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Generally, there are 2 barehanded form sets in Chen Tai Chi (1st Form: "Yi Lu", and, 2nd Form: "Er Lu" also known as "Cannon Fist" or "Pao Chui") of which the speed, strength, and difficulty are all different. These variations are based upon the forms' lineage and what a teacher is trying to explain.
The first form (Yi Lu) is softer. This form is used as a tool to help develop a student's strength, balance, coordination, and understanding of basic Tai Chi principles. The strength of the form is based on the basic "Chan Si Jing" (spiral energy/force). Because of this characteristic, not only is this an essential form for beginners to learn, it is also beneficial for those who want to practice Tai Chi for health reasons.
The second form (Cannon Fist) is more complex. It is geared more toward the development of explosive power and fighting techniques. There are many fast, powerful, and hard movements.
Traditionally, beginners always start out with the first form of Chen Tai Chi along with some basic exercise to get rid of body 'stiffness'. Practicing the combination of the first form and the basic exercises correctly will help the beginner develop "Chan Si Jing" (spiral energy). The second form then develops more explosive power.
In most of Master Chin's classes, the Chen Family Lao Jia 1st Form will be taught because it is more straight forward and builds a strong Tai Chi foundation in the student, following the silk-reeling and Qigong exercises. This form is also suitable for a wide range of participants. Master Chin will only teach Traditional Chen Tai Chi 1st Form (Yilu) and basic pushhands in selected classes.
The Chen-style 48 Tai Chi Form will be taught in Master Chin's intermediate classes where students have been learning this form. The 48 Form is a popular Chen Tai Chi Form in the United States. The Chen-Style 48 Tai Chi Form is derived from the Xin Jia Chen Taijiquan First Form (the 83-posture Yi Lu) compiled by Feng Zhiqiang, the 18th generation master of Chen-style Tai Chi. The 48 Form contains approximately 95% of the First Form combined with a few postures from the second Form (the 71-posture Er Lu or "Cannon Fist"). This combination gives a more yin and yang balance to the form. Within this form are influences from Feng Zhiqiang's martial arts background prior to his study of Chen Tai Chi. Because of the unique incorporation of Feng Zhiqiang's prior martial arts background with Chen Tai Chi, the 48 Form gives a new character to the Chen 83 Form in terms of application and transition.
Master Chin will teach at his discretion the Chen Tai Chi Lao Jia Er Lu (Second Form), weapon sets, training methods, and advance pushhands to the more advanced students. There is no age, sex, nor health discrimination in the learning of this form. Students practice the form at their own pace and tempo.
Names of Taiji Barehand Forms
Names of Taiji Training Tools
Names of Taiji Weapon Forms
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Traditional Chen Taiji 1992. All rights reserved.