Book Description

Chen Tai Chi Chuan is a textbook written primarily for the students of James Cravens or their students associated with Chinese Boxing Institute International. James has studied directly with Christopher Casey, Tao Piang Siang, Yan Gaofei, Chen Quanzhong, Chen Xiaowang, and Chen Bing. He has been an indoor student of Chen Xiaowang since 2006. The book records details of the following topics: Fang Song (loosening exercises), How to Stand, How to Turn, How to Shift weight, How to Step, and breathing, all part of the fundamentals of the art. Secondly, Tai Chi uses silk reeling movement when practicing Tai Chi. All movements are from the body's center, moving unitarily in a spiral or silk-reeling manner. The body turns while maintaining a strict alignment which will keep the body in a position where blood circulation and chi are optimal while practicing. The circulation is enhanced by better posture and fewer deviations from the Tai Ch template. In silk reeling, you use two prime circles and eight two-handed options using the primary two circles. While all Tai Chu moves in a unitary silk reeling manner, the basic exercises recorded in the book are the basics of all the movement. Next, the entire famous Chen style form, Laojia Yilu, is documented in detail with pictures. Beyond this, several chapters speak of other principles and teachings in Tai Chi. QR Codes appear on several pages in the book allowing one to scan with their phone or tablet and then press a web link. The link will take one to a video demonstrating what is being described in the book. Pages - 220 with over 800 images plus video instruction with the scanning of QR Codes.