Brisbane Chen Style Tai Chi News
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2022 Workshop
Year 2022 is where Master Chen Yingjun guided us to understand the sword (jian) form & Laojia Yilu.
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Notes taken during the 3 day workshop.
2021 Workshop
Study notes on the day of the workshop:
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Workshop 2020
Every year always looking forward to the workshop. I've managed to pick up a few bits and pieces to work on. Not much notes on principles and theories of tai chi as many are keen to practice or clarify certain moves, so hard to take some notes. Below are a few tips I manage to sketch down.
2019 Brisbane Workshop
'Quotes from the workshop and private lessons:
Master YJ told us that he's made breakthroughs throughout the year where he soon will compete in tournaments in China. Before he never thought about thinking of moves (ways to attack or counter opponents) as he has been building his strength and power. Now he is studying how to fight with moves he's desigining. Here are some points he addressed. "To be good at fighting, one must be good at standing (Zhang Zhuang). Why? Because standing is to build “wuji (neutral)” power (I think it means within the body). Within wuji, you can produce continuous attack. It can help you move quick. It can help you move with power. When you keep the wuji within the power during movement, then your body is ready to execute power in any moment."
"Fighting has 3 general moves- punches, kicks and take-downs; we need to be good at one thing in all of that. You gotta be good at something. If you cannot be good at any of those, then you’re in trouble. You need to know exactly what you need to do when you execute. This is the next part of my training. I have formed this way of fighting to see if it works or not, so I need to try it onto people. So I don’t know too. We train for something, and then we test it."
"When you get to a stage where in standing you can’t feel your legs (no pain or stiffness) even after 5 hours, then your body is ready for real fighting."
"In the form, we are not looking for “wuji” feeling because the form there is yin yang (taiji), rather the form is to help develop strength, connection & coordination within taiji."
"Making room to execute strength when there is no room – one of Chen taijiquan unique skills. This can be achieved through proper relaxation. Taijiquan is a close quarter combat, the closer the better. Hence even our shoulders (& hips) can be used for attacks. Double cannon fist at the end of the form – power is generated not from shifting of weight, but twisting the body on the same weighted leg."
YJ: There are many martial arts in China around the time of my ancestors. In their experience they discovered something quite unique; once you put an opponent off balance, they cannot hit back (execute power). This is why it is important to study on the principle of rooting/balance in Chen style. Once you know your own balance, you will understand your opponent’s balance.
YJ: Hitting is easy. What I want is full control over my opponent. To do that I need to take away his balance. If my opponent cannot move me around with his strikes but I can, then he's in big trouble! This is my ultimate goal in my training.
YJ: If you’re a martial artist, pain is your friend.
YJ: Training hard is my way in keeping young. Just look at my father when he punches (holding his head in awe).
"When you train really hard (in YJ case, 6hrs a day), and your legs don’t feel pain, then your body is ready to fight."
"There are no perfect martial arts in the world. We each have 2 arms and 2 legs – we are limited to what we can do. I’m not here to say that Chen style is the best, but I’m here to guide everyone to understanding the principles. I yet too want to see how taiji works. When someone wins a fight, it is not because of the martial art is good, but what matters is how hard that person has train. You may know a very good martial art, but without hard training it’s useless. My family art is designed by my ancestors who fought in wars; it is a matter of life and death situation, so they are required to train really hard. My attitude in training is the same."
"We believe Chen Fake is the one who created Xinjia “New Frame”. The purpose of xinjia is to help advance taiji practitioners to reach a high level quicker. If we keep practicing laojia (old frame), the progress will be too slow (for advance practitioners). The form helps the qi flow quicker. There are also added moves in the form for fighting purposes too. Only last year (2018) I have started training in xinjia. Your main training tool will be laojia, but you can have some fun with xinjia. Knowing xinjia can provide you different concept and perspective of Chen style taijiquan."
"Laojia = “Gongfu” jia, (framework that nurtures martial art substance), meaning you will nurture good martial art skills and power. Cannon fist is good to train cardio with jumps and leaps; gives us an idea of striking with punches and fajing. But laojia is better to nurture the principles because it’s practiced slowly and movements are simple to allow us to understand the principles better. Cannon fist is too fast to feel it. However, cannon fist is not as complicated as xinjia. Xinjia cannot be well practiced if our body is not fully connected or our qi is not fully flowing. If you’re practicing xinjia, you cannot think about your move or your qi flow anymore (in laojia you can). Practicing xinjia means your body has already reached a high level in movement and very good qi flow. That doesn’t mean we can’t practice xinjia, but to obtain the full benefits of it, our martial skills need to be quite high. If you practice it too early, we neither obtain martial skills (or fighting abilities) nor benefits.
"Form practice – you are trying to feel which posture and position give you the most balance and most power. To know whether you are right, you have to try it onto people. That’s what I do."
Master YJ told us that he's made breakthroughs throughout the year where he soon will compete in tournaments in China. Before he never thought about thinking of moves (ways to attack or counter opponents) as he has been building his strength and power. Now he is studying how to fight with moves he's desigining. Here are some points he addressed. "To be good at fighting, one must be good at standing (Zhang Zhuang). Why? Because standing is to build “wuji (neutral)” power (I think it means within the body). Within wuji, you can produce continuous attack. It can help you move quick. It can help you move with power. When you keep the wuji within the power during movement, then your body is ready to execute power in any moment."
"Fighting has 3 general moves- punches, kicks and take-downs; we need to be good at one thing in all of that. You gotta be good at something. If you cannot be good at any of those, then you’re in trouble. You need to know exactly what you need to do when you execute. This is the next part of my training. I have formed this way of fighting to see if it works or not, so I need to try it onto people. So I don’t know too. We train for something, and then we test it."
"When you get to a stage where in standing you can’t feel your legs (no pain or stiffness) even after 5 hours, then your body is ready for real fighting."
"In the form, we are not looking for “wuji” feeling because the form there is yin yang (taiji), rather the form is to help develop strength, connection & coordination within taiji."
"Making room to execute strength when there is no room – one of Chen taijiquan unique skills. This can be achieved through proper relaxation. Taijiquan is a close quarter combat, the closer the better. Hence even our shoulders (& hips) can be used for attacks. Double cannon fist at the end of the form – power is generated not from shifting of weight, but twisting the body on the same weighted leg."
YJ: There are many martial arts in China around the time of my ancestors. In their experience they discovered something quite unique; once you put an opponent off balance, they cannot hit back (execute power). This is why it is important to study on the principle of rooting/balance in Chen style. Once you know your own balance, you will understand your opponent’s balance.
YJ: Hitting is easy. What I want is full control over my opponent. To do that I need to take away his balance. If my opponent cannot move me around with his strikes but I can, then he's in big trouble! This is my ultimate goal in my training.
YJ: If you’re a martial artist, pain is your friend.
YJ: Training hard is my way in keeping young. Just look at my father when he punches (holding his head in awe).
"When you train really hard (in YJ case, 6hrs a day), and your legs don’t feel pain, then your body is ready to fight."
"There are no perfect martial arts in the world. We each have 2 arms and 2 legs – we are limited to what we can do. I’m not here to say that Chen style is the best, but I’m here to guide everyone to understanding the principles. I yet too want to see how taiji works. When someone wins a fight, it is not because of the martial art is good, but what matters is how hard that person has train. You may know a very good martial art, but without hard training it’s useless. My family art is designed by my ancestors who fought in wars; it is a matter of life and death situation, so they are required to train really hard. My attitude in training is the same."
"We believe Chen Fake is the one who created Xinjia “New Frame”. The purpose of xinjia is to help advance taiji practitioners to reach a high level quicker. If we keep practicing laojia (old frame), the progress will be too slow (for advance practitioners). The form helps the qi flow quicker. There are also added moves in the form for fighting purposes too. Only last year (2018) I have started training in xinjia. Your main training tool will be laojia, but you can have some fun with xinjia. Knowing xinjia can provide you different concept and perspective of Chen style taijiquan."
"Laojia = “Gongfu” jia, (framework that nurtures martial art substance), meaning you will nurture good martial art skills and power. Cannon fist is good to train cardio with jumps and leaps; gives us an idea of striking with punches and fajing. But laojia is better to nurture the principles because it’s practiced slowly and movements are simple to allow us to understand the principles better. Cannon fist is too fast to feel it. However, cannon fist is not as complicated as xinjia. Xinjia cannot be well practiced if our body is not fully connected or our qi is not fully flowing. If you’re practicing xinjia, you cannot think about your move or your qi flow anymore (in laojia you can). Practicing xinjia means your body has already reached a high level in movement and very good qi flow. That doesn’t mean we can’t practice xinjia, but to obtain the full benefits of it, our martial skills need to be quite high. If you practice it too early, we neither obtain martial skills (or fighting abilities) nor benefits.
"Form practice – you are trying to feel which posture and position give you the most balance and most power. To know whether you are right, you have to try it onto people. That’s what I do."
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"A good laojia form is actually xinjia." - Master Chen Yingjun;
2018 Brisbane Workshop
Hello taiji enthusiasts,
Time has come for our 2018 workshop with our master Chen Yingjun coming back to Brisbane for another 2 day seminar of sharing his knowledge and wisdom of Chen taijiquan. Thanks to our instructor Sifu Tim Yuen and instructor Nathan Coxen to make this possible.
This year is a special year as we have witnessed a breakthrough from our teacher. Even though we do not know what it was, but we can definitely see obvious changes in his demonstrations. He told me that he’s been searching for this new change for 6 weeks, and during the workshop he finally found it. What were the results after he found it? He said “The form is more alive and the fajing (sudden exertion of force) snap is quicker.” I have not seen our master this joyful since we first met.
What I enjoy the most at times during his visit are his philosophies and also his understanding of the art. I would sit close by him to hear conversations between our fellow practitioners. Here are some things which I’ve learnt from our master:
Hope everyone who read this article can help them a little more what Chen style tai chi is about and what it can offer. Enjoy and keep practicing!
Time has come for our 2018 workshop with our master Chen Yingjun coming back to Brisbane for another 2 day seminar of sharing his knowledge and wisdom of Chen taijiquan. Thanks to our instructor Sifu Tim Yuen and instructor Nathan Coxen to make this possible.
This year is a special year as we have witnessed a breakthrough from our teacher. Even though we do not know what it was, but we can definitely see obvious changes in his demonstrations. He told me that he’s been searching for this new change for 6 weeks, and during the workshop he finally found it. What were the results after he found it? He said “The form is more alive and the fajing (sudden exertion of force) snap is quicker.” I have not seen our master this joyful since we first met.
What I enjoy the most at times during his visit are his philosophies and also his understanding of the art. I would sit close by him to hear conversations between our fellow practitioners. Here are some things which I’ve learnt from our master:
- A good Laojia form is actually Xinjia. When you reach a very high level in your practice, your body will naturally execute movements which are equivalent to Xinjia.
- There are 4 things to reach the mountain top:
- Good teacher – who has the ability to guide you correctly
- Observation – ability to see beyond form and search of the feeling
- Talent – (to me) this may represent your intelligence in understanding and applying the principles.
- Persistence – hard work for long period of time.
- There are thousands of route to reach the mountain top. However, there are not many that can reach the top. Not many in one lifetime can achieve it, except for Chen Fake, who reached very high standards around his late 50s; that was the time he “naturally” developed Xinjia. There is only one direct route to the mountain top and I’m still looking for it.
- Speed needs to be slow in our practice so we can check to see if everything is working (including our mind). Once everything is working, changing of speed can be applied.
- Participant: “How do you quiet your mind in standing meditation?”
Yingjun: “Be content with life.” - Relaxation and structure go hand in hand. One feeds the other. But look for relaxation first.
- Our body when doing normal daily activities have a natural strength. Taijiquan is so well designed that it can enhance this natural strength.
Hope everyone who read this article can help them a little more what Chen style tai chi is about and what it can offer. Enjoy and keep practicing!
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14/3/18
End of 2017
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Hello everyone,
Another year has gone and made some new discoveries while practicing Chen style. My teacher always encourages me to think deeper and explore possibilities when training by ourselves. With this, I was able to come with new ideas and my direction for my practice. I like to thank you for all those who has participated my class this year and also to those who trained with me the past couple of years. Thank you for your support. I wish to give praises to all of you as many I found gain lots of improvement and I’m happy to know that my guidance were useful. Tom- you’re probably the longest participant in my classes. I’m happy to know that you’re more aware of your internal changes of your body now. Through this you will gain a lot through correction from teachers (other than myself) by feeling how we align your body. Your grounding and relaxation has improved a lot over the years. Happy for you! Glenn – I really admire your faith in Chen style tai chi and your consistency in wanting to learn more. Your speed in improvement is incredible over the years and with your current progress speed I know you will become very strong in the future. Your patience in learning tells me you will become a very good teacher in the future. So far in learning Chen, you’re probably the most humble practitioner I know so far. Tony – I see you have improved much over the years; your legs and body has gotten stronger over the years. You have good focus during class and very good analytical mind. With better relaxation and further investigate in understanding the sequences of tai chi, you will find your flow of movement will improve. Thank you for your understanding and being an attentive student. Keith – With every class you attended, I can see you enjoy them very much, especially when it comes to pushhands and applications. It’s also good that you ask questions during classes, it means you are thinking of the moves and its purpose why it needs to be done this way. With regular practice and further investigation, I think Keith you will really do well. Mark – AKA Sensei Mark, also been with us for a long time. Although you’re not present in class as often, it’s good to see you practice at home or even think about it. You’re a quick learner and mind can be quiet too. With more patience and minimising your speed in your movements, you will definitely gain a lot more. Long – When you first arrive at the classes your legs were strong, but your foundation was weak. After adhering to my advice with my adjustments, your legs became a lot stronger. It’s good to have learnt Chen style tai chi previously, but thinking more deeply the purpose behind the movement you will see what is beyond the style. Matthew (Kalco) – you’re very passionate about tai chi I have to admit. I will hope to one day I can inspire you to train at home by yourself. That’s my goal! Remember this every time you do your standing meditation: “Close your eyes! Bend your knees!” Terry – Good to have you joining us again the last couple of months. Even though a bit rusty, but you learn quick to adjustments. Your sensitivity and body coordination is your advantage when it comes to learning. Keep up the good work! Matt – Your joyfulness and smile lights up the class! I appreciate Matt for appreciating the fundamentals of tai chi, no matter how boring they are. In fact, the more boring it is, the more enjoyable for him. I can see his enjoyment every time he finds something new in the things he has already learnt. Tyris (sorry if I misspelt your name) – When I first saw you I know tai chi will be a bit of a challenge for you. Even though there was a period of time you were absent, but you still maintain your persistence in wanting to continue. Now that you’ve rejoined the class, I could see some big changes in your mentality. You’re a lot more focus and stronger in mind. Your body will surely benefit in the future if you continue! For Mary, Tracy, Andy, Zoe, Annie, and others who I forgot to mention; thank you for participating our class in 2017. Regardless of your absence in our classes, I still think about you guys and I would like to say thank you to you all. Special thank you to Mary; when I’m not available for my class you’re the one I can rely on to substitute me in teaching. Those who stopped coming to classes altogether due to other commitments, I hope it has brought some new experience and perspective in your life with what you learnt. I’m looking forward to once again seeing you all join our class one day. Pardon me if I said anything wrong or incorrect, Happy New Year 2018. |
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Self Study Videos
Filmed in 2016-2017
2017 Workshop
Another great year of the 2 day workshop under the guidance of Master Chen Yingjun. Every year we tried to improve the schedule of the workshop so people can reap more benefits from our teacher, thanks to Sifu Tim Yuen and Sunshine Coast instructor Nathan Coxsen. There was a lot more involve, revising as always LaoJia Yilu, silk reeling, standing meditation, Laojia Erlu (Cannon fist), pushhands and static postures. I would say that this year is probably more challenging for me due to practicing Cannon fist.
This year I officially ask Master Yingjun's permission to take some photos and video footage of his tai chi skills! Those who may not know that Master Chen is quite strict on not allowing people to take photos or video footage of his tai chi, claiming that "it's not up to standard yet". He wanted that what ever promotional material of his family art to be displayed publicly, it needs to be very high quality, high class stuff (visually and physically). After 8 years of waiting patiently (and earning money to buy a good camera) and earning his trust over the years, he's finally becoming more flexible. However, he strongly emphasize not to put any footages online...yet.
One of the class participant, Mary had complied some notes taken in the workshop. I've picked a few to share with everyone the principle:
Q:How much tension in the arms during practice?
A: Very little tension in arms and very little in body. Tai chi essence requires relaxation. Relaxation will develop rooting- Allows the body to ‘melt’ (all parts of the body joined together). Gives the power of the whole body to the impact point of the punch.
The aim in tai chi is to be able to have force anywhere. An opponent therefore cannot read your intention. Also, your movements are free (from fixed movements), not set in predictable ways. So a move can be what you want it to be – a slap, push or block, etc. The aim of training is to have this potential everywhere in the body.
Push Hands - Single hand
Push hands ‘like no arms’ – as light as making no ripples on the water, that light.
‘Ting Jing’- "Listening power"; This exercise important to listen to your opponent – thereby feel the power of your opponent. Important principle to stay relaxed or you can’t ‘listen’ to your opponent.
Push Hands - Two handed
This one is more martial. Peng energy everywhere.
Looking forward to next years workshop!
This year I officially ask Master Yingjun's permission to take some photos and video footage of his tai chi skills! Those who may not know that Master Chen is quite strict on not allowing people to take photos or video footage of his tai chi, claiming that "it's not up to standard yet". He wanted that what ever promotional material of his family art to be displayed publicly, it needs to be very high quality, high class stuff (visually and physically). After 8 years of waiting patiently (and earning money to buy a good camera) and earning his trust over the years, he's finally becoming more flexible. However, he strongly emphasize not to put any footages online...yet.
One of the class participant, Mary had complied some notes taken in the workshop. I've picked a few to share with everyone the principle:
Q:How much tension in the arms during practice?
A: Very little tension in arms and very little in body. Tai chi essence requires relaxation. Relaxation will develop rooting- Allows the body to ‘melt’ (all parts of the body joined together). Gives the power of the whole body to the impact point of the punch.
The aim in tai chi is to be able to have force anywhere. An opponent therefore cannot read your intention. Also, your movements are free (from fixed movements), not set in predictable ways. So a move can be what you want it to be – a slap, push or block, etc. The aim of training is to have this potential everywhere in the body.
Push Hands - Single hand
Push hands ‘like no arms’ – as light as making no ripples on the water, that light.
‘Ting Jing’- "Listening power"; This exercise important to listen to your opponent – thereby feel the power of your opponent. Important principle to stay relaxed or you can’t ‘listen’ to your opponent.
Push Hands - Two handed
This one is more martial. Peng energy everywhere.
Looking forward to next years workshop!
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20/3/17
Contact with Taiji Brother from Overseas
One of our taijiquan brothers, Miles who once practiced tai chi with us in 2015 is currently working overseas in Europe. During the time when he decided to leave Asutralia in 2015 we were afraid that practicing tai chi by himself will be difficult. Luckily he got in touch with Chen taijiquan schools in Europe and be able to keep in touch with our teacher Chen Yingjun whenever there were workshops. Below is his email which I like to share with taijiquan lovers his learning and enthusiasm after attending Yingjun's workshops in 2016:
"I hope this message finds you well and that you and the family are in good health.
A couple of weeks after my time spent in Brittany with Ying Jun and I’m starting to feel the benefits in a more substantial way. I thought I’d share with you some of my experiences.
Of course during the workshop we are inspired by watching Ying Jun move and the desire to improve is enormous, but its the time spent afterwards that enables us to really understand what we’ve seen and learnt.
For me, training solo since leaving Brisbane, this workshop allowed me the opportunity to see how far I’ve improved or changed in my practice since seeing Ying Jun the year before:
I know that my legs are stronger and that this has given me more stability, however I realise that I need to drop into my legs even more now to ground.
I’m feeling the internal energy a lot more and greater coordination between all movements, but this new awareness has also alerted me to problems in my Lao Jia form (incorrect posture and basic external structure needs correction).
My standing is getting better and I’m enjoying it. Ying Jun corrected my posture a few times and I realised an imbalance I have in my legs was due to my shoulders and upper body being out of alignment (I was always looking to correct my posture through moving my legs but I needed to move my shoulders/upper body position to find better balance).
Of course relaxation, concentration and hard work are the three big things to develop.
There was some interesting discussion during push hands training. Another student who came from another school of Chen style Tai Chi asked Ying Jun why he didn’t have more ‘peng’ in his hands during push hands, as his teacher said you should always have peng in your arms. Ying Jun said he had peng but that he wanted this to be ‘invisible' to the opponent. Peng is always there but the fact that the opponent can’t feel it creates that uneasy feeling that you get when you enter into to contact with Ying Jun! So he said peng is important in all movement but that it does not need to be ‘shown’ externally.
Ying Jun was demonstrating fa jin to the group by a movement in his upper forearm… I asked him wether it was important that the energy for Fa Jin came from the centre? He looked at me and thought for a while, then smiled and replied - 'the fa jin comes from everywhere’ and ‘if you try to feel energy coming from the centre for fa jin then this is too slow…., fa jin has to manifest itself ‘immediately’ - iit has to be available from allover the body.
I liked this reply because it made me realise the complexity of Tai Chi, you think you understand the basic movement rules and then you hear something like this…you think wow this practice gets deeper and deeper in dimension.
Watching Ying Jun perform Lao Jia, I sensed a change in it from last year. It’s off course very hard to describe, but he seemed stuck to the ground and I was amazed at the grounding like he is attached by magnets.
Of course I consider myself extremely fortunate to have learnt from you and met Ying Jun!!!
Sincerely,
Miles."
7/1/17
"I hope this message finds you well and that you and the family are in good health.
A couple of weeks after my time spent in Brittany with Ying Jun and I’m starting to feel the benefits in a more substantial way. I thought I’d share with you some of my experiences.
Of course during the workshop we are inspired by watching Ying Jun move and the desire to improve is enormous, but its the time spent afterwards that enables us to really understand what we’ve seen and learnt.
For me, training solo since leaving Brisbane, this workshop allowed me the opportunity to see how far I’ve improved or changed in my practice since seeing Ying Jun the year before:
I know that my legs are stronger and that this has given me more stability, however I realise that I need to drop into my legs even more now to ground.
I’m feeling the internal energy a lot more and greater coordination between all movements, but this new awareness has also alerted me to problems in my Lao Jia form (incorrect posture and basic external structure needs correction).
My standing is getting better and I’m enjoying it. Ying Jun corrected my posture a few times and I realised an imbalance I have in my legs was due to my shoulders and upper body being out of alignment (I was always looking to correct my posture through moving my legs but I needed to move my shoulders/upper body position to find better balance).
Of course relaxation, concentration and hard work are the three big things to develop.
There was some interesting discussion during push hands training. Another student who came from another school of Chen style Tai Chi asked Ying Jun why he didn’t have more ‘peng’ in his hands during push hands, as his teacher said you should always have peng in your arms. Ying Jun said he had peng but that he wanted this to be ‘invisible' to the opponent. Peng is always there but the fact that the opponent can’t feel it creates that uneasy feeling that you get when you enter into to contact with Ying Jun! So he said peng is important in all movement but that it does not need to be ‘shown’ externally.
Ying Jun was demonstrating fa jin to the group by a movement in his upper forearm… I asked him wether it was important that the energy for Fa Jin came from the centre? He looked at me and thought for a while, then smiled and replied - 'the fa jin comes from everywhere’ and ‘if you try to feel energy coming from the centre for fa jin then this is too slow…., fa jin has to manifest itself ‘immediately’ - iit has to be available from allover the body.
I liked this reply because it made me realise the complexity of Tai Chi, you think you understand the basic movement rules and then you hear something like this…you think wow this practice gets deeper and deeper in dimension.
Watching Ying Jun perform Lao Jia, I sensed a change in it from last year. It’s off course very hard to describe, but he seemed stuck to the ground and I was amazed at the grounding like he is attached by magnets.
Of course I consider myself extremely fortunate to have learnt from you and met Ying Jun!!!
Sincerely,
Miles."
7/1/17
2016 Chen Yingjun Taiji chuan Workshop
Greetings all Chen taijiquan enthusiast. Another year has gone by and the day has come when our teacher Chen Yingjun has come to Brisbane for another weekend workshop. Thank you for my Sifu Tim Yuen for organising the workshop; without his consistent contact with Master Chen Yingjun it’ll be impossible to understand the true essence of the art. Last year we managed to have certificates made to thank everyone's participation and for their acknowledgment of attending the workshop. This year we also had uniforms done for the academy.
Master Chen praises all senior students for their vast improvements; well done! Apart from that it's also great to see new faces to join the path of the art. We also saw a lot of changes with our teacher; his limbs to his centre is more in tune, resulting with softer yet strong movements.
We practiced (as usual) standing meditation, silk reeling, Laojia Yilu and push hands.
Some notes taken by one of the participants:
Master Chen praises all senior students for their vast improvements; well done! Apart from that it's also great to see new faces to join the path of the art. We also saw a lot of changes with our teacher; his limbs to his centre is more in tune, resulting with softer yet strong movements.
We practiced (as usual) standing meditation, silk reeling, Laojia Yilu and push hands.
Some notes taken by one of the participants:
- The body is to be relaxed – but, not too relaxed, the muscles need to be passively engaged.
- The legs and the feet have to be strong and the heavier the better.
- Imagine the whole body to be a Tai Chi ball – the left and right sides, the hands and the feet. As you move imagine the left and right sides as being half the circle, by imagining you are moving within the ball you maintain balance and power. The power is kept on as you flow from one move to another.
- Movement - it is how it is done that determines the level of correctness.
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13/3/16
Last Class for 2015...
Last Lesson for 2015 was on 17th Dec; good to see a big crowd this year. It's wonderful to see new faces, and my deep gratitude for those who stayed for all these year learning and accepting what I have to offer in Chen taijiquan. I may not be a skilled martial artist, but I try my best to continuously improve myself so that I can aid others who are keen in the art in searching for quality kung fu.
I am please to finally see some regular students are beginning to take up the responsibility to teach new comers; the continuation of lineage relies on students becoming teachers. It shows that there is life. To really take the art seriously and practice for perfection comes in teaching. In learning you will later teach, and in teaching you will learn. The relationships and bonding between martial arts enthusiasts are quite special; it's very much like a second family. I don't wish to have a big classes in the future, but dedicated and keen people who are sincerely looking for good tai chi. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Stay safe and keep training.
I am please to finally see some regular students are beginning to take up the responsibility to teach new comers; the continuation of lineage relies on students becoming teachers. It shows that there is life. To really take the art seriously and practice for perfection comes in teaching. In learning you will later teach, and in teaching you will learn. The relationships and bonding between martial arts enthusiasts are quite special; it's very much like a second family. I don't wish to have a big classes in the future, but dedicated and keen people who are sincerely looking for good tai chi. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Stay safe and keep training.
Group Photo
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Group dinner
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China Trip: Dongguan
I recently came back from China, Dongguan visiting relatives and friends. It's a very wonderful community feel over there where everyone is keen in exercising in the morning. Regardless of the hot humid climate, young and old still exercise for the sake of health. So practicing tai chi in public is not an issue over there. One of the relatives brought me to a couple of chen style tai chi teachers and I asked for their opinion about it. One of them made a lot of superficial criticism and the other gave me encouragement to continue. I'm quite amazed that you can ask for peoples' advice and even request them to teach you and they will do it for free. Tai chi to them is part of life and not something to make money of. Hope that spirit can be eventually everywhere around the world.
Below is a photo with one of the Chen tai chi group; they practice 7 days a week morning and afternoon. It's encouraging to see so many elderly women who practice Chen tai chi for fun and good health; my mum complains about it being too hard and not soft enough, and therefore it's "bad" tai chi. Good thing I brought her to the tai chi class in china to witness so many women (older than her) practicing it. If you look closely, they're in the 60s and 70s. The lady with the white outfit has been practicing for over 20 years with the group. They may be old, but they sure can do things which I can never do!
Below is a photo with one of the Chen tai chi group; they practice 7 days a week morning and afternoon. It's encouraging to see so many elderly women who practice Chen tai chi for fun and good health; my mum complains about it being too hard and not soft enough, and therefore it's "bad" tai chi. Good thing I brought her to the tai chi class in china to witness so many women (older than her) practicing it. If you look closely, they're in the 60s and 70s. The lady with the white outfit has been practicing for over 20 years with the group. They may be old, but they sure can do things which I can never do!
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The elderly folks on the left photo are past tai chi practitioners who used to practice with the group. Even though they cannot stand or walk efficiently, they still made the effort with their wheel chairs to come out just to even watch. I bow down to them for their spirit.
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March Workshop with Master Chen Yingjun 2015
It’s that time of the year where tai chi enthusiasts are looking forward to; Master Chen Yingjun workshop in March in the year 2015 in Brisbane. Thanks to the founder of World Chen Style Taichi Quan Academy Australia, and also my sifu/instructor, Tim Yuen, we were able to have this opportunity to meet the master and advance our skills into the essence of tai chi once again.
This year’s focus is Laojia Yilu, Old Frame First Routine and push hands fundamentals. There were many of subtle changes in Master Chen’s form; they were also lighter and gentle than before. Push hands has provided more insight for me why it is designed in circular movements and why there needs to have a constant touch/pressure on your opponent. The form helps us in many different ways: increasing our range, improving our connection between our limbs and centre (dantain), improve our alignment and balance. All this eventuate to one purpose: power.
Push hands, on the other hand, is learning to read/listen and to accommodate your opponent. Master Chen says that if we can accommodate our opponent, we will be in control. Food for thought.
We’ve had many workshops the past couple of years and Master Yingjun is slowly getting comfortable with us; telling us jokes, stories and feelings about his journey in achieving the ultimate level in taijiquan. I’ve expressed to Master Chen how I always feel unworthy to teach tai chi and feeling of hopelessness to achieve mastery of the art everytime I see him. Instead of expecting some encouraging words, his reply was “Remember that feeling and times that by 2!” And he burst out laughing. Basically I have no chance. Yet, a journey which has no end is usually is the right one.
Master Chen was impressed by 2 new comers this year, Andy and Tracey who joined our tai chi group last year. Very rare to see the younger people getting involve into a martial arts which is popular among the elderly.
Those who follow my website may know I’ve done many illustrations in regards to understanding the principles of tai chi. As one enters deep into the art, the harder it is show it through images. There are some new revelations to share after months of training after the workshop, but I need to make sure I can find the best way to express it first.
This year’s focus is Laojia Yilu, Old Frame First Routine and push hands fundamentals. There were many of subtle changes in Master Chen’s form; they were also lighter and gentle than before. Push hands has provided more insight for me why it is designed in circular movements and why there needs to have a constant touch/pressure on your opponent. The form helps us in many different ways: increasing our range, improving our connection between our limbs and centre (dantain), improve our alignment and balance. All this eventuate to one purpose: power.
Push hands, on the other hand, is learning to read/listen and to accommodate your opponent. Master Chen says that if we can accommodate our opponent, we will be in control. Food for thought.
We’ve had many workshops the past couple of years and Master Yingjun is slowly getting comfortable with us; telling us jokes, stories and feelings about his journey in achieving the ultimate level in taijiquan. I’ve expressed to Master Chen how I always feel unworthy to teach tai chi and feeling of hopelessness to achieve mastery of the art everytime I see him. Instead of expecting some encouraging words, his reply was “Remember that feeling and times that by 2!” And he burst out laughing. Basically I have no chance. Yet, a journey which has no end is usually is the right one.
Master Chen was impressed by 2 new comers this year, Andy and Tracey who joined our tai chi group last year. Very rare to see the younger people getting involve into a martial arts which is popular among the elderly.
Those who follow my website may know I’ve done many illustrations in regards to understanding the principles of tai chi. As one enters deep into the art, the harder it is show it through images. There are some new revelations to share after months of training after the workshop, but I need to make sure I can find the best way to express it first.
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To All New Comers of Tai chi...
Greetings everyone,
Ben is a recent participant in learning the art of Chen style tai chi. He’s been taking private lessons plus the regular Thursday afternoon classes in Brisbane. During the lessons Ben started the basic fundamentals of tai chi; standing meditation, silk reeling exercises and tai chi walk. Within a couple of weeks he has made some major improvements. It’s good to see someone who is open-mindedly and willingly to put all effort to learn.
A lot of new comers expected to learn tai chi with a preconceive notion of some sort. Most of them come to me to become “more relaxed”. Those who been to my classes will know relaxation don’t come easy without practicing tai chi correctly. I’ve been told only last year by Master Chen Yingjun that I’m just beginning to tap into the true essence of relaxation after 10 years of training.
In my practice & teachings, tai chi principles are the most important aspect to address and they’re not usually the most easiest or fun things to learn for new comers. Without understanding principles, anything practiced are all empty; no substance. While many expected to learn forms or imitate tai chi movements, I put my students straight to the core essence of tai chi. Without it, everything else is superficial.
I remind my students constantly that tai chi is a fighting art; its ultimate purpose is to fulfil a practitioner’s ability to fight. If one is to practice tai chi only for health, one does not understand its intrinsic design or ultimate purpose, eventually the skill level of a practitioner will eventually become stagnant or even deviated. The most mystical side about tai chi (as it should be with all martial arts) is if it’s practiced with the intention to become a better fighter, health is just a bonus.
The principles of tai chi never change, however, the practitioner’s perspective and understanding of the principles will need to constantly change.
Ben is a recent participant in learning the art of Chen style tai chi. He’s been taking private lessons plus the regular Thursday afternoon classes in Brisbane. During the lessons Ben started the basic fundamentals of tai chi; standing meditation, silk reeling exercises and tai chi walk. Within a couple of weeks he has made some major improvements. It’s good to see someone who is open-mindedly and willingly to put all effort to learn.
A lot of new comers expected to learn tai chi with a preconceive notion of some sort. Most of them come to me to become “more relaxed”. Those who been to my classes will know relaxation don’t come easy without practicing tai chi correctly. I’ve been told only last year by Master Chen Yingjun that I’m just beginning to tap into the true essence of relaxation after 10 years of training.
In my practice & teachings, tai chi principles are the most important aspect to address and they’re not usually the most easiest or fun things to learn for new comers. Without understanding principles, anything practiced are all empty; no substance. While many expected to learn forms or imitate tai chi movements, I put my students straight to the core essence of tai chi. Without it, everything else is superficial.
I remind my students constantly that tai chi is a fighting art; its ultimate purpose is to fulfil a practitioner’s ability to fight. If one is to practice tai chi only for health, one does not understand its intrinsic design or ultimate purpose, eventually the skill level of a practitioner will eventually become stagnant or even deviated. The most mystical side about tai chi (as it should be with all martial arts) is if it’s practiced with the intention to become a better fighter, health is just a bonus.
The principles of tai chi never change, however, the practitioner’s perspective and understanding of the principles will need to constantly change.
Above is Ben initiating standing meditation. If you can see his posture, he is leaning backwards and head protruding forward. Energy is not focused.
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After adjustment, Ben is able to focus his energy to the feet. As you can see his posture is more upright and aligned. He is smiling because he feels good :)
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1/3/15
Farewell to our tai chi brother!
Andy sitting in the front look like sifu...
Miles is right behind me.
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Last night we say farewell to one of tai chi brothers, Miles, who has been learning tai chi for a year and half. He’ll be going overseas for work and on behalf of Brisbane Chen Tai Chi group we wish him our best and blessings!
I remember when he started tai chi he was strong built but lack the ability to ground and harness his strength properly. Over the years he has been going to both my class and my instructor’s class; his progress has improved rapidly. I was also happy he managed to attend this year’s workshop and met our Chen Master Yingjun. I’m sure he has gained something quite profound which only he can understand and appreciate. No doubt he will always remember the experience and use that as his inspiration and motivation. If there are any tai chi brothers in France, please look after him. As a tai chi touch-bearer, I’m glad to teach someone who was open-minded and patient with my shallow understanding of Chen tai chi teachings and also happy to see his growth in understanding the essence of it. Safe travels and keep in touch Miles! |
Class update...
Thursday late afternoon classes. 15 minutes standing to calm the mind first before practicing tai chi. Why is that?
Lao Jia Yilu; the first routine...
March 2014 Workshop
8th - 9th March
G'day fellow taiji practitioners!
Another inspiring workshop from Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang's son, Master Chen Yingjun, sharing his fascinating insight of Chen style taijiquan. First of all I like to thank Tim Yuen, our taiji instructor from Brisbane for organizing this workshop as always. Above is a group photo of Brisbane Chen tai chi group + a participant from Blackbutt (2hrs drive from Brisbane). Very proud of our brothers and sisters for their achievement this year!
Every year Master Chen always tries his best to guide us to understand the principles of tai chi. One of the principles which was addressed often was the concept of relaxation. One participant in the class mentioned about trying to relax as much as possible when practicing tai chi; he quickly corrected us NOT to relax too much. Not enough relaxation will cause tension and stiffness (stagnation of Qi) and too relax will make our movement "dead" (disperse of Qi). Tai chi is about balance; not too relaxed and not too stiff. We have to find the middle point just enough so Qi can flow. From this comment I believe Master Chen has seen improvement and now it's time to refine our techniques.
This year my student and I was fortunate enough to be invited to have personal conversation with Master Chen; he was sharing his life long progress of finding ways to improve balance. With more balance comes more power. Once he has superior power and superior balance, he then thinks about application. Even up to this day, he's not thinking about application (meaning ways to intercept or execute strikes); once his hand touches the opponent he will feel and attack their weaknesses. What is even better is the ability to manipulate and create weaknesses on your opponent so your timing is always perfect; this means you will have total control over you opponent. Once you take your opponent's total balance, there is nothing they can do. This is the highest level of martial skills. Master Chen demonstrated to us this high level skill.
Master Chen also mentioned when we practice tai chi is to relax. To do so is to build internal strength. Internal strength will build external strength.
A lot of beginners are very keen in knowing the applications of tai chi techniques, but Master Chen always emphasize on improving basic fundamental skills of tai chi rather than a counter attack. Why? To perform an application move, one needs to have power (speed, coordination, sensitivity). Power = balance & alignment. Fundamental skills are to build balance. So therefore, before your opponent execute his move, you have already won as you eliminate their ORIGIN/Raw essence of their application as your balance/power is greater than theirs.
There are plenty more goodies to share! But it's always better to enjoy the experience than reading about it.
G'day fellow taiji practitioners!
Another inspiring workshop from Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang's son, Master Chen Yingjun, sharing his fascinating insight of Chen style taijiquan. First of all I like to thank Tim Yuen, our taiji instructor from Brisbane for organizing this workshop as always. Above is a group photo of Brisbane Chen tai chi group + a participant from Blackbutt (2hrs drive from Brisbane). Very proud of our brothers and sisters for their achievement this year!
Every year Master Chen always tries his best to guide us to understand the principles of tai chi. One of the principles which was addressed often was the concept of relaxation. One participant in the class mentioned about trying to relax as much as possible when practicing tai chi; he quickly corrected us NOT to relax too much. Not enough relaxation will cause tension and stiffness (stagnation of Qi) and too relax will make our movement "dead" (disperse of Qi). Tai chi is about balance; not too relaxed and not too stiff. We have to find the middle point just enough so Qi can flow. From this comment I believe Master Chen has seen improvement and now it's time to refine our techniques.
This year my student and I was fortunate enough to be invited to have personal conversation with Master Chen; he was sharing his life long progress of finding ways to improve balance. With more balance comes more power. Once he has superior power and superior balance, he then thinks about application. Even up to this day, he's not thinking about application (meaning ways to intercept or execute strikes); once his hand touches the opponent he will feel and attack their weaknesses. What is even better is the ability to manipulate and create weaknesses on your opponent so your timing is always perfect; this means you will have total control over you opponent. Once you take your opponent's total balance, there is nothing they can do. This is the highest level of martial skills. Master Chen demonstrated to us this high level skill.
Master Chen also mentioned when we practice tai chi is to relax. To do so is to build internal strength. Internal strength will build external strength.
A lot of beginners are very keen in knowing the applications of tai chi techniques, but Master Chen always emphasize on improving basic fundamental skills of tai chi rather than a counter attack. Why? To perform an application move, one needs to have power (speed, coordination, sensitivity). Power = balance & alignment. Fundamental skills are to build balance. So therefore, before your opponent execute his move, you have already won as you eliminate their ORIGIN/Raw essence of their application as your balance/power is greater than theirs.
There are plenty more goodies to share! But it's always better to enjoy the experience than reading about it.
End of New Year Gathering 2013We got together to celebrate the end of New years. Went to Bamboo Basket to celebrate and catch up with everyone before the break. Have a safe holiday everyone!
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Blackbutt Blooming Beautiful Festival PerformanceOur first public performance at a small town called Blackbutt (North-west from Brisbane, around 2-3 hrs drive). Got a friend to support our performance which is good :) Thank you Marcia for your photos!
We caught some peoples' attention and made some awareness that tai chi is available in town. Nearly all the flyers are gone that day. Our next performance will be at Garden Exhibition at the Sport Centre, 30th November, 9am. |
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Wooden SwordI've joined the local woodwork club at Blackbutt and my first project was to make a wooden sword! It was a very exciting; I feel like a kid making my own toy! Since it has been a while since I made things out of wood, I've been observing and learning as I go. The locals did most of the hard work drawing and lining things up while I just did a bit of sanding.
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2013 Chen Tai Chi Workshop: Lao Jia Er Lu (Canon Fist)
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March 9th - 10th, 2013
Greetings followers! I want to let everyone know that the workshop is once again a very inspiring and motivating experience for us tai chi enthusiasts. The workshop took 2 days, instructed by our teacher Chen Yingjun, who is the son of Chen Xiaowang (Grandmaster of Chen style Taijiquan). Thanks to our Brisbane instructor Tim Yuen, he has put together the workshop so people can continue to be inspired and learn the authentic art of tai chi. As you can tell from the title we were learning and practicing the canon fist form. For those of us who are not familiar, the canon fist form is a very dynamic, fast-paced sequence of movement designed to build strength and speed for all tai chi practitioners; hence the word "canon". Looking at our teacher executing the power and ferocity of tai chi, all of us are stunned in awe! Tai chi follow the concept of Yin and Yang, therefore hardness and softness. For a beginner, they learn the fundamental basic of tai chi which is to achieve softness. Once softness become natural in movement, the next stage of training is utilizing hardness, so everything will balance. Some tips which our teacher remind us:
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Brisbane Chinese Festival
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Self Postural Analysis23/01/13
Photos taken during daily training. 
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New Years Dinner! (3/1/13)
Our tai chi group had dinner at a fancy restaurant, Bamboo Basket at South Bank, Brisbane after a good day's workout.
Tai chi Workshop at Chen Jia Gou (Chen Village), China
April 2012
My first time to visit China and attended the grandmaster's 6 day tai chi seminar; the seminar covered Lao Jia Yi Lu (Old Frame), and Cannon fist (Old Frame II). After watching and seeing a lot of videos of the grandmaster on television, it was a great feeling to finally see him in person. The seminar was held in Chen Village, the place and origin where tai chi came about. Even till today, the spirit and essence of tai chi still remains; everyday people will practice everyday, morning till night. I feel so weak walking around the place. It may be a joy to be at the birth place of tai chi, but the Chen Village is not easy place to live. The air is full of dust and pollution (the dust can cause sore throat), and the facilities of good quality living is still lacking. Then again, I guess this is what makes the whole trip worthwhile! But from what I've been told, the quality of living has improved a lot over the years (shows us how much we take our lives for granted). At the end of the day, if you love tai chi, all these things doesn't really matter. The village is just a simple place where people work and practice tai chi, and I think that's what's important. About the food; simple and tasty, but sometimes not much variety. We stayed at Chen Bing's Taiji Academy school and nearly every meal is served with congee and steam buns! There are also some side dishes to help give our food some taste. Inside the village there's also a tai chi museum which is worth taking a look! A little tip for people who's thinking about going to Chen Village, make sure you bring your own towel, toliet paper, baby wipes and masks. 
Food at Chen Bing's Academy
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Certifcate of workshop participation. Right: Master Chen Xiaowang
Outside Chen Bing's Academy
Gates of Chen Village.
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The great Tai Chi Museum.
Brisbane Chen tai chi group with Master Chen Xiaowang.
Brisbane Workshop March 2012
This is the 3rd workshop held in Brisbane, again like the year before, was taught by the inspiring Chen Ying Jun. Thanks to Tim Yuen (my instructor) who put the workshop together, we were able to have another opportunity to refine our tai chi form; Lao Jia Yi Lu, which includes 74 sequence of movements.
During the 2 day workshop, teacher Ying Jun has expressed and put emphasis about quieting the mind. Once the mind is calm, then we can sense our body better. As our teacher adjust our postures, we were told to remember the feeling (inside the body), rather then the physical adjustment of our limbs and torso. When I ask about Teacher Ying Jun's progess in his tai chi training, he expressed that his improvement had achieved somewhere beyond his expectation. He demonstrated some application techniques in the class; his strength, accuracy and lightning power sparked everyone gasping in awe! During our break from our practice, Teacher Ying Jun sees everyone massaging their legs. He then shared a memory during his adolescent days (in the Chen Village); while participating "intensive" trainings, he recalled of his legs shaking violently while holding a (long and low) stance for 30mins. He was laughing as we cannot hold a stance for 5 mins. All in all I believe everyone had fun and learnt a lot. Once again, another enjoyable and inspiring workshop! |
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Workshop March 2011
Another inspiring lesson from Chen YingJun, the son of the Chen Taiji Quan grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang has come from Sydney to teach us. This time we focused on the way to creating rooting to the ground and also moving the body as one (leading by the centre). Those who are interested in the future let me know and we'll notify you when the next workshop will happen.
Pictured below: Far left- Tim Yuen (class coordinator & instructor), Centred- Chen Ying Jun, far right- Anthony Cheung
Chen Ying Jun
