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The following edited transcript is drawn from a Q&A session at an Open House in Ottawa in 2014. In this discussion, Master Chen explores a range of thought-provoking topics, including the distinctions between Tai Chi styles, selecting the right teacher, the intricacies of the “God Syndrome,” the nature of fame, and the life of his teacher, Master Hong Jungshen—a true Taoist. You can find the full Q&A video here, the video for the Ottawa Open House 2014 (for members only), an edited transcript entitled “Star Map for Taijiquan“, along with my review of the event. |
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Based on a Workshop conducted in Ottawa in 2014, this text conveys the exploration of Chen Style Taijiquan through Grandmaster Hong Junsheng’s Practical Method. It covers the demanding training philosophy emphasizing rigorous practice over theory, and outlines the art’s history from Chen Village and its lineage through significant masters like Chen Fake. The content also examines the art’s connection to Taoist philosophy, the balance between health and martial application, and the core training principles and verifiable testing fundamental to this method, providing a comprehensive overview of its key facets. |
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The Neo-Confucian philosopher Zhu Xi (朱熹; 1130–1200) of the Southern Song dynasty eloquently stated, “Knowing is the beginning of action, and action is the completion of knowing” (知是行之始，行是知之成). This profound insight highlights the essential interplay between intellectual understanding and its practical application. Students, inspired by the opening line of the Analects—“Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application?” (學而時習之，不亦說乎？)—embark on a rigorous journey of study and introspection. Teachers, like the esteemed Tang Dynasty scholar Han Yu (韓愈; 768–824), fulfill their vital role in “transmitting the Way, imparting instruction, and resolving doubts” (傳道、授業、解惑), guiding students to deeper understanding.
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Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method Introductions published on YouTube May 17, 2008.
Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method is a traditional Chinese martial art with a direction lineage in Chen Style Taijiquan. It is from the teachings of Grandmaster Hong Junsheng, a noted 18th generation Grandmaster of the art. He was a noted disciple of 17th generation Grandmaster Chen Fake. Grandmaster Chen was the Standard Bearer of the art. Grandmaster Hong Junsheng learned this form from him. He spent 15 years as a student and completely inherited the legacy of the art. Master Chen Zhonghua learned this form from Grandmaster Hong Junsheng for 7 years and trained for close to 3 dozen years. In 2004, he was authorized by the Hong Family and disciples as the International Standard Bearer of this style. … |
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In his 2014 Berlin lecture on “Ethics and Real Skill in Martial Art,” Master Chen critiqued the modern tendency to compare traditional martial arts with competitive sports, deeming it a false equivalence. This theme resurfaced in his 2024 Sydney workshop, where he further elaborated on the detrimental impact of such comparisons on Tai Chi Chuan training. |
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Introduced in a brief video clip (2002) as a preview of his DVD collection by Master Chen, these rules are translated from Master Hong’s written work in his book. |
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Traditional martial arts, exemplified by figures like Master Chen and his teacher Master Hong, emphasize restraint, responsibility, and ethical conduct over raw power or showmanship. Violence is viewed as a last resort, and martial knowledge is entrusted only to students of proven character, reflecting the deep responsibility teachers bear. The teacher-student bond, rooted in Confucian ideals, safeguards against the misuse of power, while historical betrayals and modern temptations like ego, fame, and wealth serve as cautionary tales. Modern comparisons between traditional martial arts and competitive sports or MMA often overlook the deeper purpose of these arts: self-cultivation, moral integrity, and the wisdom to wield power responsibly. At its core, traditional martial arts are not about victory in combat but about understanding one’s capabilities, respecting their consequences, and choosing restraint over aggression.
This is an essay based on Master Chen’s Lecture in Berlin 2014-05-06 on “Ethics and Real Skill in Martial Art“. |
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The physical requirements for Chen-Style Tai Chi Practical Method (陈式太极拳实用拳法), a distinct martial art with unique training methods, have been summarized by Master Chen Zhonghua.
Translation of Master Chen Zhonghua Structural or Component Requirements in the Practical Method in 2012 (In Chinese only) |
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Chen-Style Tai Chi Practical Method (陈式太极拳实用拳法) is a unique martial art with a lineage tracing back to Master Chen FaKe (陳發科 1887-1957) and Master Hong Junsheng (洪均生 1907-1996). Over time, this style has developed specialized terminology and nomenclature to convey its principles and training methods. Master Chen Zhonghua (陈中华 1961– ), drawing upon decades of teaching experience and professional training in linguistics, introduces these terms to a Western audience. The following definitions clarify key terms used within the Practical Method.
Translation of Master Chen Zhonghua list of definitions in the Practical Method in 2012 (In Chinese only) |
 20th Anniversary of Ottawa-Gatineau Workshops |
Each year, Master Chen have tirelessly come to Ottawa to share his special insight in the art of Taijiquan. This year makes the Twentieth Anniversary of those annual workshops. Disciples Rachelle B.and James T. organized a series of workshops, special events and produced a commemorative T-shirts for each participants inorder to honor this special occasion. Participants from Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City joined in our celebration. Over the weekend, there was a special seminar on Silk-Reeling, a review of the concept of Internal and External and many other facets in the training of the Practical Method of Chen Style Taijiquan. |
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Master Chen’s SEA Tour 2017 was an informative and well attended event. This annual event was organized by Disciple Nicholas Fung (馮嘉傑) from the Hong Kong Practical Methods. Participants from the region and Canada attended three nights of intensive training on the theory and applications of the Practical Method of Chen Style Taijiquan. The lucky few also had private one-on-one training with Master Chen. A special thanks to guest instructors Pang Zhao Li (庞朝立; Rizhao City, Shandong Province; 山东省日照市) and Brenon Toh (Canada) for helping out during the seminar. The following is some of my notes and impressions of the seminar. |
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Congratulations to Master Chen and the Daqingshan students on the outstanding success of the 5th Daqingshan International Taiji Competition (大青山第五届国际太极拳大赛开赛) in Rizhao (日照), Shandong province (山东省), China.
This prestigious event brought together participants from over 32 countries and regions, with 130 teams fielding a total of 1,170 contestants—including more than 70 international representatives. Notably, for the first time, real-time YouTube broadcasts of some push-hands competitions allowed an international audience to experience the event as it unfolded. More information about the competition is available here (in Chinese). I look forward to hearing from Practical Methods members who participated—please share your experiences in this thread! |
Master Chen in Ottawa 2017
Another year, another step up to see the grand vista of Tai chi. I was able to once again participate in Master Joseph Chen Zhonghua workshop organized by Nicholas Feng, K.T. Lin, Hong Kong Chen Style Taiji Practical Method (香港陳式太極實用拳法).
On a mild holiday weekend, more than thirty participants from Hong Kong, the Mainland, Canada and India gathered to train with Master Chen. A special thanks to Ling Zili who came from Daqinshan to help with the workshop. For two days, Master Chen started with the foundations, then continued with moving, the first thirteen moves of Yilu and occasional bouts of applications training. Master Chen clearly explain how each type of training is directly related to theory of Chen Taijiquan.
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Disciples Rachelle B., James T., and Daniel M. once again orchestrated an exceptional Practical Method seminar in Ottawa. Participants from Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City, Montreal, and Petawawa gathered to immerse themselves in the ancient art of Taijiquan, guided by the personal expertise of Master Joseph Chen. James has already shared a summary of this enriching event.
Over three intensive days, we explored every dimension of the Practical Method—delving into its theory, philosophy, and history, alongside rigorous training in Foundations, forms, and applications. Below are my personal reflections on this remarkable experience. |
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As the Christmas season approached, Hong Kong shimmered under dazzling festive lights, setting the perfect backdrop for a year ending workshop led by K.T. Lin and Nicholas Fung (馮嘉傑) from the Hong Kong Chen Style Taiji Practical Method (香港陳式太極實用拳法). On a pleasantly mild weekend, more than thirty dedicated practitioners from Hong Kong, Mainland China, the United States, and Canada gathered to train with Master Chen Zhonghua.
A special appreciation goes to Tim Duering and Hán Ruì (韩瑞), who traveled from Daqingshan to support the workshop. Over two transformative days, Master Chen guided participants through the core principles of the Practical Method, including foundational techniques, movement dynamics, and Yilu. Beyond the fundamentals, he also explored the deeper theory of Chen Taijiquan, offering hands-on applications and insights into the intricacies of push-hands training. |
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On yet another perfect autumn weekend in Ottawa, Master Chen guided his disciples and Taiji enthusiasts through the intricate art of Taijiquan. With meticulous planning, organizers Rachelle, Daniel, and James curated three days of intense training, immersing participants in Taiji history, philosophy, and the distinctive principles of the Practical Method.
A highlight of the workshop was an entire day dedicated to the hidden art of Pao Chui, offering attendees a rare opportunity to deepen their understanding. |
Special thanks to the dedicated students from Toronto and Montreal who made the long journey to experience hands-on training with Master Chen.
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Overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers is crucial in comprehending the profound meaning of Tàijíquán. Students of the Practical Method are fortunate to have Master Chen as their guide, navigating the intricacies and enigmas of this art. In 2010, Master Chen authored a concise Chinese summary of twenty-four essential principles within the Practical Method. This summary was subsequently refined in 2012. We have now translated this invaluable set of rules into English. |
On another Fall Ottawa weekend, Rachel, James and Daniel of the Ottawa Practical Methods Group organized an intensive training seminar with Ronnie Yee, one of Master Joseph Chen’s Senior Disciples. For two days, students of the Practical Method in the Ottawa Region as well as Hugo from the Toronto group, enjoyed the stories and instructions from Ronnie.
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Rachel, Daniel, and James did an excellent job organizing an Open House and Workshop for the Weekend of April 05-06, 2014. On a beautiful spring morning, more than 50 people gathered to learn about the Chen Style Practical Method and to meet one of its distinguished proponents, Master Joseph Chen Zhonghua. |
Once again, the Ottawa group with the hard work of Daniel and Rachelle hosted a great weekend seminar. Over the course of three days, Master Chen shared his knowledge and experience in the secrets of training in the Chen Style Practical Method. . Read more
Recently, I had the privilege—and the humbling experience—of practicing push hands with Master Chen during one of his seminars. To call the session “enlightening” would be an understatement; it was more like having reality reassembled before my eyes.
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I extend my sincere gratitude to the Ottawa group for organizing such a well-run and rewarding workshop. Throughout the event, we had the opportunity to practice Yilu and foundational exercises, deepening our understanding and skills. A crucial aspect of the workshop was exploring the theory and philosophy of Chen Taijiquan. Master Chen shared numerous insightful concepts, but I’d like to highlight two key ideas: ‘Connecting Pairs’ and ‘Clear.’ |
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Daniel and Rachelle once again hosted an outstanding seminar weekend with Master Chen, bringing together Ottawa Chen-style Taiji practitioners and special guests from Toronto and New Hampshire. Over three enriching days, attendees had the invaluable opportunity to deepen their practice under the expert guidance and profound knowledge of Master Chen. |
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Preface I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Master Chen Zhonghua for his dedication to promoting Chen Taiji in the Ottawa (渥太华) area. For more than a decade, Master Chen has made regular visits to Canada’s capital, ensuring that his disciples, students, and other Taiji enthusiasts receive proper training, grasp the principles of the Practical Method, and deepen their understanding of Taoist philosophy and Chinese culture. |
