, split, lean and elbow. The most energetic of the Chen forms, Cannon fist jumps, stomps and springs to create its hard energy sprinkled with softness. Not only are the movements forceful but complex with angular actions and double striking. For some, the apex of the Chen cannon. Triple Disk.
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VCD#1656 Chen Taiji Double Sabers This double saber set is one of the older inheritances of the Chen Tai Chi without a specific attribution given. It first of all follows the basic principles set down for a true twin saber set: the sword follow the feet, the steps are lively and constantly changing and the weapons are sometimes synchronized and sometimes not. This is not a particularly pretty set and the stances have become so natural to Chen that he hardly takes a definitive position at all but, as in the case of the steel whip, this is entirely appropriate to the weapon. If you are looking for an authentic double weapon with the Chen flavor, you won’t do any better than this. |
The Tai Chi Spear set given here is a longish, complex set with a particular emphasis on body turning. Other than Chen’s distinctive explosive energy, a singular characteristic of this form is its emphasis on very fluid stepping patterns, much like the Chen Double Sabers. Most styles of Kung Fu attempt to have AT LEAST the four grandparent weapons in their repertoire: spear, staff, sword and saber. Chen accomplishes this in an unusual way by calling this form the “Pear Blossom Spear” or “The White Ape Stick” and thereby considering this form to fulfil both staff and spear requirements. Double Disk. |
This is said to be the oldest sword set of the Chen family Tai Chi Single Sword. According to Chen history this was created by Chen Wan Ting himself. In some ways it is structure very much like the Yang equivalent, the much more common Yang Family 13 Sword and Chen’s presentation gives some credence to the idea that this was indeed the source of the Yang sword, not a Shaolin sword as is generally believed. This set is far more complex though and Chen performs with great authority. The energies are not soft so don’t expect a “floating” version but rather one with enough power and follow through to resemble the Baji sword which, energetically, Chen Tai Chi bears some resemblance to. In our opinion a much stronger, fuller performance than that of, say, Chen Zhen Lei. |
An overview of the repertoire of Chen Xiao Wang showing his skills at nine routines including 19 posture Tai Chi, 38 posture, Lao Jia, Canon Punch, Single Saber, Single sword, double saber and Tai Chi spear. Double Disk. |
Quite accurately Chen begins with a discussion of the goals of Push Hands. He sees it, as do we, as a two-way street showing the pratical applications of the form and, less obviously, sowin where the qi is blocked which then feeds back into the form for self-correction. In this disk Chen shows his five step progressive approach to Push Hands. He wisely starts with the Double Wing instead of the single hand or the four hand opeartions. Then he goes to single and joint hand operations. He also shows quite a number of applications which have the sense of real usage to them. Good explanations with many examples. About an hour . |
THIS VCD IS OUT OF PRINT, BUT WE HAVE THE SET IN DVD, NOW. CLICK HERE TO GO TO DVD PAGE. 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. |
