Understanding Taoist Classics


Interpreting the Ancient Codes

Interpreting the ancient codes shrouding the esoteric Chinese arts is one of the great challenges facing any serious student or teacher of Taoism. Download the free paper now.

Chen Tai Chi Chuan Seminar Part 5 Four Directions

The Four Directions (四正手) of Tai Chi Chuan describe the four major energies expressed in the art. These are Peng, Lu, Ji, and An. These energies combine to create all the major techniques in the style. Part 5 of our Introduction to Tai Chi video series explains the meaning of these four terms.

Chen Tai Chi Chuan Seminar Part 4 Yin Yang and Kung Fu

Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is based on Yin and Yang theory. Taiji refers to the two poles of Yin and Yang, especially the interrelationship between them. This relationship is called the Yi principle – or change principles. One of the meanings of Kung Fu is “skill obtained through hard work.” Both of these topics are discussed [...]

China Trip 2011

We’re headed to China and you’re invited! In August of this year we will take ourselves and few fortunate companions on an unforgettable trip to China. This won’t be an ordinary trip… no way, not with us! This will be a training immersion trip designed to experience traditional Chinese arts in the environment in which [...]

Chen Tai Chi Chuan Seminar Part 3 Silk Reeling Principles

Silk reeling (Chan Si) is one of the key body mechanics of all styles of Tai Chi. Chen Tai Chi is particularly known for its silk reeling. This video explains the three key principles of silk reeling. Although we discuss it in the context of Tai Chi, these same principles also apply to Xingyi and [...]

Chen Tai Chi Chuan Seminar Part 2 Posture Principles

Here is the second part of our introductory videos taken during our recent Qigong and Tai Chi Certification seminars.

Chen Tai Chi Introductory seminar in Washington DC. (陈氏太极拳 Chen Taijiquan)This is Part 2 of the video which answers questions received during the break, including posture principles (无极站桩 Wu Ji Zhan Zhuang) and similarities between Chen, Yang, [...]

China 2010: Day 9: Wei Bao Shan

Day 9, Saturday, April 24 (Xizhou)

I went up to the terrace at 7:30 AM to practice my Yang Style 108 Form Tai Chi with the sight of people working in the fields and barren 13,000 ft. mountains rising in the background. It was absolutely beautiful and peaceful with clouds seeming to brush the tops of [...]

China 2010: Day 7: Xizhou

Day 7, Thursday, April 22 (Xizhou)

          Today began at 8:00 AM in the courtyard where we started to learn Chen style Tai Chi, the original, style of Tai Chi.  We also practiced the Eight Pieces of Brocade and our exercises.  Behind us in the courtyard was a large backdrop of a wall with a fluted [...]

Chen Tai Chi Yi Lu Form by Shawn Cartwright

For every Yin there is a Yang. In this case, the Yang is the Chen Tai Chi Form performed by Mr. Shawn Cartwright, Executive Director of TCCII. This form shows the obvious hard and soft, fast and slow movement of the original style of Tai Chi Chuan. Mr. Cartwright is a 20th generation Chen Tai [...]

Yang Tai Chi 24 Form by Dr. Yinong Chong

Here is a selection from the Yang Tai Chi 24 movement form performed by our very own Dr. Yinong Chong, Executive Director of TCCII. The Yang 24 can be very “Yin” or meditative when performed as Dr. Chong demonstrates. The Yang 24 form is a good choice for those just beginning Tai Chi who wish [...]

Critical Care Nurses Learn Medical Qigong

Critical care nurses learn the ancient Chinese healing art of medical Qigong. They learned how to integrate mind, body, and spirit for self-cultivation and healing others.

We taught Tai Chi and Qigong to critical care nurses who were holding their annual convention in Washington, DC. We had a full class of very enthusiastic Qigong students. For [...]