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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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Ming
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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. |
 Rizhao China, (Photos courtesy of people.com.cn) |
Congratulations to Master Chen and the Daqingshan students on making 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 a resounding success. There were more then 32 countries and regions represented; 130 teams fielded and 1170 contestants with more then 70 international representatives taking part. For the first time, real time Youtube broadcasts of some of the push hands competition was available to an international audience. Information on this event is available here. (in Chinese). I hope Practical Methods members who took part will share some of their 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.
Disciples Rachelle B., James T. and Daniel M. once again organized a great Practical Method seminar in Ottawa. Participants from Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City, Montreal and Petawawa gathered to train in the ancient act of Taijiquan under the personal attention of Master Joseph Chen. James have already posted a summary of this event. Over the course of three days, we covered all aspects of the Practical Method including theory, philosophy and history as well as the Foundations, forms and applications. The following are my personal observations.
Nearing Christmas, under the bright festive lights of Hong Kong, 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) organized the year ending workshop with Master Chen Zhonghua. On a mild weekend, more than thirty participants from Hong Kong, the Mainland, USA and Canada gathered to train with Master Chen. A special thanks to Tim Duering and Hán Ruì (韩瑞) who came from Daqingshan to help with the workshop. For two days, Master Chen covered the basics of the Practical Method such as the foundations, movement and Yilu. Master Chen also covered the theory of Chen Taijiquan as well as hands on applications and the intricacy of push hands training.
On another perfect Ottawa autumn weekend, Master Chen taught his disciples and Taiji enthusiasts the intricate art of Taijiquan. The organizers (Rachelle, Daniel and James) meticulously planned three days of intense training focusing on Taiji history, philosophy and the unique nature of the Practical Method. the workshop participants was fortunate to have an entire day devoted to the hidden art of Pao Chui. A special thanks to all the students from Toronto and Montreal who made the long trip to take advantage of the 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.
Rachel, Daniel and James did an excellent job organizing an Open House and Workshop for the Weekend of April 05-06, 2014. On a fine spring morning, more then 50 people showed up for an introduction to Chen Style Practical Method and to meet one of the system’s outstanding proponents, Master Joseph Chen Zhonghua. Read more
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 was fortunate enough to practice push hands with Master Chen during one of his seminars. I found the experience quite enlightening. Read more
I would like to thank the Ottawa group for organizing a great workshop. During the workshop, we practice Yilu and the foundation exercises. An important component of the workshop is understanding the theory and philosophy of Chen Taijiquan. Master Chen covered many concepts but I will only highlight the idea of “Connecting Pairs” and “Clear” Read more
Daniel and Rachelle once again organized a great seminar weekend with Master Chen. For three days, Ottawa Chen style taiji practitioners as well as special guests from Toronto and New Hampshire were able to benefit from the extensive knowledge and expert guidance of Master Chen. Read more
Preface
I would like to thank Master Chen Zhonghua for his effort in promoting Chen Taiji in the Ottawa (渥太华) area. Read more
