Is this proper Chen style or more of a show form?

[markern]

I have seen people say that this form isn't proper Chen style but a form made more just to look cool. Is that true or is it genuine Chen style? It sure looks good though. I want to learn it regardless. I just wanna move like that. But it would be interesting to know if it is a proper form or not.



 

 

[Taomeow]

Actually yes, it is a simplified form based on the classical Chen forms (Laojia Yilu and Erlu), but it's a recent addition to the Chen arsenal, developed by members of the Chen family in 1983.  Unlike the Yang style 24 form, which was commissioned by the Chinese Sports Committee in 1956 for mass exercise, the Chen 24 form was designed to introduce the basic "alphabet" of Chen taiji while maintaining its martial and health benefits.  You can think of it as "CliffsNotes" of sorts to the real deal.  

Edited May 4 by Taomeow

[markern]

On 4.5.2025 at 3:50 PM, Taomeow said:

Actually yes, it is a simplified form based on the classical Chen forms (Laojia Yilu and Erlu), but it's a recent addition to the Chen arsenal, developed by members of the Chen family in 1983.  Unlike the Yang style 24 form, which was commissioned by the Chinese Sports Committee in 1956 for mass exercise, the Chen 24 form was designed to introduce the basic "alphabet" of Chen taiji while maintaining its martial and health benefits.  You can think of it as "CliffsNotes" of sorts to the real deal.  

Thanks. That is very useful to know:)

[Gerard]

Well that's Chen as opposed to the more internally focused and slow paced Yang TJQ.

 

Chen Xiaowang also created the 16 form for busy people or beginners to get their feet wet before embarking on longer and more demanding forms:

 

 

 

 

[markern]

14 hours ago, Gerard said:

Well that's Chen as opposed to the more internally focused and slow paced Yang TJQ.

 

Chen Xiaowang also created the 16 form for busy people or beginners to get their feet wet before embarking on longer and more demanding forms:

 

 

 

 

Thanks. Very useful. I might want to learn that. Any ideas for online tutorials or courses for learning Chen style? I think there may only be Yang style available where I live. Will start a yang style class after the summer I think but want to experiment with Chen on my own. 

[Gerard]

It's going to be difficult to impossible to learn an IMA online. There are way too many subtleties to the art that are easily missed. You won't go deep enough, I'm afraid.

 

But by having said that, you can get by and get benefits by starting a beginner's form. 
 

Zhu Tiancai, one of the four tigers of Chen TJQ, *New Frame 13 is a good start. YT and DVD:

 

 

 

English subs and fully explained set.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/396206069330
 

Hope this helps.
 

 

*Form breakdown:

 

https://chen-taiji.com/13-postures/

 

 

Edited Friday at 02:28 AM by Gerard

[markern]

On 9.5.2025 at 3:40 AM, Gerard said:

It's going to be difficult to impossible to learn an IMA online. There are way too many subtleties to the art that are easily missed. You won't go deep enough, I'm afraid.

 

But by having said that, you can get by and get benefits by starting a beginner's form. 
 

Zhu Tiancai, one of the four tigers of Chen TJQ, *New Frame 13 is a good start. YT and DVD:

 

 

 

English subs and fully explained set.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/396206069330
 

Hope this helps.
 

 

*Form breakdown:

 

https://chen-taiji.com/13-postures/

 

 

Sure, I am not expecting to get deep or good without a live teacher. But think I would enjoy it and benefit from it still. I will also be learning Yang style in a weekly in person class and expect that to help. lot.