The
information on the majority of these disks is demonstrated by Chen
Zheng Lei, one of China's most famous Wushu teachers and 19th
generation exponent of Chen-style T'ai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan). He
is considered by many to be a major representative of Chen Style
T'ai Chi not to mention a family lineage holder. Chen has also managed
the difficult job of teaching Chen T'ai Chi without falling prey
to the overly elaborate and show-off "twining action"
so popular now with many players who twist and turn their hands
and limbs without concern for correct posture. Author, teacher,
demonstrator: though some may disagree with certain approaches,
he is a tall figure on the scene and for thousands of players there
is no higher authority. See Chen Zheng Lei's multi-volume English language book series here.
Special
boxed set with Zhang Zhi-Jun long-time student of Chen Zhao-Kui.
This is on the First Routine of the New Frame developed by Chen
Fa-Ke. Teacher Zhang is highly qualified and is revered in Tai Chi
circles as not only a fine instructor but contributing some key
points such as 'leading force by hip" and "folding from both
hips."
This is a major contribution from Chen Zheng Lei and Jack Yan, especially if you are an aficionado of Chen style TaiJi. This four-part series, in which each volume stands alone is, at its core, a very detailed description of Taiji health movements, the two major forms of Old style and the two major forms created by Chen Fa Ke of the new style. Then a volume with four major weapons sets explained. Add to this the fact that each volume has its own supplementary text with an in-depth discussion of its topics. The translation is literate and intelligent and very clear. Jack Yan resolves translation problems that have been stumbling blocks for a long time. Of particular interest is the second volume which has over 100 pages on the deeper practices of Chen and how, once you have reached a certain level, to use these principles in your own practice. A bit pricey, but a solid presentation.
We now have DVDs to go with this series. Originally filmed a few years ago these well-known videos have been re-edited and narrated in English by Jack Yan.
D22063 Lao Jia DVD:
This one gives an introduction, talks about Lao Jia (Old Frame), shows the postures and basics, then the entire form followed by breakdown instruction.
Price: $29.95 and it will be discounted 10% if ordered as part of any three items in this series
D22062 Qi Gong and Health Routines DVD:
DVD #10372 Single
& Double Saber
Chen-style
Saber is considered a "short" weapon. 13 key movements
and energies are exploited thus the name, 13 Method Saber. This
is a short form with good, solid saber basics which include: close;
thrust; block; chop; cut; intercept; twine; slice; parry and raise.
This version shows characteristic Chen timing, reeling, softness
and stepping. Played lightly for a saber but within the scope of
Tai Chi's flavor.
This
Double Saber set consists of 35 movements which include: hack; chop;
parry; thrust; intercept; press; push; slice; block and swing. The
old saying that, "With the saber look to the free hand, with
Double Sabers look to the feet," is true since footwork controls
the angles of the blades and alterations of this attitude. This
is a good, solid Double Saber that, due to the requirements of the
weapons, doesn't show any particular tendency toward the Chen or
any other style. Just good, comfortable Double Knife work.
Our Recommendation: Considering that the price of the two VCDs is so close to the DVD and you get English, not the best but English, we recommend the DVD. On the other hand you can buy each VCD separately if you choose.
This form from Chen Tai Chi is the double straight swords in a 39 movement routine.
The swords are played as smoothly as running water or tumbling clouds.
The special characteristics of Chen Tai Chi Chuan with its combination
of hard and soft are demonstrated in this form.
Beside
the double swords Chen Zheng-Lei also personally demonstrates the
"13 Form Cudgel" also known as the "13 Form Big Spear".
This is a mid-range to long range weapon. The length of the stick
is over three meters. The routine is short with very select movements:
stick; twine; sweep; block; ward off; parry; press; chop etc.
About
2 Hours, (English Subtitles)
DVD #10377 New Frame Road #2
Chen-style
Quan New Frame Road #2 is also called Cannon Fist. In contrast to
Road #1 it selects Cai (Pluck), Lieh (Split), Chou (Elbow) and Kao
(Lean) as its basis with Beng, Lu Ji and An as ancillary energies.
This is a powerful form and you should watch your knees on this
one. Tiger-like jumps and forceful stomps. Chen XhenLei is famous
for his Cannon Fist and often exhibits it throughout China.
About
2 Hours, (English Subtitles)
2-DVD #10378 New Frame Road #1
Chen style
Tai Chi New Frame (Xin Jia) is derived from Chen Chang-Xing's traditional
Old Frame (Lao Jia) forms and was created by the famous 17th Generation
Master Chen Fa-Ke. New Frame is characterized by low and stable
movements. Footwork is very distinctive and long while the body
is held erect. The Kua (hips) region shows a characteristic timing
and turning. Hands are loose and generally held a little wider than
Old Frame. Spine is loose. This first form takes the Four Primary
Energies: Beng (Ward Off), Lu (Rollback) , Ji (Press) and An (Push)
as its basis. It is a very well known form in the Tai Chi world.
About
2 Hours, (English Subtitles) D10372
DVD #10379 Old Frame CANNON FIST Road #2
This
is the #2 routine of the Chen style T'ai Chi: the much less frequently
seen, Canon Fist, or Pao Chui.. It emphasizes hardness with softness
at the core. Movements in Cannon Fist are sometimes fast, powerful
with strong stomps. This Old Frame Cannon Fist is more conservative
in its "envelope" than New Frame style. Chen plays both
Cannon Fists with aplomb.
1.
Basic Requirements and Methods
2. Coaching Routines in Sections
3. Demonstration of Chen Style Canon Fist
4. Demonstration of Chen Style Fist Routines
If
you're interested in seeing Chen T'ai Chi's power then this is the
right set. Cannon Fist is famous as a Fa Ching (Power Issuing) exercise
and should really be studied by someone who has become pretty familiar
with the first set, Lao Jia.
About
2 Hours, (English Subtitles)
DVD #10380 T'ai Chi Straight Sword
The
is often considered the classic short weapon of Tai Chi. This Chen
version has 49 key movements. Basic actions and techniques include:
stab; chop; upper cut; parry; point; slice; upper block; sweep;
cross cut; thrust and push. Sword
utilizes T'ai Chi natural grace and poised body positions with flexible
and steady footwork. It may be played with hardness one minute then
softness the next. Sometimes the sword moves so fast it cannot
be seen. The player may stick to his opponent without being separate
and then jump high and dodge away. You should move like flying clouds
and flowing water.
Both
VCD and DVD contain the following:
1.
Basic Requirements and Methods
2. Parts and Names for the Sword
3. How to hold the Sword and how to play
4. Coaching sword in sections
5. Demonstration of Chen T'ai Chi sword routines
6. Demonstration of Chen Fist routines
Our Recommendation: Though there is an obvious advantage to English subtitling, this early effort is pretty light and if you are familiar with the form either might do .
About
2 Hours, (English Subtitles)
DVD #10381 Push Hands Practice
Push
Hands (as if you didn't know) is a martial exercise in which two
partners twine each other's hands to train their tactile responses
and quickness. While practicing, the partners should comply with
each other without being separated, moving freely and flexibly,
rotating the body and avoiding forcible contact. The strategy entails
increasing sensitivity so one may avoid the opponent's strengths
while focusing toward his weak points. Later partners may want
to "challenge" each other with pushes and other types
of attack. Even if you play Push Hands from another style there
will probably be some variations here which you can learn from Chen
Zheng Lei's performance.
Both
VCD and DVD contain the following:
1.
Basic Requirements and Methods
2. Coaching Routines in Sections
3. Five Diferent Methods of Push Hands
4. Demonstration of Chen Style Fist Routines
The
Chen Push Hands has its own special flavor. As one might expect
Reeling Silk Energy (Chan Ssu Chin) is highly emphasized. Softness
overcoming hardness is the theme here. Chen Push Hands is particularly
good at strengthening the legs and utilizing moves consistent with
the Chen way of T'ai Chi.
About
2 Hours, (English Subtitles)
DVD #10382 Health Preserving & Survey
NOTE:
This DVD combines TWO vcds (#'s 382 & 383) The first is a survey
and the second is a series of Chen exercises.
For several hundred years, Chen style Tai Chi has been deeply respected
for its health-giving benefits. The Internal Exercises (Chi Kung)
passed down through generations have been carefully refined. They
include Reeling Silk practices and Qing Yao 18 Forms. These patterns
are relatively simple and considered effective on chronic diseases
such as neurasthenic, high blood pressure, heart disease, dyspepsia
and arthritis.
This
is a survey of Chen Style Tai Chi as demonstrated by Chen Zheng Lei.
Among the forms shown are: Old Frame Road #1; Old Frame Road #2
(Cannon Fist): Single Sword play ; Single Saber play; 18 Key Forms
of Chen style; Five Methods of Push Hands. This is a good over view
of Chen's skills and expertise in the art of Chen Tai Chi.
About
2 Hours, (English Subtitles)
2-DVD #10384 Old Frame LAO JIA Road #1
This
Lao Jia is the cornerstone of much Tai Chi practice. Chen Zheng Lei
shows the famous form which inspired, among others, the Yang style
of Tai Chi. His version is sophisticated and smooth. Many moves
are recognizable from any styles such as Repulse Monkey, Single
Whip et al. A strong version by a respected teacher.
1.
Requirements for parts of the body
2. Basic Movements. Basic Techniques: including stance training, footwork, Silk Reeling and basic movements.
4. Coaching Routines in sections
5. Demonstration of Chen T'ai Chi Old Frame (Lao Jia)
6. Demonstration of 18 essential forms.
Double
DVD Mandarin/ English Subtitles
DVD #10385 T'ai Chi Spear
Chen
Tai Chi's major weapon is also known as "Pear Spear and White
Ape Staff" because it shares characteristics of both weapons.
"Pear Spear" refers back to a famous technique of the
spear somewhere around the Sung Dynasty. Of course, being Chen spear,
there are many examples of Chan Ssu Jin, that is to say Reeling
Silk Energy. This is totally appropriate with the use of the spear,
also known as "King of the Long Weapons". A set is shown
here which emphasizes the spear's special features and the wide
sweeping movements associate with the White Ape.
In
addition this program collects Chen New Frames Fists Roads 1 &
2, along with the Spring/Autumn Big Knife.
THE
DVD...
Chen Zheng Lei shows this important weapon of Chen Tai Chi. Demonstrations
and explanations as well as a breakdown for the Spear form are given
in this DVD.
About
2 Hours, (English Subtitles)
#10819 Chen Style Tai Chi Sword
Zhang
Zhi-Jun , is the 11th generation inheritor of Chen style Tai Chi
Chuan. He has studied under grand- master Chen ZhaoKui since 1974.
On this DVD he teaches a Chen style Tai Chi sword. He introduces
the weapon with an explanation of the basic skills involved. His
comments are subtitled in English. Then, with the aid and explanations
from his top flight student, Zhang Peng, the set is shown broken
down with narration of the movements. Overall, superior quality
of presentation. Note the English is not perfect but the essence
of the instruction is all there.
60+
Minutes Mandarin/ English Subtitles
#10186
Chen New Frame Road #1
Zhang
Zhi-Jun , is the 11th generation inheritor of Chen style Tai Chi
Chuan. He has studied under grand- master Chen ZhaoKui since 1974.
This program teaches New Frame 1st Routine in exquisite detail.
It also introduces 's new theories on Tai Chi Chuan including rotating,
body-division, and weight distribution theories.This is one of the
most impressive and structurally sound representations of Chen style
we have seen. This 6 DVD set goes into great detail. Also,
many of the excesses of some current performers are avoided such
as over-arched spine, excessive wrist spiraling and insubstantial
stances. A really good performance and expert instruction with the
aid of Zhang Peng.
Here's
what a recent customer just wrote ," I received the discs today.
They're amazing! I've never see a Chen style form like this, it
gives me a new appreciation for the art."
Six
DVDs (from 8 VCDs) Mandarin/ English Subtitles
#10469
Chen New Frame Road #2
Zhang
Zhi-Jun , is the 11th generation inheritor of Chen style Tai Chi
Chuan. He has studied under grand- master Chen ZhaoKui since 1974.
This program teaches New Frame 2nd Routine in exquisite detail.
This is one of the most impressive and structurally sound representations
of Chen style we have seen. Also, many of the excesses of some current
performers are avoided such as over-arched spine, excessive wrist
spiraling and insubstantial stances. Routine #2 is called Cannon
Hammer. The structure of the routine is sophisticated. Movements
are quick, compact, swift and violent. It takes the four "other"
energies of Tai Chi: Pull down, Split, Elbow and Shoulder as its
themes. Peng, Lu, Ji and An are its auxiliary forces. There is particular
stress on "springiness." Cannon Hammer stresses the combat
techniques of Tai Chi. The forms demonstration by Zhang Peng is
powerful and well presented.