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Chen Family (or Chen Style) Taiji is the ancestor of all Taiji systems. Unlike many of the easy, meditative Taiji forms practiced in the West, Chen Style Taiji is a highly evolved martial art. Newcomers to the art will find useful information on how to identify a qualified instructor, while the martial arts theorist will find a thorough discussion concerning the origins and evolution of Taiji.
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"Taiji, people often muse, ""Isn't that the thing you see people doing in the park?""" Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
"Taiji, people often muse, ""Isn't that the thing you see people doing in the park?""" Read the first page
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is brilliant. He starts off with some excellent theory and then moves into the actual instruction. I gave this book 5 stars but would actually mark it down half a star as I think it could do with clearer pictures. However, having said that once you read the directions and look at the pics a couple of times it all becomes clear. Also once you get used to the style of instruction it is relatively easy to pick up. He is thorough in his explainations of each posture/movement and has a pleasant and honest writing style. Over all I would absolutely recommend this book to someeone wishing to learn Chen Style old frame taiji.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is an unusual book, not without its problems. Mark Chen the author, is an American-born Chinese person who first started training in Shaolin martial arts in San Francisco in 1973. He then progressed to Yang Style Taijiquan, and then to Chen Style Taijiquan, which he has studied with mainland Chinese masters. The reader must bear in-mind that the Communist Regime - established in 1949, has standardized Chinese martial arts, and in the process has stripped these arts of much of their traditional foundational beliefs and distinctive historical mythology, etc. This book contains six chapters:
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Taijiquan.
Chapter 2 - The Evolution of Taijiquan.
Chapter 3 - Instruction.
Chapter 4 - Basics.
Chapter 5 - Forms.
Chapter 6 - Training with an opponent.
The paperback (2004) edition contains 246 numbered pages and is sponsored by the Society of the Study of Native Arts and Sciences. Chen Taijiquan has three known styles:
1) Lao Jia (Old Frame).
2) Xiao Jia (Small Frame).
3) Xin Jia (New Frame).
This book contains photographs of the entire 75 movements of the Old Frame, as well as demonstrates partner work and self-defence. The movement and positions conveyed are typical of modern, mainland lineages (post-1949). Chen, in chapters 2 and 4, of his book, pours scorn on the 'traditional' beliefs often associated with pre-1949 lineages of Taijiquan. He does not accept the existence of the Daoist named Zhang San Feng, and questions the various dates associated with him. Curiously, all of Chen's references are gathered from English sources, and he does not present any Chinese language research in this area. Furthermore, Chen questions the entire notion of the concept of 'internal' and 'external' in relation to Chinese martial arts, and suggests that in his opinion, the Chen style he practices is not necessarily 'internal', Chen says:
'One common belief is that the term "internal" refers to martial arts that are "soft" or slow. By this standard, Taiji is certainly not internal since it is, on the whole, neither soft nor slow,' (Page 41).
The narrative is slightly confused on this point, as Chen - the Public Relations Director for the National Neigong Research Society - (an organisation that examines the 'internal' in Chinese martial arts), says earlier in the book (Pages 17-19), that the notions of the internal and the external, at least in principle, are found in various Ming and Qing Dynasty sources, and that the Shaolin tradition is a combination of internal and external techniques. Chen appears to be treading the thin line between denying the validity of traditional Chinese martial thinking in-part, whilst at the sametime, picking and choosing from that very same tradition when it serves his rhetorical purposes. Philosophical confusion apart, this is a good introductory book to the subject of Chen Taijiquan.
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Taijiquan.
Chapter 2 - The Evolution of Taijiquan.
Chapter 3 - Instruction.
Chapter 4 - Basics.
Chapter 5 - Forms.
Chapter 6 - Training with an opponent.
The paperback (2004) edition contains 246 numbered pages and is sponsored by the Society of the Study of Native Arts and Sciences. Chen Taijiquan has three known styles:
1) Lao Jia (Old Frame).
2) Xiao Jia (Small Frame).
3) Xin Jia (New Frame).
This book contains photographs of the entire 75 movements of the Old Frame, as well as demonstrates partner work and self-defence. The movement and positions conveyed are typical of modern, mainland lineages (post-1949). Chen, in chapters 2 and 4, of his book, pours scorn on the 'traditional' beliefs often associated with pre-1949 lineages of Taijiquan. He does not accept the existence of the Daoist named Zhang San Feng, and questions the various dates associated with him. Curiously, all of Chen's references are gathered from English sources, and he does not present any Chinese language research in this area. Furthermore, Chen questions the entire notion of the concept of 'internal' and 'external' in relation to Chinese martial arts, and suggests that in his opinion, the Chen style he practices is not necessarily 'internal', Chen says:
'One common belief is that the term "internal" refers to martial arts that are "soft" or slow. By this standard, Taiji is certainly not internal since it is, on the whole, neither soft nor slow,' (Page 41).
The narrative is slightly confused on this point, as Chen - the Public Relations Director for the National Neigong Research Society - (an organisation that examines the 'internal' in Chinese martial arts), says earlier in the book (Pages 17-19), that the notions of the internal and the external, at least in principle, are found in various Ming and Qing Dynasty sources, and that the Shaolin tradition is a combination of internal and external techniques. Chen appears to be treading the thin line between denying the validity of traditional Chinese martial thinking in-part, whilst at the sametime, picking and choosing from that very same tradition when it serves his rhetorical purposes. Philosophical confusion apart, this is a good introductory book to the subject of Chen Taijiquan.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
12 reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Unusually insightful, well-presented, excellent text
1 July 2004
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is truly outstanding. It is much more than a superb Tai Chi guide, although it is that as well; deep principles are revealed in a straight-forward (i.e., non-jargon, unesoteric language) manner. Mark Chen (I see no translator credit) is an admirable writer. His english is excellent, which extends to a witty, dry sense of humor. Dialog is crisp and precise.
I am not a Tai Chi expert so cannot comment on the technical merits of the book. Being a non-authority, however, did not prevent me from having many "ah hah!" moments whilst reading the text. After many years of practice, under more than a few teachers and styles, Mark Chen answered questions which had plagued me --- and left unaswered until now --- throughout my martial arts lifetime. A single insight would have justified the cost of the book, and there have been many (for myself).
This book is certain to irritate some readers because Mark Chen attacks some "sacred cows". For example, any mention of Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do will inevitably invite criticism from Bruce's many supporters. Mark's definitions of martial art vs sport will aggravate an even larger audience.
If I could offer any criticism it would be a desire to have more detail in some of the sections. But, I suspect that may have defeated the intent of the author. In any case, the book is a classic as it is.
To compare Mark Chen's writing to another author might be instructive. Although I have the greatest respect for author Yang Jwing-Ming, I find his books a perplexing admixture of esoteric, technical and spiritual themes. The material is present but much harder (for me), than Mark Chen, to get to and assimilate the material.
In summary, in my opinion, a valuable contribution to the martial arts literature for all practitioners.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
With Chen Taiji books on the rise - this one's a keeper
6 May 2004
Format:Paperback
Wow! I was really surprised when I read this book. The broad offerings and nice details offered by this terrific book were unexpected.
Mark Chen's strikingly comprehensive Chen Taiji manual offers quality photos with direction arrows, a nice breakdown of push hands training, solid attempts at explaining the basics - including 'Fajing' and "Issuing", very interesting commentary on weapons training, and offers a very nice sample of applications that manage to capture the unique neutralization and joint locking skills of which Chen Taiji is famed.
And as a long-time practitoner and researcher on Chen Taiji, I really appreciated his sourcing, excellent endnotes, and beautifully distilled statements that really capture what Chen Taiji is about. He accomplishes this in a way that is both 'traditional' in tone, yet highly practical in explanation.
He makes interesting assertions, most of which I agree with, a few I don't. But the overall statement he makes throughout the book will be quite revealing for those new to Chen Taiji and for adherents of any Taijiquan style looking to deepen their appreciation and understanding of this martial art. This work is a quality contribution to Chen Taiji literature in English.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
A welcome addition to any TaiJi player's library!!!
5 July 2004
Format:Paperback
Although this book deals with Chen,QingZhou's version of the Lao Jia YiLu I must say that it is indeed a well written account of the basics of TaiJi.
This is not to say that he is not an advanced practitioner of Chen's TaiJiQuan. Au contraire! I have heard many fine things about Mr.Chen's (Mark's)skills as well as his teaching abilities.
Having attended two of Grandmaster Chen,QingZhou's seminars to study the TaiJi Ball and TaiJi Bang (pronounced,"Bong"),as well as having "felt" his skills in "touching hands" with him and having several of his videos, I've eagerly awaited the release of a book detailing the performance of his routine.
I especially like the way he explains the reason why some of the postures are done differently than some of the other Chen masters; also in defining the energy of "Kao". Practitioners of Chen Style know that Kao actually means "leaning", or "bumping" and can be done with any part of the body and is not limited to just a "shoulder strike" as some other styles of TaiJiQuan are wont to do. He also provides some excellent examples of several Chin Na techniques from the pushing hands.
His approach is simple and direct. Especially when it comes to "telling it like it is", when it comes to the truth about gaining proficiency in TaiJi, and anything else you want to be good at. All it takes is alot of sweat and hard work. I thought that the first 39 pages alone were worth the "price of admission".
And remember, although there are many photos and instructions to help one learn this particular style of Chen's TJQ, this is still no substitute for a good teacher.
Many kudos to you, Mark Chen for providing us with an excellent opus. I hope that someday you can produce a book on the TaiJi Iron Ball.
This is not to say that he is not an advanced practitioner of Chen's TaiJiQuan. Au contraire! I have heard many fine things about Mr.Chen's (Mark's)skills as well as his teaching abilities.
Having attended two of Grandmaster Chen,QingZhou's seminars to study the TaiJi Ball and TaiJi Bang (pronounced,"Bong"),as well as having "felt" his skills in "touching hands" with him and having several of his videos, I've eagerly awaited the release of a book detailing the performance of his routine.
I especially like the way he explains the reason why some of the postures are done differently than some of the other Chen masters; also in defining the energy of "Kao". Practitioners of Chen Style know that Kao actually means "leaning", or "bumping" and can be done with any part of the body and is not limited to just a "shoulder strike" as some other styles of TaiJiQuan are wont to do. He also provides some excellent examples of several Chin Na techniques from the pushing hands.
His approach is simple and direct. Especially when it comes to "telling it like it is", when it comes to the truth about gaining proficiency in TaiJi, and anything else you want to be good at. All it takes is alot of sweat and hard work. I thought that the first 39 pages alone were worth the "price of admission".
And remember, although there are many photos and instructions to help one learn this particular style of Chen's TJQ, this is still no substitute for a good teacher.
Many kudos to you, Mark Chen for providing us with an excellent opus. I hope that someday you can produce a book on the TaiJi Iron Ball.
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