Chen-style Tai Chi originates from the Chen family village (Chenjiagou), Wen County, Henan, and is widely recognized as the original Tai Chi style, founded by Chen Wangting in the late Ming to early Qing period.
Traditional forms include:
Traditional forms include:
- Old Frame (Laojia) First Routine (~75 movements)
- Old Frame Second Routine (Paochui, ~43 movements)
These forms feature alternating slow and fast sections, balancing soft and hard elements. Chen-style also preserves the spiral “Silk-Reeling” (Chansi Gong) techniques to train internal energy flow.
In modern times, Chen stylists have also developed competition routines such as the 56-form Chen Tai Chi, expanding its reach in martial arts circles.
In modern times, Chen stylists have also developed competition routines such as the 56-form Chen Tai Chi, expanding its reach in martial arts circles.
🌀 Movement Style
Chen-style is known for its:
- Explosive, alternating slow–fast dynamics
- Integration of hard and soft
- Retention of older martial elements:
- Fajin (explosive power)
- Stomping
- Jumps
- Bursts of energy
Its signature spiral “Silk-Reeling” involves coordinated, continuous spiraling driven by the waist, creating seamless curved paths.
Other style characteristics:
Other style characteristics:
- Large frames with clear weight shifts and postural changes
- Embedded martial applications in each movement
- Retaining the ancient Tai Chi features of combining hardness and softness, slow and fast, jumps, stomps, elastic shakes, and spiraling internal movement.
These features make Chen-style instantly recognizable among Tai Chi styles.
🎯 Training Purpose
Because of its explosive power and large movements, Chen-style:
- Requires strong leg strength and coordination
- Popular among younger practitioners and martial arts enthusiasts
- Enhances: Muscle strength
- Enhances: Cardiovascular health
- Enhances: Flexibility
- Enhances: Balance
- Enhances: Develops real combat skills alongside health benefits
🆚 Key Differences
As the original Tai Chi style, Chen-style differs in several key ways:
- Rhythm
- Incorporates
- Movement complexity
- Historical influenc
In short:
Chen-style is the most powerful and dynamic of the major Tai Chi styles, combining health training with strong martial potential, ideal for practitioners who wish to experience Tai Chi’s complete martial and health essence