The first-ever English translation of the most important masterworks of Chen Style Taiji, as originally published by the renowned grandmaster Chen Zhaopi
Chen Zhaopi (1893-1972) is universally recognized as a preeminant grandmaster of Chen Style taijiquan, an ancient martial art that is the foundation of all taijiquan schools. During his lifetime, Chen was lineage successor and teacher to Chen Village's current generation of senior masters, including Chen Xiaowang, Wang Xi'an, Chen Zhenglei, Zhu Tiancai, and the late Chen Qingzhou. This book is the first-ever English translation of key selections from his seminal 1935 publication, Chen Style Taijiquan Collected Masterworks. Gathered together are taijiquan's most important texts dating back to its earliest period of development. These include the writings of its putative creator, Chen Wangting, and its reorganizer, Chen Changxing, and the biographies of eminent family members such as Chen Zhongshen. Author and translator Mark Chen's commentary provides readers with the most complete picture of taijiquan's origins, evolution, and theory to date. Also included is a step-by-step, pictorial exposition of Chen taijiquan's "old frame" first form, demonstrated by Chen Zhaopi himself.
“A precious presentation of taijiquan’s essential theory and practice as found in original documents—clarified and enriched by a uniquely qualified author.” —Michael DeMarco, publisher of Via Media Publishing and the Journal of Asian Martial Arts andinstructor at Winged Lion School of Tai Chi
"There are very few good English translations of Chinese martial arts manuals. Mark Chen’s Chen Style Taijiquan Collected Masterworks makes a substantial contribution to the literature on Chinese martial arts in general, and Taiji studies in particular. Both historians and practitioners will gain immensely from consulting his translation and explanatory notes. —Peter Lorge, Vanderbilt University
The first-ever English translation of the most important masterworks of Chen Style Taiji, as originally published by the renowned grandmaster Chen Zhaopi
Chen Zhaopi (1893-1972) is universally recognized as a preeminant grandmaster of Chen Style taijiquan, an ancient martial art that is the foundation of all taijiquan schools. During his lifetime, Chen was lineage successor and teacher to Chen Village's current generation of senior masters, including Chen Xiaowang, Wang Xi'an, Chen Zhenglei, Zhu Tiancai, and the late Chen Qingzhou. This book is the first-ever English translation of key selections from his seminal 1935 publication, Chen Style Taijiquan Collected Masterworks. Gathered together are taijiquan's most important texts dating back to its earliest period of development. These include the writings of its putative creator, Chen Wangting, and its reorganizer, Chen Changxing, and the biographies of eminent family members such as Chen Zhongshen. Author and translator Mark Chen's commentary provides readers with the most complete picture of taijiquan's origins, evolution, and theory to date. Also included is a step-by-step, pictorial exposition of Chen taijiquan's "old frame" first form, demonstrated by Chen Zhaopi himself.
Praise
“A precious presentation of taijiquan’s essential theory and practice as found in original documents—clarified and enriched by a uniquely qualified author.” —Michael DeMarco, publisher of Via Media Publishing and the Journal of Asian Martial Arts andinstructor at Winged Lion School of Tai Chi
"There are very few good English translations of Chinese martial arts manuals. Mark Chen’s Chen Style Taijiquan Collected Masterworks makes a substantial contribution to the literature on Chinese martial arts in general, and Taiji studies in particular. Both historians and practitioners will gain immensely from consulting his translation and explanatory notes. —Peter Lorge, Vanderbilt University
