Videos

This DVD by Sean Marshall is now the one I recommend to anyone who wants to learn the 18 movement Essence Form. This short form removes duplication and distills the essential movements of Lao Jia Yi Lu, the traditional beginner form of Chen TaiJi from which the other major styles of taiji are derived.

Previously, I recommended the DVD produced by Chen ZhengLei who created the form. Why wouldn't a DVD by the person who actually created the form still be my top recommendation?  It did an excellent job of providing instruction on silk reeling exercises, warm ups, basic movements and body positions, but when it came to the actual form, it only provided a demonstration.

This new DVD by Sean Marshall corrects that problem. It also shows warm ups and demonstrats the form but also breaks it down in a step by step instructional format. Split screen views allow you to see sections from both sides so you can see hand movements that might otherwise be obscured by the body. Important details are highlighted by on screen text and has voice narration or picture-in-picture views that let you see close-ups. Slow motion sequences also help ensure you see all the details.

This is now the DVD I recommend to our new students. You get instruction by Sean Marshall, the head instructor of Jing Ying Institute, a wonderful soundtrack performed on Eastern instruments by Jing Ying student Bill Bechtold, and beautiful scenery from the Chesapeake area.

This is a great DVD for the beginning Chen enthusiast. The basic movements and silk reeling exercises are covered in detail as well as the Qigong exercises which are great for warming up. In addition, the 18 form or "Essence Form" is demonstrated along with several other forms. Master Chen ZhengLei is the creator of the 18 movement form and one of the "Four Diamonds" of TaiJi.

This DVD features Chen ZhengLei and Wang HaiJun demonstrating the basic principals of push-hand exercises used to develop sensitivity and responsiveness while working with a partner. Covers basic requirements and methods with practice for a single person. This includes separate practice for foot work and hand movements as well as combining the two. Partner work includes fixed-stance single hand and double hand work and moves on to moving-stance work. Includes five methods of push-hands and also a demonstration of the Lao Jia Yi Lu form. Even without a practice partner, there's a lot you can get from this DVD.

Also known as ChuJi Quan, this is the first form in our system.  Master Willy Lin, who first brought these forms to the US, demonstrates the form step-by-step. He also includes variations of the form along with the 2 person fighting set which pits the first half of the form against the second half. This form is filled with good offensive and defensive techniques and the two person set builds important skills in timing and distance control needed for fighting.