The early development of Taiji, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, is deeply rooted in the martial arts traditions of the Chen family from Chenjiagou (Chen Village) in Henan Province, China.

The evolution of Taiji can be traced back to Chen Wangting, a 17th-century martial artist who is credited with creating several Taiji routines after his retirement from military service. He incorporated various martial arts techniques with Daoist philosophy, laying the foundational framework for what would later become known as Taiji.

Chen Changxing, a 14th generation descendant of the Chen family, played a pivotal role in the evolution of Taiji during the early 19th century. He synthesized earlier Chen routines into two routines known as the Old Frame (Laojia), which includes the First Form (Yilu) and the Second Form (Erlu or Cannon Fist).

Breaking with tradition, Chen Changxing taught these forms to Yang Luchan, a non-family member, who later popularized the style throughout China as Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan.

Chen Fake, a direct descendant of Chen Changxing, significantly influenced Taiji’s 20th century development. Born in 1887, he moved to Beijing in 1928 where he demonstrated Chen-style’s effectiveness through challenges, establishing its reputation. Chen Fake created the New Frame routines by adding movements to the Old Frame, emphasizing smaller circular motions, more obvious spiraling of the waist/dantian, explosive fajin (energy release) techniques, jumping footwork, and greater emphasis on martial applications like qinna (joint locks). The New Frame showcased a more dynamic and overtly powerful expression tailored to the “temperament of the young and fit city people” he taught in Beijing, while still adhering to Chen principles of continuous flowing movement.

Chen Qingping, another key figure, was a contemporary of Chen Fake and a 7th generation master of Chen-style Taiji. He is also associated with the development of the Zhaobao style of Taiji, having moved to Zhaobao Village and married into a local family. Chen Qingping’s teachings influenced the Zhaobao style, which shares similarities with the Chen style but also features distinct elements like the emphasis on spiral movements and uprooting techniques.

In summary, the development of Taiji from Chen Wangting through Chen Changxing to Chen Fake and Yang Luchan illustrates a rich history of innovation and adaptation within the martial arts.

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