Chen: Living Taijiquan in the Classical Style

by Jan Silberstorff

Overview

Chen style Taijiquan is the oldest of the five main Taijiquan styles. In this book, Master Jan Silberstorff, a leading Chen practitioner, shares his expertise and insights.

He explains the background to Taijiquan, and its key principles, and gives the reader a true insight into the Chen system. Master Silberstorff sets this within the historical context of Taijiquan in China, its country of origin, and explains the martial, health and spiritual aspects of traditional Chen Taijiquan. He discusses the different Chen forms and the importance of each, as well as the place of competition and the effect on participants.The book also contains the complete sequences for both the empty hand and weapon forms.

This accessible and comprehensive guide to Chen style Taijiquan is ideal for beginners and will also be useful to advanced practitioners wanting to deepen their practice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857010056
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	07/15/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	814,184
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Jan Silberstorff became the first Western indoor student and family disciple of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang in 1993 and now teaches in 15 countries around the world as a 20th Generation successor of the Chen family. Jan co-founded the World Chen Xiaowang Taijiquan Association, and is the leader of the German section. He is a champion of many Taijiquan tournaments in both Europe and China, and has published books, articles, DVDs, and produced TV series on Taijiquan. Jan is fluent in Chinese having lived in China for many years. He now lives in Germany.
Master Jan Silberstorff became the first Western indoor student and family disciple of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang in 1993 and now teaches in 15 countries around the world as a 20th generation successor of the Chen family. Jan co-founded the WCTA and is the leader of the German section. He has also recently founded sections in Brazil and Chile. In 2009 he founded a charity organisation called WCTAGhilft, which is helping 170 children in need in Sri Lanka and Brazil. He is a champion of many Taijiquan tournaments in both Europe and China, and has published books, articles, DVDs, and produced TV series on Taijiquan. Jan is fluent in Chinese having lived in China for many years. He now lives in Germany and Brazil.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments. Preface. Preface to this Edition. Notes about this Book. What is Taijiquan? Part 1. The System of Taijiquan. Chapter 1. Some Facts upon the History of Taijiquan. Chapter 2. What is Qi? Chapter 3. Taiji: A Philosophy. Chapter 4. Taijiquan: A Martial Art. Chapter 5. Taijiquan: A Teaching of Health. Chapter 6. Taijiquan: A Spiritual Exercise. Chapter 7. Techniques and Principles of Taijiquan. Part 2. The Chen Style of Taijiquan. Chapter 8. The System of Chen Taijiquan. Chapter 9. The Forms of Chen Taijiquan. Part 3. Taijiquan: In the Middle of Life. Chapter 10. Something about Yin and Yang. Chapter 11. Taijiquan, Tournaments and the Problems of Success. Chapter 12. The Mistake of Double Weighting. Chapter 13. Taijiquan and Sexuality. Chapter 14. Taijiquan in the World: A Resumé. Part 4. Taijiquan in the Mirror of Medicine. Chapter 15. The Medical Point of View within the Chinese Tradition. Chapter 16. Medical Examinations of Taijiquan. Part 5. Words by the Patriarchs of the Chen Clan. Chapter 17. Verses and Dicta. Chapter 18. Important Notes on Martial Appliances by Chen Changxing. Chapter 19. The Five Levels of Evolution in Taijiquan by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang. Chapter 20. Interview with Grandmaster Xiaowang. Chapter 21. Sequences in Technique with Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang. Afterword. Glossary. Appendices. Part One: World Chen Taijiquan Association. Part Two: The Forms of Chen Taijiquan. Part Three: The 19-step form. Part Four: The 38-step form. Part Five: First Form, "Old Frame". Part Six: Second Form, "Old Frame". Part Seven: First Form, "New Frame". Part Eight: Second Form, "New Frame". Part Nine: Sword Form. Part Ten: Sabre Form. Part Eleven: Pole/Spear Form. Part Twelve: Halberd Form. Part Thirteen: Double Sword Form. Part Fourteen: Double Sabre Form.

Editorial Reviews

Master Jan Silberstorff manages to convey the essence of Taijiquan in an easy to read format that would encapsulate and encourage practitioners at all levels. Excellent book that I would highly recommend, lovely diagrams, well written.--UK Tai Chi Ltd.

From the Publisher

Master Jan Silberstorff manages to convey the essence of Taijiquan in an easy to read format that would encapsulate and encourage practitioners at all levels. Excellent book that I would highly recommend, lovely diagrams, well written.

UK Tai Chi Ltd.