Chen Style Taijiquan and Hunyuan Taiji email: practicalmethod@qq.com

In 2010, Master Chen was teaching in Edmonton, Canada. The atmosphere was steeped in hushed concentration, each movement carried out with quiet precision, while senior student Allan Belsheim diligently operated the camera, ensuring every detail was captured. Meanwhile, Alex Renwick and Mat Beausoleil stood in the training space, absorbing corrections to their forms. One student, eager for clarity, posed a question: “If I lean forward [to execute the move ‘Fall and split —Diē chà — 跌岔’], [The action is] a lot easier. [Is the leaning correct?]”

Master Chen’s response was swift and unwavering: “Don’t lean forward. Right now your problem is that you still have a waist.” His words, seemingly cryptic, hinted at something deeper—a philosophy beyond mere physical alignment. He continued: “I should also provide you with ideas about what you aim to achieve—whether in terms of philosophy, theory, or the physical aspects of your practice.” And with that, the lectures on the “5 No’s”— a Journey to bù (不) and méi (沒) — began.

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