FAQ's

A: To achieve the best benefit from the practice, we recommend that students wear loose comfortable clothes with soft shoes, as Tai Chi is a very relaxed, quiet and soft exercise. A Kung Fu suit is the best clothing to wear for practice and demonstration purposes. A full Kung Fu suit is only an optional requirement, and not always necessary.

Q: Is there any grading system in Tai Chi?

A: Not before 3 years ago, but now there is a central grading system in China, it is
called Duan Wei in Chinese terms. This system was introduced by the Chinese Wushu
(Martial Arts) Association China. In general, this is an optional
service provided to Tai Chi practitioners who need it for a particular purpose. The Duan Wei is similar system as the Dan system used in Japanese Martial Arts, and the highest grade is 9th Duan Wei.
Duan Wei 1 to 3 are lower range grading and normally awarded to dedicated students;
Duan Wei 4 to 6 are the intermediate range grading and normally awarded to those of high levels; - skilled Martial Artists who have been instructors or professionals for years. In particular the Duan Wei 6 holders should have won the national Championship in China or hold equivalent level of skills; Duan Wei 7 to 9 is the advanced range grading and normally awarded to those people who are experts in the Martial Arts field with high respect, well known reputations and have contributed greatly to the development of Chinese Martial Arts, including publications, papers, videos and DVDs.

Q: How Does Tai Chi benefit Health?

A: Tai Chi exercises regulate all systems within the body, improving digestion, respiration and also circulation. Since the movements are performed in a relaxed manner, this can also lead to a reduction in stress-related disorders. The low-impact nature of the routines improves the condition of bones, joints and muscles without strain whilst encouraging balance, flexibility and co-ordination to promote health and vitality within the individual.

Tai Chi is recognised by the Chinese Government and many Health Institutes around the world as the form of exercise that offers some of the greatest all-round health benefits.

Q: What is Tai Chi Push Hands?

A: Push-hands is a practice method from traditional Tai Chi martial arts and a bridge that connects the movements of the forms with the self-defence applications. Two people with their arms in contact practice twining and sticking (following your opponent) actions to develop the sense of touch, awareness and balance within the body. This is the training method where Tai Chi movements connect with martial arts
applications, and develops the understanding of how small forces can defeat strong physical power. There are five type of Push Hands:- Single Hand, Double Hand with fixed step, One Step forward and backward, Dalu (large step with low position), and Free-style Push Hand. In Push Hands, the elements of the main energy controlling and releasing methods, called Peng, Lu, Ji, An and Cai, Lie, Zhou, Kao, are used. These are known in the west as Ward off, Roll Back, Squeeze, Press and Pull Down, Cross Strength, Elbow, Shoulder.

Q: There are two main long form styles, what is the difference between the old and new frame?

A: The old frame, called Laojia, came after the ancient Chen Style Tai Chi, which originated around 350 years ago, and was created by General Chen Wangting, who was the 9th generation head of the Chen family. Laojia (old frame) was created around 180 years ago by the 14th generation Master Chen Changxing (Yang Luchan's Master). Around 30 years later Chen Changxing's son, 15th generation member of the Chen family, Master Chen Genyun stared to work on his father's old style and modified it gradually. Master Chen Genyun introduced a lot of Silk Reeling energy movements, and more martial arts applications. These developments continued to be worked on until the 17th generation Grandmaster Chen Fake finalised the new frame, Xinjia, also introducing more Qi Na (catching, grasping, arm-locking) type movements. Laojia is simpler and more straight forward than the new frame, Xinjia, containing fewer twining and circling movements. The old frame, Laojia, is suitable for people who are starting to learn Tai Chi, being much easier to learn. The New Frame is traditionally taught after students have finished learning Laojia, or if a student is particularly dedicated and prepared to work very hard.

Q: Which frame do you teach and why?

A: I teach my senior students the new frame – Xinjia, as it is a definitive guideline for authentic Chen Style Tai Chi. I chose Xinjia, the new frame, containing 83 movements as an overall form to enhance my Tai Chi and Kung Fu skills. For me it shows more real Kung Fu. In the Chen village, old frame is taught first. Later, only the most dedicated and hard working students will be taught the new frame. So I choose the hard way to go as it is one of the most complicated and difficult forms in Chen Style Tai Chi. It is also contains the most exciting and attractive movements to perform and to watch. I am happy to say that I have taught over a thousand students the new frame 83 Forms Xinjia routine. Now I only teach the 11 Short Form, based on the old frame, Laojia, to my new beginners student groups, as this is much easier for people who are just starting to learn Tai Chi exercises. Confidence in understanding the main principles of Chen Style is gained more readily, and from there they can progress to learning the long form.

Q: You just mentioned ancient Chen Style Taijiquan. What is it?

A: Ancient Chen Style Taijiquan is based on the Ancient Chinese Martial Arts routines. These were created by the very famous Martial Arts Master Qi Jiguang of Chang Quan (long fist), who was a Head Martial Arts Instructor General in the Chinese Army. Grandmaster Chen Wang Ting trained under this very powerful man, and from the Ancient Long Fist he created a series of Chen style Tai Chi short sets which also contained a deep understanding of and correlation to Ying Yang philosophy. General Wang Ting also introduced Daoist breathing techniques. Each set consisted of only a few movements. They were a small combination of movements practiced with special breathing techniques. Later all of those small sections were linked into two long form series. The first series is more gentle, soft and smooth. It is considered as a Ying aspect of Tai Chi. The second one is powerful, dynamic, hard and with explosive energy
releasing movements for Martial Arts purpose. It is considered as a Yang
aspect of Tai Chi and is called Cannon Fist.

Q: Does Chen Style Taijiquan work well together when training in any other style of Martial Arts?

A: Yes. Chen Style Taijiquan works excellently with any other type of Martial arts. I have many students that still do other Martial Arts styles along side their Tai chi training. All of them have benefited greatly by adding Tai Chi practice to their existing training. It has helped them a lot and makes them feel more balanced, sensitive and flexible in their movements. In addition, they feel having more energy in their daily life.