Tai Chi Forms

Chen Style Tai Chi Xin Jia (New Frame) is attributed to Chen Fake. The Xin Jia was mainly adapted from classic old frame. Comparing to 'old' frame, the new frame focuses on the coordinated opening and closing of back and chest along with a type of rippling wave (folding) running vertically up and down the dantian/waist area, connected to twisting of the waist/torso. The stances in Xin Jia tend to be more compact in the goal of better mobility for fighting applications, while they still remain quite low. Also the new frame tends to emphasise on manipulation, seizing and grappling as well as on spiral winding for both long and shorter range striking.
In addition, the New Frame also focuses on the gathering and discharge of force from internal to external, therefore the Fajing ("shaking" energy), the silk-reeling energy and the stamping so characteristic of Chen style are more clearly manifest and visible.
Form One has simple movements, more softness and less hardness. Ward off, roll back, press, and push (the four directions) are emphasized, elbow, split, pull down, and shoulder strike (the four corners) are secondary. It also features with frequent shifts from vigorous to soft and helps train transitions between yin and yang. Form Two (Pao Chui) has more complicated movements, more hardness, and less softness. Elbow, split, pull down, and shoulder strike (the four corners) are emphasized, ward off, roll back, press, and push (the four directions) are secondary. There are many methods of fajing in this from.

Tai Chi Weapon

Tai Chi, like most Chinese martial arts, has a lot of different weapons. Chen style Tai Chi has single and double sword, single double and big broadsword, spear, staff, long pole and two sectioned staff. However, the staff, known as the white ape staff, does not have a practice sequence by its self, as all the techniques are included in the spear practice sequence. The actual practice sequences are:
● Single Sword (Dan Jian)
● Single Broadsword (Dan Dao)
● Pear Blossom Spear - White Ape Staff (Li Hua Qiang - Bai Yuan Gun)
● Spring and Autumn Big Broadsword (Chun Qiu Dadao/Guandao)
● Double Sword (Shuang Jian)
● Double Broadsword (Shuang Dao)
● Double Hooks (Shuang Gou)
● Double Mace (Shuang Jian)
● 13 Long pole (Shi San Gan)
● Two sectioned pole (Saozi Gan)
According to Tai Chi Documentary, the sword, broadsword, spear and big broadsword are examples of military weapons, while the pole and staff are more like folk weapons. Tai Chi leans towards military weapons as Tai Chi's heritage comes from the north of China, where the main concern is fighting off invaders from outside. Consequently it doesn't have the kind of self defense weapons found in some other styles.

Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade)

The Baduanjin qigong is one of the most common forms of Chinese qigong used as exercise. Variously translated as Eight Pieces of Brocade, Eight-Section Brocade, Eight Silken Movements and others, the name of the form generally refers to how the eight individual movements of the form characterize and impart a silken quality (like that of a piece of brocade) to the body and its energy. The Baduanjin is primarily designated as a form of medical qigong, meant to improve health. This is in contrast to religious or martial forms of qigong. However, this categorization does not preclude the form's use by martial artists as a supplementary exercise, and this practice is frequent.

Tai Chi Ball

Tai Chi Ball Qigong is one of unique Tai Chi training methods, which can increase the body's physical power and Qi (energy). This training strengthens the torso, bones, muscles, ligaments, and improves root and balance. It helps with concentration, alertness as well as with how to lead and manifest Qi, which is a key factor for internal martial arts especially for Tai Chi.
The art of Tai Chi Ball is to train how to increase physical power by using the mind to lead the Qi. It can be a major training tool to enhance pushing hands ability and skills. For general exercise, Tai Chi Ball training helps with learning how to move the vertebrae of the spine, increase energy through various breathing techniques, and to move many joints properly at different angles.

Tai Chi Ruler

Playing Tai Chi Ruler is a very effective way to calm the mind and develop internal energy. It is an exercise done in continuous repetition with deep, slow breathing with the ruler held between the palms on the Lao Gong pressure point, and each exercise is integrated with breath, mental and visual concentration with Tai Chi movements and pattern that shifts the body’s weight between both legs. Tai Chi ruler practice imparts holistic fitness, integral strength, and substantial Chi accumulation and circulation into a single practice and is an excellent foundation for Tai Chi Boxing, Xing Yi Boxing and any martial art, meditation or fitness practice. Some of the benefits of using a Tai Chi Ruler include:
● Relieving stress
● Bringing deep relaxation and inner calm
● Encouraging smooth and deep breathing
● Balancing the nervous system
● Cultivating Qi (internal energy)
● Promotes Qi and blood circulation
● Improves concentration