CHEN

shang bu qi xing

jing lan zhi ru

CHARACTERISTICS

Please visit “INTRODUCTION-CHARACTERISTICS” for main characteristics of tai-chi chuan.

It’s quite dynamic and a very showy style. It’s easy to get fond of. It includes rhythm changes within taiji quan’s proper continuity. Also includes short stoppings which are necessary to gather the strength-energy back, in order to be able to emit it again. It has to be executed in the right way so the flow of the form doesn’t get interrupted. This action of gathering the energy is called “xu” in Chinese.

In some way, this style could be considered as the closest one to the external school (shaolin) when compared to other taiji quan styles. Though, it’s an internal boxing. These are the reasons why it may fit the expectation of those who meet taiji looking for an internal martial art. If all the styles are themselves martial arts, within Chen style this is externally evident.

Perhaps the most notorious characteristics are:

Pao chui, "bomb" punch. It is a sudden and total qi, strength and energy discharge, a powerful fist stroke which belongs particularly to this style.

Zhan si jin, “the strength of silk thread reeling ". Qi and strength spread following one spiral from the feet, up through the whole body. This characteristic is also present within other styles but it’s within Chen style that is more notorious and more emphasized.

Circulation of qi, very similar to a "closed circuit”

According to Chen Zheng Lei, Chen style joins together the next six characteristics:

• Externally looks like a marriageable lady and internally looks like a well-built bodyguard.
• The method for twisting the spiral in order to move the "qi"
• Uniting wu-shu with properly qi-gong breathing practises
• Comprises, at the same time, hardness y softness
• Intention, breathing and motion must be united
• There are ten techniques for the combat, for example, kicks, punches, debris, keys, etc.

Chen Xin wrote as follows:

One part of yin and nine of yang and you get thrown away as one stick

With two parts of yin and eight of yang, fighting is possible

Three of yin and seven of yang is still too tough

Four yins and six yangs show already a certain level

Solely when there are five parts of yin and five parts of yang, with no disequilibrium, the excellence is attained.