Translated from an article by Grandmaster Zhu Tian Cai
Tai Chi Chuan—a martial art that strengthens the body and enables self-defence—has gained widespread popularity across the world. It is a jewel within the rich tradition of Chinese martial arts and has captured global attention.
Among its various styles, the Chenjiagou Tai Chi is the oldest, with a documented history spanning over three hundred years. Due to the spread of different Tai Chi styles—particularly the Yang style—enthusiasts worldwide began tracing the art back to its origin. This led them to Chenjiagou, a small, remote village of just over three hundred households near the Yellow River. Since China’s opening-up, countless practitioners and scholars, both domestic and international, have visited the village. With strong government support, Chenjiagou Tai Chi has flourished.
Today, several versions of the Chen-style Tai Chi routines are practised globally. Some individuals, however, prioritise claims of authenticity and antiquity over genuine study, leading to ongoing debates. As a nineteenth-generation descendant and inheritor of Chenjiagou Tai Chi, I aim to present a clear explanation of its routines for reference and discernment.
I grew up in Chenjiagou from the age of five under the guidance of my grandfather, Chen Guanglu (17th generation). For nearly fifty years, I never left the village. In the 1950s, I often listened to my grandfather’s stories of past masters and their legendary feats. At that time, the village had notable practitioners such as Chen Zhaopi and Chen Zhaoxu. Under their influence, I naturally developed a deep curiosity and love for Chen-style Tai Chi.
Back then, Chenjiagou Tai Chi consisted of the Old Frame (or Large Frame), the Small Frame, and the Second Routine (Cannon Fist). In 1958, Grandmaster Chen Zhaopi returned to the village, and I began formal training under him in the Old Frame First Routine. Alongside other disciples like Chen Xiaowang and Wang Xi’an, we practised diligently every night for years before moving on to the Second Routine, pushing hands, and weapons practice.
We also often trained alongside practitioners of the Small Frame, led by Master Chen Kezhong and his students. Both Master Chen Zhaopi and Chen Kezhong emphasised that the Old Frame is a foundational practice—soft yet firm, with clear movements and circular, spiralling energy. There are no straight lines or flat movements; everything flows in arcs, from large to small circles.
The Small Frame, while similar in structure to the Old Frame, internalises its power—focusing on intention, qi, and smooth, continuous motion. It can be practised at high, middle, or low stances based on one’s skill level. Despite slight variations, both frames share the same core principles, giving rise to the saying: “The Large Frame is not too large; the Small Frame is not too small.”
The Small Frame was developed by the 14th-generation master Chen Youben. It emphasises softness, circularity, and natural flow, making it suitable for health and self-cultivation. However, young practitioners may also train it with low stances and emitted power for combat application. Many famous masters emerged from this tradition, and it also influenced other styles such as Zhaobao Tai Chi (He-style), Hulei Tai Chi, and Wu-style Tai Chi.
The Old Frame First Routine, with its 72 postures, remains the oldest and most preserved form. It trains practitioners in three stages and five levels of skill, emphasising softness containing hardness, and guided by internal principles rather than external form. This style has been passed down through 22 generations, producing many renowned masters.
In the 1960s, a new form—the 83-Step New Frame—was introduced by Chen Zhaokui, son of Chen Fake. This form emphasises speed variation, stored and released power, and more visible spiralling and emitting movements, making it particularly appealing to younger practitioners. From 1973, Chen Zhaokui taught this form in Chenjiagou, and it was widely adopted. For competition purposes, the village began classifying its forms as Old Frame First and Second Routine, Small Frame, and New Frame First and Second Routine.
Despite variations in form, all Chenjiagou Tai Chi styles share the same core principles: circularity, spiral energy, softness, and intentional movement. Whether practising the Old, Small, or New Frame, the essence remains—rooted in the unique silk-reeling energy of Chen-style Tai Chi, which distinguishes it from all other physical practices.