Tag: history

(Internal) Chinese Martial Arts Manuals

(Internal) Chinese Martial Arts Manuals

The Proliferation of Chinese Martial Arts Manuals in the Early 20th Century The early 20th century witnessed a surge in the publication of Chinese martial arts manuals, which played a pivotal role in preserving and disseminating these ancient fighting systems. This period marked a significant … read more

The History of Taijiquan

The History of Taijiquan

Key Martial Artists in the Development of Taijiquan The early development of Taiji, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, is deeply rooted in the martial arts traditions of the Chen family from Chenjiagou (Chen Village) in Henan Province, China. The evolution of Taiji can be … read more

Chen Fake

Chen Fake

Chen Fake 陳發科 (1887–1957), courtesy name Chen Fusheng, was a renowned Chinese martial artist who played a pivotal role in the development and global spread of Chen-style Taiji. He was born and raised in Chen Family Village (Chenjiagou, 陳家溝) in Henan province, where he was immersed in the traditional martial arts practices of his family. Chen Fake was the 17th generation descendant of the Chen family, which had been practicing and refining Taiji for over six centuries.

Early Life and Training

As a child, Chen Fake was considered a weakling and was often mocked for his frail physique and lack of interest in martial arts training. However, a pivotal moment occurred when he witnessed his cousin’s dedication and progress, igniting a newfound determination within him. From that point on, Chen Fake devoted himself wholeheartedly to the rigorous practice of Chen-style tai chi, eventually surpassing his cousin’s skills.

Under the tutelage of his father, Chen Yanxi, a renowned tai chi master and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, Chen Fake immersed himself in the intricacies of the Chen family’s martial arts legacy. His relentless training and unwavering commitment allowed him to overcome his physical limitations and develop exceptional skills in the art.

Contributions and Modifications: The Chen Taiji New Frame (Xin Jia, 新架)

In 1928, Chen Fake relocated to Beijing to teach his family’s heritage, Chen-style tai chi. After successfully defeating numerous challengers, Chen garnered a following of students, including several renowned martial artists. His teaching style was characterized by his emphasis on the importance of proper technique and his ability to adapt his methods to suit the needs of his students. He believed that Taiji should be learned through dedication and hard work, rather than purely relying on Qi or Qigong. His approach was rooted in the traditional principles of Taiji, which he believed should be practiced with a focus on the development of internal strength and balance.

Chen Fake’s teaching career in Beijing was marked by his development of the New Frame of Taiji (Xin Jia, 新架). This new system was designed to be more accessible and easier to learn for a wider range of students. The New Frame incorporated elements from other martial arts styles, such as the use of weight training and the emphasis on proper posture and alignment. This innovation helped to popularize Chen-style Taiji, making it more appealing to a broader audience.

One of Chen Fake’s most notable students was a close relative of Chen Fake, Chen Zhaopei. Chen Zhaopei was born in 1893 and was a close relative of Chen Fake. He extensively trained with Chen Fake in Chen Village during his youth, while his father was away on business.

Chen Zhaopei

At the age of 21, Chen Zhaopei traveled to Gansu and Hebei to teach martial arts. In 1928, he was invited to teach in Beijing, and by 1930, he received invitations from the mayor of Nanjing and the Nanjing government. Not wanting to leave his Beijing students, he suggested that they invite Chen Fake to teach them instead.

Zhaopei continued to teach across China despite the chaos of war. In 1958, at the age of sixty-five, he retired and returned to teach in Chen Village. Zhaopei faced considerable hardship during the turmoils of the Cultural Revolution, enduring persecution and a ban on teaching what was considered a bourgeois and decadent art.

Nevertheless, Zhaopei succeeded in preserving the legacy of Chen Family tai chi.

Chen Zhaopei authored four books: Cases of Chen-Style Tai Chi(陈氏太极拳汇宗), Beginner’s Guide to Tai Chi(太极拳入门), Illustrated Guide to Chen-Style Tai Chi(陈氏太极拳图解) and Thirteen Theories of Chen-Style Tai Chi(陈氏太极拳理论十三篇). His students include the four leading proponents of Chen-style tai chi from Chen Village: Chen Zhenglei (陈正雷), Chen Xiaowang (陈小旺), Zhu Tiancai (朱天才) and Wang Xi’an (王西安).

Another notable student of Chen Fake was Shen Jiazhen (沈家桢, 1891–1972). Shen Jiazhen was an engineer by profession. He was one of the first students of Chen Fake and studied with him for a decade. Shen Jiazhen co-authored a book titled Chen-Style Tai Chi(陈氏太极拳) with fellow Chen stylist Gu Liuxin (顾留馨). He tirelessly promoted the art but, like many other traditional martial artists, he faced persecution and hardships during the Cultural Revolution.

Other notable students include:

  • Hong Junsheng – One of Chen Fake’s earliest students in Beijing and a proponent of the New Frame.
  • Tian Xiuchen – An influential student who helped spread the New Frame version taught by Chen Fake.
  • Lei Muni – Another student who became an important teacher propagating Chen Fake’s New Frame.
  • Yang Yichen – Of Manchu descent, Yang trained extensively with Chen Fake until 1937 and is considered to have learned the essence of Chen’s New Frame teachings. He later taught in Xi’an.
  • Zhang Xuan – Trained with Chen Fake for 3 years before relocating to Xi’an due to the civil war, where he continued teaching Chen’s New Frame.
  • Chen Zhaokui – Chen Fake’s son, who after his father’s death in 1957, traveled extensively teaching and standardizing the New Frame in cities like Shanghai and Nanjing.

Chen Fake’s Views on Form

Chen Fake did not leave any written records expressing his perspectives on the matter of form in tai chi. However, one of his students, Hong Jungshen, made some insightful observations.

Hong noticed that over Chen Fake’s 30-year teaching career, his instructional methods evolved. He also observed that Chen’s students, such as Chen Zhaoxu, Chen Zhaokui, and Feng Zhiqiang, all practiced the forms differently from one another and their teacher.

Focus on Principles, Not Appearance

In their final meeting in 1957, Hong raised this issue with Chen Fake. The master advised Hong to disregard the outward appearance of the form. Instead, he should concentrate on the fundamental idea that any correct tai chi form must be based on the same core principles, with each movement serving a specific purpose.

Chen Fake emphasized that the external form is unimportant as long as it adheres to these two requirements. In his own words: “This set of tai chi does not have one technique which is useless. Everything was carefully designed for a purpose.”

Connection to Tai Chi Treatise

Hong believed that this principle could be derived from the famous “Tai Chi Treatise” by Wang Zongyue. The treatise expresses this idea through the phrase: “Although there are myriad variations, there is only one underlying principle.”

In essence, Chen Fake taught that while the outward expressions of tai chi forms may vary, they should all be rooted in the same fundamental concepts and purposeful design.

Above: Chen Fake and some postures of his newly created second form Xin Jia 新架 er liu.

Legacy

Chen Fake’s impact on the development of Taiji was significant. He not only helped to establish the global practice of Chen-style Taiji but also created a martial arts tradition that continues to thrive today. His legacy is preserved through the stories of his students and the continued practice of his art by generations of martial artists.

Chen Fake passed away in 1957 at the age of 69 or 70, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of martial arts. His life and teachings serve as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the importance of preserving traditional practices.

Above: Chen Fake

Sources sorted alphabetically:

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chen-style_tai_chi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Cheung
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Sanfeng
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Early Martial Arts leading to Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan)

Early Martial Arts leading to Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan)

This series is looking at various epochs of Martial Arts development in China leading to the development of Taijiquan in particular. This first part is highlighting historical Martial Artists from before Chen Wangting (1600 – 1680) who is the founder of what we know as … read more

Conversing on Yang Luchan

Conversing on Yang Luchan

As I strolled through the park, I overheard a passionate discussion between two Taiji enthusiasts, their voices animated as they delved into the life and legacy of Yang Luchan. “It’s truly remarkable how Yang Luchan revolutionized the practice of Taiji,” remarked one of the enthusiasts, … read more

Yang Luchan

Yang Luchan

Yang Luchan - Tai Chi Master and founder of Yang Style Tai Chi

Yang Luchan
The Founding Father of Yang-style Taiji, whose legacy continues to inspire practitioners worldwide.

Yang Luchan: Master of Taiji

Born in the village of Yongnian in Hebei Province, China, in 1799, Yang Luchan’s journey into the world of martial arts began at a young age. Despite humble beginnings, he possessed an innate talent and an insatiable thirst for knowledge that would propel him to greatness.

Under the guidance of the Chen family, Yang Luchan honed his skills in the traditional martial arts, mastering the rigorous training regimens and intricate techniques of the Chen-style Taiji. His dedication and perseverance soon earned him recognition as a formidable martial artist, and he became known far and wide for his skill and prowess.

However, it was Yang Luchan’s innovative approach to the practice of Taiji that truly set him apart. Drawing upon his experiences and insights gained from his training with the Chen family, he developed his own unique style – a synthesis of the fluid, circular movements of Taiji with the practical self-defense techniques of traditional martial arts.

Yang Luchan’s teachings emphasized the principles of relaxation, balance, and internal energy cultivation, laying the groundwork for what would later become known as Yang-style Taiji. His innovative approach revolutionized the practice of Taiji, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities and earning him a reputation as a pioneer in the field.

Throughout his life, Yang Luchan dedicated himself to the propagation of Taiji, traveling far and wide to share his knowledge and expertise with students across China. His legacy lives on in the countless practitioners who continue to study and practice his teachings, each one carrying forward the tradition of Yang-style Taiji and honoring the memory of the master who paved the way. Yang Luchan’s contributions to the world of martial arts are immortalized in the graceful movements and timeless principles of Taiji – a testament to his enduring legacy as a master of the art.

Yang Luchan
Master of Movement, whose graceful forms embody the essence of Taiji philosophy.

Yang Luchan - Tai Chi Master and founder of Yang Style Tai Chi
Conversations with Masters

Conversations with Masters

Amidst the bustling streets of the city, I found myself in the company of a venerable sage—a master of the ancient arts, whose presence radiated wisdom and grace. As we sat together in a quiet tea house, I listened intently as he shared tales of … read more

The Philosophy of Harmony

The Philosophy of Harmony

In the quiet solitude of a mountainside retreat, I delved into the philosophical underpinnings of Taiji – a profound philosophy rooted in the principles of Yin and Yang, the interplay of opposing forces, and the eternal quest for balance. Here, amidst the whispers of the … read more

The Weathered Scroll

The Weathered Scroll

One misty morning, as I roamed through the ancient corridors of a secluded monastery, my eye caught a glimmer of parchment tucked away in a forgotten alcove. Curiosity piqued, I reached out and unfurled the delicate scroll, revealing a treasure trove of Taiji’s history.

Inscribed upon the yellowed parchment were tales of antiquity, tracing the lineage of Taiji back to its humble origins in Chen Village, Henan province. It was here, amidst the tranquil countryside, that a legendary figure named Chen Wangting first developed the foundations of what would later become known as Taijiquan.

As I delved deeper into the annals of time, I discovered the fascinating evolution of Taiji through the centuries. From its secretive beginnings as a closely guarded family art in the Chen clan to its spread across China and eventually the world, Taiji bore witness to the ebb and flow of dynasties, wars, and cultural upheavals.

Each generation of masters contributed to Taiji’s legacy, refining and adapting the art to suit the changing times. From the Chen family’s intricate routines to the flowing movements of the Yang style, from the compact forms of Wu (Hao) to the compactness of Wu, and from the dynamic innovations of Sun Lutang, Taiji’s journey mirrored the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.

Yet, amidst the myriad styles and variations, one common thread remained—the pursuit of harmony. Whether on the battlefield or in the quietude of the practice hall, Taiji offered a path to balance, serenity, and self-mastery—a timeless testament to the enduring wisdom of the ages.

As I rolled up the scroll and returned it to its rightful place, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the countless souls who had preserved Taiji’s rich heritage throughout the ages. Their stories, etched in the annals of history, served as beacons of inspiration on my own journey along the path to harmony.