I teach the two systems for two reasons:
- Personal bias. You can also call this respect for my two masters. I am a disciple of both systems and therefore, I find in my heart that I must teach both systems. This does not mean that I always teach both Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method and Hunyuan Taiji at the same time.
- Both are valid and valuable systems that people should learn and benefit from. The two masters were both disciples of Grandmaster Chen Fake. Their personal pursuit led them to develop different flavors of the same art. It is important to understand that the basis for their respective arts is the same. My personal view is that pure Chen Style is concerned with body mechanics of how power is generated and delivered the most efficient way. Hunyuan Taiji is concerned with the energy flow in the body and how it affects the body and health. Both are indeed important.
If one has to make a choice, then these two views should be taken into consideration in the decision making process.
(This reply is from Chen Zhonghua)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for answering my question.
What is the sequence of lessons for Hunyuan? What is the very first step? For Practical Method it seems to be Foundations followed by Yilu for e.g. Are there DVDs/videos covering these initial steps?
Thanks in advance,
The basic beginning for Hunyuantaiji Taiji is Silk Reeling and Qigong- there are Dvd’s that covers this beautifully. (Basic silk Reeling, advanced silk Reeling, basic Qigong, detailed Qigong) The second step would be the 24 form. All you essentially need for the Hunyuan system are these. Garndmaster Feng created a large number of forms, but Qigong and the 24 embody most of his intent so these can be the bare minimum of learning his system, or all that is necessary to maintain health and develop martial skill. Master Chen has a great video showing the 24 form applications- very devastating!
Thanks Allan, very helpful π