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Chen Taijiquan    Curriculum    

 

Curriculum

The classes at Silk Reeling consist of warmups, qigong, Silk Reeling, forms and stretching. Instructor Stanwood Chang applies both vertical and horizontal teaching methods to the Chen taijiquan curriculum.

Vertical teaching progresses slowly and is very detailed. It advances to the next movement or technique only after the current movement/technique has been completely, exhaustively practiced. This is the approach Stanwood uses with the practice of Silk Reeling. As the name of the school suggests, Silk Reeling is the foundation of Chen taijiquan, and Stanwood makes sure students are thoroughly versed in Silk Reeling before moving on to forms.

By contrast, the rest of the curriculum is taught with the horizontal approach. Exercises and form movements are fed to students at a faster rate, and over time, deeper and deeper levels of detail are introduced.

Warmups. A comprehensive set of exercises that progress from the top down, warming and loosening all the joints and connective tissue in the body. The relaxing and softening of the mind, heart and body is critical to the rest of the class.

Qigong. Deep, healing and energizing movements that nourish the body by encouraging the flow of qi. Special emphasis is given to Zhan Zhuang (Standing Method), the favorite of every taiji student! In addition to qigong exercises from Chen taijiquan, Stanwood also introduces qigong exercises from his other studies in Sun taijiquan and Yang (Zheng Manqing) taijiquan.

Silk Reeling (Chan Si Jin). The cornerstone of Chen taijiquan, and of the school. Silk Reeling movements form the basis for all the movements in Chen taijiquan, and show up very literally in the forms. The spiraling energy of Silk Reeling is the hallmark of Chen taijiquan, and is the source of Chen taijiquan's health benefits and martial power.

There are four fundamental types of Silk Reeling:

  • Zheng Mian Chan Si Jin (Silk Reeling to the Front) -- single hands and double hands, circling in both directions.
  • Ce Mian Chan Si Jin (Silk Reeling to the Side) -- single hands and double hands, circling back/forward only.
  • Peng/Lu (Ward Off/Rollback High) -- double hands on the right and left sides, circling back/forward only.
  • Peng/Lu/Ji/An (Ward Off/Rollback Low/Press/Push) -- double hands on the right and left sides. This rich Silk Reeling combination encompasses the first four basic taijiquan energies.

Other variations of Silk Reeling will also be introduced from time to time.

Forms. The "meat" of the Chen taijiquan curriculum. The emphasis of the school is on the foundational form, Lao Jia Yi Lu (Old Frame First Road). Lao Jia Yi Lu is the most "tai chi-like" of all the Chen taijiquan forms, and is roughly 90% soft and slow, with flashes of the other 10% -- explosive punches and kicks -- laced throughout.

As the school develops, grows and students become more advanced, the other three basic forms will be introduced:

  • Chen Shi Taiji Dao (Chen taiji broadsword)
  • Chen Shi Taiji Jian (Chen taiji straight sword)
  • Lao Jia Er Lu (Old Frame Second Road, also known as Pao Chui, or Cannon Fist)

From time to time, special workshops on the Chen taijiquan 56 Competition Form may be held.

Stretching. Stanwood's personal post-workout stretching routine, developed over many years, that focuses on the spine and lower body.

Stanwood Chang teaching Zhan Zhuang
(Standing Method) by the Charles River.

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Copyright © 2010-2012 Silk Reeling, Sun Tai Chi Institute of Boston LLC™, Stanwood Chang