
Presenter: Chen Zhonghua Length: 64 mins Difficulty: 3/5 Language: English  
Year: 2026 Location: Edmonton, Canada



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by Ming on 2026/08/08
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First of all, the original intent of Taijiquan was never as a recreational sport for health. It was a martial art with a rigorous internal focus—one that is distinct from all other systems. This specific art is found only in Chen Village and the branches derived from it.
Taijiquan is about balance. Regardless of the method used, Taijiquan will weigh you like a balance scale. This “weighing” is the specialized method of Chen Style Taijiquan, a method absent in other martial systems. |
| While Taijiquan, Xing Yi Quan, and Bagua Zhang are all considered internal arts, Taijiquan is all-encompassing: it possesses what other styles have, but it also uniquely possesses what they do not.This is the method of weighing an opponent. No matter how heavy you are, I only need to nudge the counterweight one tiny notch on the scale to achieve balance. If you were lucky enough to have touched Grandmaster Hong Junsheng, you would understand this immediately; otherwise, it is not easy to grasp.
The scale is an object, and nudging a counterweight is merely an action. So, where is the “internal” in this? If you put one ton of weight on a scale and I move the counterweight just one unit to balance it—and you do not see that as “internal“—then you will never find the internal in this world. To seek intangibles like Jing (劲), Qi (氣), and Shen (神) without understanding this mechanics is to put the cart before the horse. |
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| (This article is based on the Interview with Chen Stylist Chen Zhonghua by Guo Yi, first posted in 2011.) |
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by Ming on 2026/07/24
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Master Hong Junsheng transformed Chen Style Taijiquan by grounding esoteric martial concepts into direct, testable reality. A lineage heir to the legendary Chen Fake, Hong demystified the art through clear, everyday language, as detailed in his landmark work, Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method. |
| At the core of Hong’s teaching is precision over brute strength. Beginners must construct a rock-solid foundation through basic forms before chasing elusive concepts like internal energy. True relaxation isn’t collapsing into limpness, just as true strength isn’t rigidity; it is maintaining active, living tension (Peng) while remaining fluidly connected to an opponent. All motion relies on spiral mechanics, combining body rotation with limb revolution, demanding an upright, centered posture. By mastering dynamic balance (continually alternating empty and substantial weight), practitioners transition from reactive defense to effortless, proactive control.
Ultimately, Hong demonstrated that Taijiquan extends far beyond martial application or physical exercise. It is a holistic system of self-cultivation rooted in Taoist philosophy. By replacing raw power with unified mind-body intention, the art unlocks mental clarity, emotional composure, and sharp adaptive intelligence. Authored by disciple Zhang Shengjian, this reflection emphasizes that true mastery requires disciplined practice, authentic mentorship, and profound engagement with the art’s philosophical roots. Strip away the mysticism, master the mechanics, and Taijiquan becomes an inexhaustible blueprint for lifelong resilience. |
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Adapted from a post by Kelvin Ho:
“Conversations with Grandmaster Hong Junsheng on Taiji” based on a Chinese article by Zhang Shengjian (張生健) September, 2003 |
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by Ming on 2026/07/10
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Michael Calandra’s martial arts journey is defined by a rare intersection of traditional discipline and real-world application. A veteran of the NYPD, Michael retired in 2010 as a Detective in the Intelligence Division following a distinguished 22-year career. His extensive experience as both a Transit and Police Officer provided him with a gritty, realistic lens through which he views combat and self-defense, a perspective he has shared as a dojo owner for over 35 years. In 2022, he relocated from New York to Wittmann, Arizona, where he opened Seishinkan West to continue his legacy as an internationally recognized instructor who has taught seminars across China, India, Europe, South America, and the United States. |
| His formal pedigree is rooted in deep lineage, holding the rank of 10th Dan Hanshi in Isshin-Ryu Karate under Master Kichiro Shimabuku, a 6th Dan in Matayoshi Kobudo under Master Yoshiaki Gakiya, and a 1st Dan in Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-Ryu under Master Yukihiro Sugino. In addition to his mastery of Japanese arts, Michael was inducted as the 24th Indoor Disciple under Master Chen Zhonghua. He has dedicated himself to the study and promotion of Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method, hosting annual workshops to preserve the system’s mechanical integrity and technical depth.In this podcast, Michael reflects on his 25-year relationship with Master Chen Zhonghua and the nuances of the Practical Method. Drawing directly from his years of fighting experience on the streets of New York, he discusses the vital necessity of realistic training. His unique background allows him to bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern survival, offering listeners a profound look at the “martial truth” of why practitioners must prioritize functional application over mere form. | |
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Adapted from a Podcast Transcript:
“The Martial Truth Podcast EP2” When the Student is Ready the Teacher will Appear broadcasted Feb 11, 2023 |
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