If you are new to Hoggs Chen Tai Chi Praxeum, this is an excellent place to learn more about why I am so passionate about tai chi in general, and Chen style tai chi in particular.
When I was around eight years old, I was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD, aka dyspraxia). I also suffered from severe anxiety and depression. In a bid to increase my health, my Mom talked me into trying out tai chi, which a friend of the family taught. So, I began my study of Tai Chi with the Taoist Tai Chi society in April 2004 at the age 12. The Taoist Tai Chi society teaches what I now understand to be a variant of the the Yang style 108 form for health.
As I progressed in my training, I decided to explore a more traditional style that retained the martial applications. In May 2015, I began my study of Chen style under James Saper of East Mountain (formerly Stone Lantern Internal Arts).
I am currently an ongoing student of Chen style taijiquan and other internal arts, learning under both James Saper and his instructor, Jack Yan of TNT Kung Fu. I am also a paid member of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation.
What Is Tai Chi?
Many different understandings of tai chi exist. My best understanding, at present is that tai chi (taijiquan) is is simultaneously a holistic health cultivation technique, potent martial art, and rich cultural/spiritual practice. As a martial art, Tai Chi is considered an internal style (neijia). This means it is characterized by the cultivation of chi (qi) and emphasizes the use of soft tissues like fascia, ligaments and tendons to transmit force over muscle tension and external body rotation. There are several different styles of Tai Chi that have developed over the centuries but they often share several core principles that make them Tai Chi.
The scholarly consensus is that Chen style Tai Chi is the oldest form of Tai Chi. Originally developed in Chen village (Chenjiagou), located in Northern China and specifically the Henan province, beginning in the late 16th century. It has developed over the centuries into a complete martial system with several different forms.
Chen style Tai Chi is distinguished from other forms of Tai Chi by its focus on circular movements called spiral rotations or “silk reeling” (chansijin) and fast, explosive bursts of energy (fa jin) to issue strikes, throws, and take-downs.
The curriculum of Chen style Tai Chi includes, but is not limited to:
- Foundational exercises to increase flexibility, balance, strength, and overall resilience.
- Various Qigong exercises including Standing Pole (zhan zhuang) training.
- Forms (taolu) training such as Old Frame (laojia) First Routine (yilu) and Second/Cannon Fist Routine (erlu/paochui), New Frame (xinjia) First and Second/Cannon Fist Routines, Straigh Sword (jian) Routine, and Saber/Broadsword (dao) routine
- Martial applications training include push-hands (tuishou) and free sparring (sanshou)
Whether you are interested in becoming a proficient martial artist or simply want to improve your health, Chen style Tai Chi is a rewarding, effective, and empowering practice. You will often find me training in parks around Guelph. If you do, feel free to say hello!
The Dreamers' Corner 