VCD Zhaobao (Zhao Bao) Style T'ai Chi

First, be advised that all of these VCD's are IN CHINESE ONLY. In our opinion that doesn't matter much because the instruction is clear and the quality of photography very good. But we will not accept returns just because people didn't read... IN CHINESE ONLY. Given that, these are really tremendous deals for the money. Each of these special VCD's can be played on a computer for full enjoyment. Made for PC's they are also Mac compatible by downloading Quicktime (for free) and any similar VCD player program. Also playable on most DVD players. For less than $10.00? Wow!

ZHAOBAO Style Tai Chi

Demonstrator/Teacher: Wan Hai-Zhou is the inheritor of ZhaoBao Style T'ai Chi Chuan. He was born in Zhaobao Village, Wenxian County, Henan Province. Among his other positions he is Vice President & General Coach of the WengXian Zhaobao Tai Chi Chuan Association..

ZhaoBao holds an interesting place in the general Tai Chi world. Until recently rather rare, there are those who claim it to be an alternative origin place for Tai Chi. Zhao Bao stylists claim Jiang Fa as their originator. They say Chen Qing Ping moved to ZhaoBao village and either learned or improved his Tai Chi there. ZhaoBao is said to resemble the Chen old form but performed more like the rest of the Tai Chi community's method with slow and graceful movements. Other people even claim a connection between ZhaoBao and another "rising star" HuLie Jia or Thunder Style Tai Chi.

Click pictures to see larger versions.

These titles also available as DVD with English.

VCD#18 Zhao-Bao Tai Chi Survey
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

A really nice VCD with examples of the relatively rare Zhao Bao style of T'ai Chi. These include T'ai Chi Big Knife; associated with General Kuan, considered the Patron Saint of martial artists. This well performed set is demonstrated with energy, timing and flavor compatible to T'ai Chi practice. There are also a hand set, single saber, TWO double sabers, straight sword, and - as though that weren't enough - T'ai Chi long-poled AX. Now there's something you don't see everyday.

VCD#19 Zhao-Bao Tai Chi Staff
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

A wonderful and simple set for the T'ai Chi player utilizing a staff. Also slight demonstrations of other T'ai Chi weapons. This demonstrated out in a field by a long time practitioner. Short stick with numerous angle changes, rolls and strikes. All performed in the relaxed manner of T'ai Chi. A nicely done set. .

VCD#253 Zhao-Bao Tai Chi Saber
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

The Zhaobao Tai Chi single broadsword is a relatively short set with only 20 movements. It continues with ZhaBao's distinct and unique flavor. The movements are vigorous and fast with traditional "saber wrapping". Interesting left hand - the important one - work and saber turning. A strong, tiger-like set..

VCD#346 Zhao-Bao Tai Chi Long Set
Triple VCD, see Main VCD for prices,Chinese Only

This is the Zhaobao Tai Chi Solo Set. It shows the distinct aspects of ZhaoBao with very fluid and open movements obviously similar to the Lao Jia set generally associated with Chen style. At the same time ZhaoBao shares the smooth motions with Yang style yet distinctly issues energy. Many of the movements are recognizable such as Cloud Hands and some are unique to this fist. The practitioner is an expert with fluid actions, strong legs and - most importantly - a clear intent to his actions.
This is a Triple VCD.

VCD#347 Zhao-Bao Tai Chi SanShou
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Zhaobao Tai Chi: a step-by-step explanation demonstration of each movement of the Long Form applied to a self defense situation. Much grappling and counter-motions to hold as well as strikes. Very clear "first level" explanations.

VCD#360 Zhao-Bao Tai Chi Straight Sword
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

The Zhaobao Tai Chi single straight sword is composed of 57 movements. It continues with ZhaBao's distinct and unique flavor namely: good use of "opening and closing" especially in the Kua (hips) area; notabel changes in height; issuance of energy but softly and fluidly and definitive martial movements.