Home >> Intangible Cultural Heritage

Tai Ji Quan

Updated: 2006-11-19 11:01:31

( )

Share on

Chen Wangting's original form of Chen style Tai Ji Quan is often referred to as the "Old Frame" (Lao Jia) and its second form as "Cannon Fist" (Pao Quan). In the late 18th century, a fifth generation descendant of Chen Wangting, Chen Youben, simplified the original forms into sets which have come to be known as the "New Style" (Xin Jia). Chen Youben's nephew, Chen Qingping, created a variation of the New Style which is known as the "Small Frame" (Xiao Jia) or "Zhao Bao" form. All of these styles have survived to the present.

Smooth flowing movements punctuated by explosive strikes and kicks characterize the Old Frame. There are many vigorous movements that involve jumping, spinning while in the air, stamping the feet, and dropping the body low to the ground. Technically, in addition to the explosive strikes and throws, the Chen style contains a great number of Qin Na (joint locking and leverage) techniques. These techniques are a remnant of the original weapons disarms popular on the ancient battlefields, and reflect the warrior background of Chen Wangting, creator of the style.

2. Yang-style Tai Ji Quan

Declarer:Yongnian County,Hebei Province

Yongnian County is located in the south of Hebei Province. It is the birthplace of Yang Luchan, the founder of Yang-style Tai Ji Quan, and reputed as "the holy land of Tai Ji."

Originally, the art of Tai Ji Quan was only taught among members of the Chen clan until a promising young outsider named Yang Luchan was accepted as a student in the early 19th century. After mastering the art, Yang Luchan modified the original Chen style and created the Yang style of Tai Ji Quan, the most popular form practiced in the world today.

The Yang style of Tai Ji Quan is a variation of the original Chen style. The forms, which were passed down from Yang Luchan, have undergone many modifications since his time. Yang Luchan's sons were very proficient martial artists and each, in turn, modified their father's art. The most commonly seen variation of the form found today comes from the version taught by Yang Luchan's grandson, Yang Chengfu. It was Yang Chengfu who first popularized his family's art and taught it openly. Yang Chenfu's form is characterized by open and extended postures. Most of the modern variations of the Yang style, as well as the standardized Mainland Chinese versions of Tai Ji Quan are based on his variation of the Yang form.

Previous 1 2 3 4 Next
Editor's Pick
Hot words
Most Popular