Mission
It is our mission to bring to the Pacific Northwest Chen family style Taijiquan, recognized as the source of modern day internal martial arts, as taught by Grandmasters Chen Xiaowang, Chen Xiaoxing, and the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School.
Approach and Objective
Our approach is to adhere to the principle-based teaching methods and standards of our teachers and to facilitate an environment for safe self-discovery.
Our objective is that students experience a traditional and multi-layered approach incorporating martial, energetic and structural components. The teaching method is specifically designed for accessibility to all experience levels.
Practitioners experience noticeable health benefits including enhanced balance, greater fluidity of movement, and increased physical strength. The calm meditative quality of both class time and home practice, enhances mental clarity and supports emotional stability. This traditional system can lead the dedicated practitioner to a place of personal empowerment.
The suggested sequence of study begins with Standing Meditation and Chan Si Gong or silk reeling exercises. These are followed by form work, then applications and weaponry. This lays the foundation for the learning progression outlined in the Five Levels of Skill in Chen Style Taijiquan. It is important to me that each student cultivates a personal practice through this clear system so that individual goals are honored.
Chen Xiaowang
Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang is the nineteenth-generation standard bearer of Chen family style taijiquan. He began training under his father, Chen Zhaoxu at age eight. He also trained under Chen Zhaopei and Chen Zhaokui, becoming known as one of the four "Buddhas' Warrior Attendants", the four outstanding exponents of the nineteenth generation in Chenjiagou. In 1980 he won first place in the National Wushu Tournament, beginning a string of first place honors on the national level. He is the creator of several popular and simplified forms, including the nine-step, nineteen and the thirty-eight posture routines.
Chen Xiaoxing
Nineteenth-generation Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing is the grandson of seventeenth generation lineage holder, Chen Fake. He is the youngest son of Chen Zhaoxu, brother of the current lineage holder, Chen Xiaowang, and the head of the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School in Henan, China. He is a highly skilled and decorated martial artist and known for his generous teaching and expertise in all Taiji forms and weapons. Additionally, he is gracious in sharing his knowledge, training techniques, history and wisdom. His patient and clear instruction has shaped the training from the beginner to the most skilled Taijiquan practitioners, and he continues to directly oversee the training of domestic and international students around the world.