Recent Comments

Nice detailed explanation and demonstration of how to slip snugly into position to fill the space and exert a leveraging torque. Excellent template for understanding, learning, and teaching purposes in taijiquan training and development.

The 83-min video is what is available.

The 83-min video is what is available.

Is the complete 5 hours available?

Is this video available?

I checked and you should be able to login en.zhenbudong.cn with the same userid/password.

Kelvin

Good afternoon,
I cannot seem to find how to register with the webdollar site. (en.zhenbudong.cn)

Thank you in advance

Hello!

I hope this email finds you well! I am writing because I purchased on your website 150CAD of web dollars to but the full set of Yilu Detailed Instructions video and the Foundamentals videos but I received instead a lot of different videos. Would it be possible to get the correct videos?

Thank you so much and looking forward to see the videos, I am loving loving this method (I am training in Montreal)

Best,

Samuele

Please contact Bill Vanderhall @ bvanderhall@shaw.ca

Hi there,

Looking to learn about and participate in beginner tai chi classes. I’m in Maple Ridge BC.

Thanks!
Ron Gardner

I am in
Aurora, Colorado. I study with a man named Bruce. I also study with Steve Rhoden who has studied Yang style in the past. I really enjoy Chen style at a park in Denver. We will be meeting on Sunday at 9am at Cranmer Park. Keep up the good work Sigurd.
Thank you,
Gene R Berry

I’ve been taking the Wednesday/Thursday Zoom classes for five years and other martial arts for 62 years. Despite all this, my balance on one leg has always been terrible, as opposed to Linda’s, the Chinese woman who led the class in this video. For me, this one video has recorded the most useful of all of the Zoom classes. Linda’s stability is nothing short of amazing! At various places she shows just how good it is and her training methods for how to get it. And David, who also has exceptional balance, adds some of his own training tips as well. I can’t say enough about this video! Steve Doob

Hi Sifu Ho,

I was wondering how much it costs for the t-shirt. I’m from Montreal, Quebec. “Don’t move” reminds me is Master Chen’s workshops in Ottawa. Is it possible to buy one even if I don’t go to Toronto workshop?

My name is Martin Girard
You can join me by email at
martin_girard82@hotmail.com

Thank you in advance,

Martin

We have given you both Yilu Detailed Instructions whole package and the 2013 Foundations package.
Yes, there is a record of you purchasing the applications 1 and 4. We are leaving those videos in your account.

Thank you and sorry for the trouble.

The person who bought the Yilu Detailed instructions package (all four) is Al d. Is that also you?

Hello I purchased the All Six sectiosn but got the two “Yilu Detailed Applications 3 and 4” videos. I also tried to by the Basic Foundations video, it took the web dollars but doesn’t work. Would you be able to help me?

Thank you so much!

Samuele

According to the records, you have purchased video 4 and then video 1 individually.

Only video 4 showing up?

I can only access Video 4? I paid for the full set of videos. Can I access them? Thank you!!

Don,

Are you located in Guelph? We don’t currently have a local instructor there. I will email you separately to provide more information.

Kelvin

My wife and I would like to start Tai chi Sessions. I have had a DLT and experience significant muscle atrophy. I also have to be careful being in large group do to the immunity suppressants I take however much would be private lesions for my wife and I .i would look at 3x a week for 6-8 weeks to start.

Désolé, on n’en a pas.

Bonjour,
Avez-vous le Book en français

Hello, I clicked to purchase this but got the “2010-05-30 Yilu Detailed Applications 4 Online Video” instead. Can I please have the correct video?

Thank you and regards,
Felix

This video provides a more in depth understanding on the topic of BIE or shearing power. Ren was tasked with explaining some of his key insights from his first 9 days on the mountain. He does a great job of showing us a more complete model of how BIE should work. Master Chen adds several key insights to bring even more clarity to the topic.
The content can be divided broadly into 3 segments:
1- Why our current understanding has been leaving many of us have been coming up short when trying to apply a Bie. The results have only been like a “pinch”, not the more powerful “shearing”.
2- A more detailed model of how Bie force lines and curves should be working.
3- Demonstrations of how setup details and clearer execution can deliver a proper Bie results.

An edited transcript of this workshop Q & A titled Time is life is now available.

An edited transcript of this workshop titled Star Map for Taijiquan/a> is now available.

We gave you an additional 30 web dollars for your inconvenience. Please purchase the videos you want by yourself. Thanks for your understanding!

Hello, I purchased $50 web dollars on May 3, 2024 and purchased some videos. I believe I purchased this video but I don’t have access. I currently only have $20 worth of video and I don’t have any web dollars left. Can somebody help me with this?

Very good lesson.

good

Is it possible to buy your video on the 12 form hunyuan qigong.
Thank you so much Master Chen
Marion

Hey Polle, alles ok ginder in Sidney? Hier ook alles ok. Dit berichtje om ne keer af te spreken als we naar Sidney komen, ergens half augustus… Wij komen naar the land Down Under van 7 tot 27 augustus en plannen een weekje Sidney in die periode. Laat mij iets weten als we kunnen afspreken? Thanks mate!
Groetjes, Sita Anna en Lange Luc

Hi Ming, thank you for writing this article and expanding upon the video.

While Tai Chi Chuan possesses effective martial techniques, its core philosophy prioritizes restraint, ethical conduct, and self-cultivation over aggression. This emphasis on de-escalation, self-control, and conflict avoidance means that traditional Tai Chi training focuses less on direct, combative self-defense compared to some other martial arts. Although its techniques could be applied for self-defense in extreme circumstances, the art emphasizes understanding one’s power and choosing not to use it aggressively. Therefore, if your primary goal is rapid acquisition of practical self-defense skills, other martial arts may be more suitable. However, for those seeking a deeper understanding of movement, body mechanics, and self-discipline alongside potential self-defense applications, Tai Chi Chuan offers a valuable path. The speed at which one achieves proficiency and fulfills their personal goals depends on individual dedication, abilities, and training environment.

A more detail discussion of ethics and martial arts can be found here : https://practicalmethod.com/2025/01/ethics-and-real-skill-in-martial-art-%e6%ad%a6%e5%be%b7/

I re-read this article today.

Another thing I would like to mention about Figure Y. We now have a term for the two Fs forces, it is called Bie 別. It is used to create a lock that you need to hold the structure as illustrated. It can also be used to create a twist/turn if there is another fixed point in the middle.

The “force field” also reminded me another article that I wrote: https://practicalmethod.com/2018/12/creating-a-shell-around-myself/

This video answers many questions.

The three rings of Tai Chi are the inner Circle (内圈), Middle Circle (中圈) and the
Outer Circle (外圈). What are its origins?

The entire relationship of the three ring theory is
1 + 2 = 2 ; 2 + 1 = 2
3 + 2 = 2 ; 2 + 3 = 2
(1+2) + (3+2) = 3
1 does not work with 3
3 does not work with 1
What does that mean?

How does this theory be applied or trained? What is the weapon, the buffer and the source?

Master Chen concludes: ” In the end, that’s why I said again and again … in terms of the real fighting [is] a game of chicken. Why? Because that’s the law of physics. It means if I got you, what does it mean? It means you got me.”

Amazing looking place!

That large stone in the first picture is incredible.

Will do.

Hey bro call me 907-631-8135 it’s jack and terry

An important expression in Tai Chi Chuan training is “Xū lǐng dǐng jìn” (虛領挺勁), often translated as “empty the collar, poke out the energy”. This concept is emphasized in Wang Zongyue’s “Tai Chi Theory” (王宗岳 《太极拳论》) and is ranked first among the “Ten Essentials” in Yang style Tai Chi (杨派太极拳列为“十要”之首).

What does this idea truly entail, and how can it be applied practically? Master Chen demonstrates and explains this principle using mechanical models. According to Master Chen, “Ignore… the so-called Tai Chi concept, do this…” and, “according to Hong’s teachings… Once you follow this rigid mechanical model… you get it…”.

Taoism, like Tai Chi, is a self-consistent and internally logical system. Its truths are revealed through direct engagement rather than through external frameworks or analogies. As Master Chen emphasizes, “There isn’t anything [analogy] closer [to explain Taoism]. That’s the difficulty [in understanding Taoism for the novice]. And that’s why it [the study of Taoism] is a real pursuit, and yet very few people get it [or reach enlightenment].”

The path to understanding Taoism lies in practicing it directly. Tai Chi, as a physical embodiment of Taoist principles, offers a gateway to this profound and elusive philosophy. Using a basic Tai Chi Chuan exercise termed “Three Directions”, Master Chen explains the concrete applications of Taoist philosophy.

Mystery of the Unseen

The Yin moves, the Yang follows.
To know it is not to speak it,
To act is to forget.
When the body splits, is it one?
When the mind resolves, is it two?
Step into the Dao,
And the answer is not an answer.

The positive circle, a cornerstone of Chen Style Tai Chi, is a dynamic sequence of movements that can unlock your body’s potential. It’s broken down into three key phases: In with Elbow, Turn with Waist, and Out with Hand. These phases, involving pulling and pushing actions, might seem simple at first. However, they hold the secret to a deeper understanding of Tai Chi’s power and subtlety.

Master Chen used these principles to dissect the Yilu form, the fundamental form of Chen Style Tai Chi. By examining each movement through the lens hand-foot connections and the concept of switching, you can gain profound insights into the underlying mechanics and energy flow. This knowledge, coupled with simple mechanical models, will not only enhance your technical skills but also empower you to cultivate a more profound connection with your body and mind.

This issue has been fixed. Thanks.

What is the link to the specific youtube video?

Dear Master Chen

Some vidéos on YouTube interest me
I would like order but I don’t know the titre
How can I find the title ?
King regard
Robert

Very recommended learning. The best Taichi teacher I have ever seen in life. Thank you for all Sifu Chen.

Master Chen summarized Grandmaster Hong’s teaching approach as the “Duo” (多) system with five steps: Watch, Listen, Ask, Try, and Think.

Master guides the way,
Watch, listen, ask, try, think—
Nature flows within.

師が導く
見て、聞き、問い、試し、考える
自然が宿る

师父引路，
看、听、问、试、思，
自然流转。

I have exactly the same issue.

Also, I can see the 2013 version sold for “Web Dollar $xx” when I’m not logged in. Once logged in, I can only see the trailer version (with “Page Not Found”) but no purchase button.

Detailed explanation,thank you. I want to ask question…what means to train form with power,and how often we need to train like that?

A student asked the master, “What is the essence of Tai Chi?”

The master replied, “In all things, Yin and Yang embrace. Heavy hands rest like a mountain, unmoved, though they seem weightless.”

The student, puzzled, asked, “Then how do I move my hands?”

The master said, “Do not move them; let your hands be as still as the sky, while your body flows like water beneath.”

The student persisted, “What must I avoid?”

The master smiled.
“Five ‘No’s guide you:
No hands that reach,
No waist that sways,
No hips that break,
No shoulders that rise,
No knees that stray.”

The student asked, “And what of the elbow?”

The master held up his arm. “When the elbow rests, it is both weapon and whisper. You need only feel where it points.”

The student bowed,
And in the stillness, felt movement within stillness.

This video teaches us how to send energy through the body like what happens with Newton Balls (look them up). What I mean is, with Newton Balls you pull back one of the outside balls, let it go and it hits the other balls. The balls it hits don’t move, but the energy passes through them and makes the other outside ball swing out. In the same way, we drop our back heel forcefully down onto the floor and energy bounces back through us until it reaches the front hand and makes it forcefully shoot out. The body has to be in line with the rear foot and arched (hollowed) so that the energy can pass through and not leak out. The body is like the middle Newton Balls; it can’t move, it can only transmit. I say it’s like Newton Balls, but Master Chen demonstrates the idea in the video with three coins touching each other. He holds down the middle coin and hits it with one of the outcide ones, thus making the other outside one shoot out. It’s a good lesson on how to transmit energy through yourself. I think it’s the reason he always says to NOT MOVE!

I can no longer access this file. Any suggestions.

In this lesson Master Chen predicts political problems because of cultural misunderstanding between China and the West.

Carlotta, could you share what the lesson is about?

Master Chen i have a question: Is it correct, that when students are able to do this drill of a difficulty level of 5, that then this student has reached the “Master Level” in Taiji?

I find Shifus suggestion great!!!
I already using Chinese words and concepts in my classes. I‘d love to learn more

This is like some type of “movement telepathy”. I believe, Taiji and Qi Gong originate from shamanic dance/movement. I read on Wiki, that, in China/Daoism, people who teach the way to the Tao are called “Method Man”. No wonder that Hong termed his achievement in Taiji Practical Method. And it is particularly no wonder that they kept him secret as Master Chen pointed out in one video. I suppose “they” tried to shield his truths from society in order to prevent the real teaching from reaching too many people.

Real Taiji is beyond the programming of the central nervous system´s components. It is not just about neurons firing in the correct patterns. Science and medicine as materialistic ideas are both not interested to admit that their view of life is wrong. Imagine science would tell the people, that Taiji and QiGong are real and that this is the purpose of life. Imagine that. Then lots of people would go for it and society as we know it would be shattered.

Master Chen teaches the moves from “cloud hands” to “turn left and kick with heal”. Power is generated when the skeletal structure is completely aligned. I believe that is the Gong, to be able to sense how your bones work together with the correct manipulation of the open joints. Lines, planes, circles, spirals, the geometrical Taiji Body, that is one feature of Tao. I wonder why i don´t have students with me in my little town, since i can explain and correct them at least in the foundations and Yilu. I am training since over five years publicly and i believe, they don´t want to come to me, because i am straight forward and tell them what Taiji is. People don´t want the truth in this corrupted world and live on their delusion. My old friends are all against Taiji and Master Chen, because they think he is a charlatan and Taiji is not real. Far away from the truth they are…

James, you as an engineer, how would you describe the Taiji Energy?

This video is of Master Chen Zhonghua giving instructions on how to train ingraining Zhou-Kua (elbow-kua) connectedness into your body. This is demonstrated using different postures from the first section of the bare hand routine (Yilu) of Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method. The goal is to allow proper transmission of energy in a swift and efficient manner from a solid base and origin to a target point. This video is not for beginners. It is valuable for those who have already practiced for some time and eager to advance.

Taiji learning is like a endothermic chemical reaction. You need to go over the threshold and then the reaction/transformation starts. This is meant by “the water has to boil”. There are chemicals that can lower the threshold and function as a catalyst.

This is a demonstration of the Kung Fu. Instant impuls. You cannot become faster with any training in Martial Arts. Just Taiji gives this acceleration. I had this from day one, but nowadays the system restricts my training.

UPDATE!! PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WORKSHOP LOCATION HAS CHANGED!
WORKSHOP ADDRESS:
Gierkeplatz 2
D-10585, Berlin-Charlottenburg
Thanks,
Sven

Hi John, i guess the category “Dantien” is still a level too high for you. People use this term in a very “normal” way in the Taiji World, but only few people embody it.

Please send an email to 1684987990@qq.com. Thanks.

I’m interested in coming to Da Qingshan for the October seminar. Can I get the cost? I’m coming from Beijing; I can get the train to Rizhao and then take a taxi?

Thanks,

Matt

https://practicalmethod.com/2010/08/on-learning-taijiquan-full-time/