Chen Laojia Yi Lu

The Chen Tai Chi 74 form / Chen Laojia Yi Lu is an empty hand form, a powerful internal martial art routine that combines silk reeling energy spiralling movements and low stances with deep breathing, mind intent and martial spirit. It contains six sections including fajin / energy release in key postures: pound mortar, hidden thrust punch, double cannon fists and a series of kicks. Laojia Yi Lu translates from Chinese to English as old frame first routine.

Chen Style Tai Chi Resources

- "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 by www.brisbanechentaichi.weebly.com

Chen Laojia Yi Lu - Movement Names

First Section (Chen 15 form / Chen short form)

Second Section

Third Section

29. Slapping the Right Foot
30. Slapping the Left Foot
31. Kicking with the Left Heel
32. Walking Forward by Stepping to Both Sides
33. Punching Toward the Ground
34. Turning and Kicking Twice in the Air
35. Protecting the Heart with the Fist
36. Whirlwind Foot
37. Kicking with the Right Heel
38. Hidden Thrust Punch

Fourth Section

39. Small Capturing and Hitting
40. Protecting / Embracing the Head and Pushing the Mountain
41. Six Sealings and Four Closings
42. Single Whip
43. Forward Trick
44. Backward Trick
45. Parting the Wild Horse's Mane
46. Six Sealing and Four Closing
47. Single Whip

Fifth Section

48. Jade Maiden Working Her Loom
49. Lazy about Tying Coat
50. Six Sealings and Four Closings
51. Single Whip
52. Wave Hands like Clouds
53. Swing the Foot and Drop Down
54. Golden Rooster Standing on One Leg
55. Stepping Backwards and Whirling Arms
56. White Crane Spreads its Wings
57. Diagonal Posture
58. Flash the Back
59. Hidden Thrust Punch
60. Six Sealings and Four Closings
61. Single Whip
62. Wave Hands like Clouds
63. High Pat on Horse

Sixth Section

64. Reverse Sweep with Right Leg Crossing
65. Punch Toward the Crotch
66. Ape Picking Fruit
67. Single Whip
68. Dragon Rolling Downward
69. Stepping Forward into Seven Star Stance
70. Stepping Backward into Riding Stance
71. Turn Back and Wave Double Lotus
72. Double Cannon Fists to the Head
73. Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar
74. Closing Form

Instructor Nicola is passionate about sharing Chen Laojia Yi Lu with her students. She provides live online private tuition, group livestream classes via Zoom and video on demand classes on Vimeo. Learn the signature Chen Tai Chi choreography, develop the principles of alignment and body mechanics from the comfort of your own home. Nicola helps students progress through the traditional Chen Tai Chi syllabus, from silk reeling to the empty hand forms, teaching through a hands-on method rather than ‘watch and follow‘.