Taijiquan (Tai Chi)

 Chen Style Taijiquan is widely acknowledged as the oldest and the ancestor of all the other Taijiquan (Tai Chi) styles. Although it is characterized by low powerful stances, more obvious body coiling movements, stomping, and explosive releases of power that are mostly absent from the practice of other styles of Taijiquan, Chen Style Taijiquan can also be practiced with graceful, slow, and light movements. The martial aspects and health benefits are still preserved and retained within the Chen Taijiquan system.

Generally, there are 2 barehanded form sets in Chen Taijiquan. The 1st Form is "Yi Lu" and the 2nd Form is "Er Lu", also known as "Cannon Fist" or "Pao Chui" . The speed, strength, and difficulty in each of the two forms are quite different. These variations are based on the forms' lineage.

The first form (Yi Lu) is softer. This form is used as a tool to help develop a practitioner's strength, balance, coordination, and understanding of basic Taiji principles. The strength of the form is based on the basic "Chan Si Jing" (spiral energy/force). Because of these characteristics, the first form is essential for beginners to learn. It is also beneficial for those who want to practice Taijiquan for health reasons.

The second form (Cannon Fist) is more complex. It is geared more toward the development of explosive power and fighting techniques. There are many fast, powerful, and hard movements.

Traditionally, beginners always start with the first form of Chen Taijiquan while practicing some basic exercises to get rid of body stiffness. Practicing a combination of the first form and basic exercises correctly will help the beginner develop "Chan Si Jing" (spiral energy). The second form then develops more explosive power.

The Chen-Style 48 Taijiquan Form is derived from the Xin Jia Chen Taijiquan First Form (the 83-posture Yi Lu) compiled by Feng Zhiqiang, the 18th generation master of Chen-style Taijiquan. The 48 Form contains approximately 95% of the First Form combined with a few postures from the Second Form (the 71-posture Er Lu or "Cannon Fist"). This combination gives a more yin and yang balance to the form. Within this form are influences from Feng Zhiqiang's martial arts background prior to his study of Chen Taijiquan. Because of the unique incorporation of Feng Zhiqiang's prior martial arts background with Chen Taijiquan, the 48 Form gives a new character to the Chen 83 Form in terms of application and transition.