Chen Tai Chi is a powerful internal martial art that combines silk reeling energy spiralling movements and low stances with deep breathing, mind intent and martial spirit.
- "This isn't your grandmother's Tai Chi" An article by Kate Wingfield.
- The importance of silk reeling energy.
- A visual guide to the principles in Chen Tai Chi from standing practice to movement principles www.brisbanechentaichi.weebly.com
- Nick Gudge’s articles on Chen style Tai Chi.
- Master Wang Hai Jun’s articles on Chen style Tai Chi.
- Grand Master Chen Zhenglei’s articles on Chen style Tai Chi.
- The health benefits of regular and accurate Tai Chi practice.
The Chen Five Elements
New beginner students in Chen style Tai Chi learn foundation exercises and the first five movements of the Laojia Yi Lu form (known as the Chen 5 Elements).
1. Preparing form
2. Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pound's Mortar
3. Lazy about Tying Coat
4. 6 Sealings and 4 Closings
5. Single Whip
The Chen Four Corners
The five elements mini form can be joined together with a transition movement that changes the orientation you face after each set of five movements to create an everlasting form. Sometimes called facing the 'Four Directions', also known as the 'Four Corners'. Covering the following movements:
- Opening Posture
- Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar
- Lazy Tying Coat
- Six Sealing Four Closing
- Single Whip
- Transition turn to the left 90 degrees and step up
- Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar
- Lazy Tying Coat
- Six Sealing Four Closing
- Single Whip
- Transition turn and step up to the left (facing rear)
- Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar
- Lazy Tying Coat
- Six Sealing Four Closing
- Single Whip
- Transition turn to the left 90 degrees and step up
- Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar
- Lazy Tying Coat
- Six Sealing Four Closing
- Single Whip
- Transition turn to the left 90 degrees and step up
- Close form - or go round again
Live Online Chen Tai Chi
Instructor Nicola is passionate about sharing Chen style Tai Chi with her students. Following the forms of Grand Master Chen Zhenglei she provides live online private tuition using Skype and/or Facebook video call. The types of live online lessons offered are Chen Tai Chi for previous students/those with experience and Hibernating Bear Tai Chi. Learn authentic healthy movements in your own home and join Nicola's community of students on a journey to improved health and wellbeing.
Nicola helps students progress through the traditional principles of Chen style silk reeling and the empty hand forms, teaching through a hands-on method rather than ‘watch and follow‘. Lessons start with traditional Chen warm up exercises that loosen every major joint in the body. Next a Qigong breathing session, focusing on relaxation, softening the body, lowering the heart rate and slowing the breath. Progressing to ‘Standing Practice’ (Zhan Zhuang), a static Qigong posture as a meditation and stillness exercise. Moving onto Silk Reeling Drills, the signature movement of Chen style and then the main content of her lessons covers the empty hand form.
