Chen T'ai Chi DVDs

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.

See Chen's 6 volume DVD series on core principles and theory here.

Many of Sifu Chen's DVDs are also available in Chinese-language only VCDs. Check them out 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.

Chen TaiJiQuang 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.


Quantity  
DVD, $29.95 Order any three for a 10%discount , discount taken at shopping cart.

Price: $29.95 and it will be discounted 10% if ordered as part of any three items in this series

Chen TaiJiQuangD22062 Qi Gong and Health Routines DVD:

This DVD gives an introduction, talks about Chen Tai Chi health pomotion including Qigong, stregnth training and many exercises which help to give you the correct flavor of the Chen style.
Quantity  
DVD, $29.95 Order any three for a 10%discount , discount taken at shopping cart.

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.

About 2 Hours, (English Subtitles)

Quantity   $19.50  

#10373 13 Method Staff & Double Straight Sword
(Corresponds to  VCDs #373 & 375)

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)

Quantity   $19.50  

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)

Quantity   $19.50  

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

Quantity  $27.95

 

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)

Quantity   $19.50  

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)

Quantity   $19.50  

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)

Quantity   $19.50  

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)

Quantity   $19.50  

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      

Quantity  $27.95

 

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)

Quantity   $19.50  

#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       

Quantity   $19.50  

#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."

Quantity   $64.95  

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.

Quantity  $44.95 

Four DVDs Mandarin/ English Subtitles