We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
David Yao

Tai Chi or Shadow Boxing, another school of Kungfu in Chinese martial art culture, was born in Henan Province, 70km north to David Yao's native place.

Tai chi, short for T'ai chi ch'üan or Tàijí quán  (Chinese: 太极拳,太極拳; pinyin: Tàijí quán), is a traditional Chinese martial art which combines mind and awareness of our body, the deep diaphragmatic breathing and Qi, the inherent vital energy, through graceful movements to achieve mindfulness and relaxation. Tai chi is practiced for both its defense training, its health benefits and meditation.

Read more

Tai Chi or Shadow Boxing, another school of Kungfu in Chinese martial art culture, was born in Henan Province, 70km north to David Yao's native place.

Tai chi, short for T'ai chi ch'üan or Tàijí quán  (Chinese: 太极拳,太極拳; pinyin: Tàijí quán), is a traditional Chinese martial art which combines mind and awareness of our body, the deep diaphragmatic breathing and Qi, the inherent vital energy, through graceful movements to achieve mindfulness and relaxation. Tai chi is practiced for both its defense training, its health benefits and meditation.

Qigong, qi gong, chi kung, or chi gung (simplified Chinese: 气功 qìgōng literally: "Life Energy Cultivation") is a holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used in belief it promotes health, spirituality, and martial arts training. Qigong practice typically involves moving meditation, coordinating slow flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and calm meditative state of mind.  Qigong can be viewed as a medicinal movement practice, combining breath work, relaxation, movement and self-massage all in one.

In this courses, I will show you through breath control exercise and Tai Chi Skill to regain the peace of mind.  Chen Style Traditional 74 Form LJ1  (陈氏太极拳老架一路  Chén shì tàijí quán lǎo jià yīlù  Chen Style Tai Chi Traditional Form  One; Chen Style Tai Chi Old Form Set One)  is the foundation of all Chen Style Tai Chi which keeps the kicking, jumping and leaping movements which will apply in fighting.

What makes  Chen Style Tai Chi unique? It is 发力 fā lì, (releasing power; releasing power in explosive way),  It integrates whole body power and keep body in a relax states when release the power in very short and explosive way. The hitting point can be fist, elbow or knee. This Fali is different with boxing or kickboxing. You can take some movements to practice in fast speed and this can be very good sweating workout for you.

This will take you around 3 month to finish it. However, you can just take a single posture to practice.

Tai Chi Strengthens Mind and Body

Tai Chi’s focus on posture and body placement may add benefits beyond what cardiovascular or resistance-training can provide.

Tai Chi, a moving Yoga, does more than burn calories and tone muscles. It will enable you to gain flexibility and strength, reducing stress and allowing for greater relaxation. It's a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation.

The health benefits of tai chi

This gentle form of exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.

Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion, moving Yoga,"  which originated in China as a martial art.  The Chen Style Tai chi is the oldest and parent form of the five traditional family styles of Tai chi. Chen-style is characterized by Silk reeling, alternating fast/slow motion and bursts of power.  The Chen Style is Originated in Hen Nan Chen Jia Gou, 70 KM at north of David Yao's birth place.

There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.  In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions.  As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention — as in some kinds of meditation — on your bodily sensations. Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Chen style tai chi traditional form one 74 postures
  • The concept of qi - inherent vital energy
  • A system of deep breathing exercises.
  • Self defense skills using tai chi
  • Apply tai chi into sweating workout.
  • To keep mental and physical fitness
  • To achieve mindfulness and relaxation

Syllabus

Build Your Own Tai Chi Routine courses is underway. My places are under full lockdown again from Jan 13 till Jan 26 and my plan may delay little bit as my Club and Gym are not open. Take care all!
Read more

Benefits of Tai Chi - Better Balance

The body systems responsible for balance can be affected by gradual changes due to aging or side effects of medications. There are also a host of health problems that can lead to unsteadiness on your feet. But many stability problems caused by aging or conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis respond well to exercises designed to improve balance.

Simple exercises to improve stability and prevent falls gives you step-by-step instructions for easy, effective workouts that will improve posture, increase muscle strength and speed, sharpen reflexes, expand flexibility, and firm your core. You'll also get tips for fall-proofing your home.   

Tai chi improves balance and, according to some studies, reduces falls. Proprioception — the ability to sense the position of one's body in space — declines with age. Tai chi helps train this sense, which is a function of sensory neurons in the inner ear and stretch receptors in the muscles and ligaments. Tai chi also improves muscle strength and flexibility, which makes it easier to recover from a stumble. Fear of falling can make you more likely to fall; some studies have found that tai chi training helps reduce that fear.

LJ1-71 转身双摆莲 zhuǎnshēn shuāng bǎi lián High roundhouse kick with double hands tap

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on posture and body placement, which may offer benefits beyond cardiovascular or resistance training, making it a well-rounded fitness approach
Explores Qigong, a holistic system involving coordinated posture, movement, breathing, and meditation, potentially promoting health, spirituality, and martial arts training
Introduces Chen Style Tai Chi, the oldest and parent form of the five traditional family styles, known for silk reeling, alternating fast/slow motion, and bursts of power
Emphasizes the concept of 'Fa Li' (releasing power), integrating whole-body power with relaxation for short, explosive movements, differentiating it from boxing or kickboxing
Requires around three months to complete, but allows learners to practice individual postures, offering flexibility for those with time constraints or specific interests
Includes movements with kicking, jumping, and leaping, which may not be suitable for individuals with certain physical limitations or injuries without modification

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Chen style tai chi old form one analysis

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in Chen Style Tai Chi Old Form One (Lao Jia Yi Lu), with many finding the instruction to be clear and detailed, particularly appreciating the step-by-step breakdowns of the 74 postures. Students highlight the instructor's deep knowledge and passion for the art. The course is frequently described as suitable for beginners, guiding them through the form gradually. Many reviewers emphasize the health benefits and the calming, meditative aspects of the practice learned here. While some mention the martial application of Chen style, the focus in reviews tends to be on the form's structure and health advantages. Some note that consistent practice is essential for mastery.
Focus is more on form than deep application.
"While martial applications are mentioned, the primary focus is on learning the form itself."
"I didn't get as much detail on the practical fighting applications as I hoped."
"It teaches the structure of the form, which is fundamental, but less on applying Fa Li."
Requires consistent, dedicated practice.
"Mastering this form takes time and repetition, as expected."
"I understand that daily practice is key to seeing results."
"This isn't a quick fix; it demands commitment to practice the movements."
"The course content provides the steps, but the effort is up to the student."
Video quality is generally sufficient.
"The videos are clear enough to see the movements."
"Production quality is not Hollywood, but perfectly adequate for learning."
"I could easily follow the postures from the video angles provided."
Helps with relaxation, balance, and well-being.
"I've noticed improvements in my balance and flexibility since starting."
"The meditative aspect is very calming and helps reduce stress."
"Learning the form has been great for my physical and mental health."
Detailed guidance through the 74-posture form.
"The course meticulously covers the entire 74-posture Lao Jia Yi Lu."
"Every posture is shown and explained thoroughly."
"Following the structure of the form is the main goal here."
Instructor is knowledgeable and passionate.
"The instructor clearly has a deep understanding of Chen style Tai Chi."
"His passion for the art shines through in the lessons."
"It's inspiring to learn from someone with so much experience and dedication."
Highly accessible for those starting Tai Chi.
"As a complete beginner, I appreciate how this course takes you through the form gradually."
"Perfect for anyone new to Chen Style or Tai Chi in general."
"It's designed to build confidence from the ground up, even for total novices."
Instructor offers clear, detailed explanations.
"The instructions are crystal clear, making it easy to follow even for a beginner."
"Master Yao's teaching is very systematic and detailed, explaining each movement clearly."
"I found the step-by-step approach incredibly helpful in learning the complex form."
"He breaks down complex movements into understandable parts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Original Tai Chi Martial Art - Chen Style Old Form One with these activities:
Review Tai Chi Principles
Reinforce your understanding of the core principles of Tai Chi, including mindfulness, relaxation, and proper body alignment, to prepare for learning the Chen Style Old Form One.
Browse courses on Body Awareness
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos explaining the basic principles of Tai Chi.
  • Practice simple mindfulness exercises to improve body awareness.
  • Review the concepts of Qi and its role in Tai Chi practice.
Review 'Chen Style Taijiquan: The Source of Taiji Boxing'
Deepen your understanding of the historical and technical aspects of Chen Style Taijiquan, the foundation of the course's focus.
Show steps
  • Read the book's introduction and chapters on the history and principles of Chen Style Taijiquan.
  • Study the diagrams and explanations of key movements and techniques.
  • Compare the information in the book with the teachings in the course to identify key differences and similarities.
Practice Silk Reeling Exercises
Improve your coordination and body awareness by practicing silk reeling exercises, a fundamental component of Chen Style Tai Chi.
Show steps
  • Watch videos demonstrating silk reeling exercises.
  • Practice the exercises slowly and deliberately, focusing on proper form and body alignment.
  • Gradually increase the speed and intensity of the exercises as your coordination improves.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Tai Chi Practice Journal
Reflect on your Tai Chi journey by documenting your progress, challenges, and insights in a practice journal.
Show steps
  • Record your daily practice sessions, including the postures you practiced and any difficulties you encountered.
  • Reflect on your progress and identify areas where you need to improve.
  • Write about your understanding of the principles of Tai Chi and how they apply to your practice.
Practice with a Partner
Enhance your understanding of Tai Chi movements and improve your form by practicing with a partner.
Show steps
  • Find a partner who is also learning Tai Chi.
  • Take turns leading and following each other through the Chen Style Old Form One.
  • Provide constructive feedback to each other on form, alignment, and energy flow.
Analyze Tai Chi Movements
Deepen your understanding of Tai Chi by creating a video analysis of specific movements, explaining their purpose and execution.
Show steps
  • Choose a few Tai Chi movements from the Chen Style Old Form One.
  • Record yourself performing the movements from different angles.
  • Edit the video to include explanations of the movements' purpose, key points, and common mistakes.
  • Share your video with others and solicit feedback.
Read 'The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi'
Understand the scientific basis for the health benefits of Tai Chi, reinforcing your motivation and commitment to practice.
Show steps
  • Read the book's chapters on the health benefits of Tai Chi.
  • Reflect on how the information in the book relates to your own experience with Tai Chi.
  • Share the information with others to promote the benefits of Tai Chi.

Career center

Learners who complete The Original Tai Chi Martial Art - Chen Style Old Form One will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Martial Arts Instructor
A martial arts instructor teaches self-defense techniques and physical conditioning. This course helps you develop a strong foundation in Chen Style Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art, which originated as a martial art. It emphasizes self defense skills using Tai Chi. With its focus on movements applicable in fighting, as well as concepts like releasing power in an explosive way, someone interested in becoming a martial arts instructor may find this course to be helpful. In particular, the course teaches the Chen Style Traditional 74 Form, the foundation of all Chen Style Tai Chi.
Wellness Coach
Wellness coaches guide clients toward healthier lifestyles through exercise and mindfulness practices. This course emphasizes the health benefits of Tai Chi. It teaches a holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation. This focus on mindfulness and relaxation, and mental and physical fitness, makes this course useful for anyone wishing to help others discover wellness. Furthermore, the course teaches ways to apply Tai Chi into a sweating workout, which may be appealing to wellness clients.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga instructors lead students through yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation. This course may be especially helpful for those interested in incorporating elements of Tai Chi into their yoga instruction. Tai chi is described as a moving Yoga, it's a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation. By learning the Chen Style Tai Chi Traditional Form, a yoga instructor can expand their knowledge of movement and mindfulness.
Meditation Teacher
Meditation teachers guide individuals or groups in various meditation techniques. The course focuses on achieving mindfulness and relaxation through Tai Chi. It combines mind and awareness of our body, the deep diaphragmatic breathing and Qi. Someone who hopes to become a meditation teacher may find this course helpful. The course also introduces Qigong, a holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation.
Physical Education Teacher
Physical education teachers instruct students in physical activities and healthy habits. Those interested in becoming physical education teachers may find this course helpful. It teaches Tai Chi, including its health benefits, meditation, and self-defense applications. It also emphasizes mindfulness and relaxation. It teaches the Chen Style Traditional 74 Form, a form of Tai Chi that emphasizes balance, flexibility and strength.
Personal Trainer
Personal trainers create customized fitness plans and guide clients through exercise routines. This course may be helpful to those seeking to become personal trainers looking to incorporate Tai Chi principles into their training programs. It teaches techniques for sweating workouts, Tai Chi skills and breathing control exercises. Tai Chi is particularly useful to strengthen the mind and body.
Dance Instructor
Dance instructors teach various dance styles to students of all ages and skill levels. This course may be helpful to someone who hopes to become a dance instructor. The graceful movements of Tai Chi blend the mind and body; the breath and Qi. Because of these qualities, someone who wishes to become a dance instructor may find this course helpful. Furthermore, the practice of tai chi will enable greater flexibility and relaxation to the dance instructor themselves.
Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists plan and implement recreational activities to improve patients' physical and emotional well-being. This course may be helpful to those who hope to become recreational therapists, since the course teaches Tai Chi. Tai Chi combines posture and body placement, which adds benefits beyond cardiovascular or resistance-training. Tai Chi's mind-body focus, meditation and relaxation techniques may be helpful for improving patients' emotional well-being.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists manipulate soft tissues to relieve pain and promote relaxation. Massage therapists benefit from knowledge of the body. This course emphasizes awareness of the body. Further, it teaches the concept of Qi, the inherent vital energy. This course may be particularly helpful to massage therapists who wish to deepen their understanding of the energetic body. Additionally, in some instances massage therapists recommend exercises to their clients.
Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists insert needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and balance energy flow. This course may be helpful for those who hope to pursue a career as an acupuncturist. The course introduces the concept of Qi, the inherent vital energy, and ways to regain peace of mind through breathing control exercise. A deep understanding of Qi may prove useful to an acupuncturist. This course also teaches the concept of Qigong, or Life Energy Cultivation.
Ergonomist
Ergonomists design and evaluate workplaces, systems, and products to improve safety, efficiency, and comfort. Ergonomists consider posture. This course emphasizes posture and body placement. In Tai Chi, muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Ergonomists may find this course helpful, given its emphasis on body awareness and mindfulness.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers prevent and treat injuries for athletes. For example, an athletic trainer may recommend exercises or stretches. This course emphasizes mindful movement and balance. It teaches traditional Tai Chi, which is considered a low-impact slow-motion exercise. For an athletic trainer interested in learning more about Tai Chi, this course may be helpful. There is also growing evidence that the mind-body practice has value in preventing many health problems.
Biomechanical Engineer
Biomechanical engineers analyze and design mechanical aspects of living organisms. This course emphasizes movement. The traditional Chen Style 74 Form contains kicking, jumping and leaping movements. This course may be helpful for someone interested in biomechanical engineering, given that engineers may be interested in learning the foundations of human movement. Furthermore, Tai Chi is easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.
Geriatric Care Manager
Geriatric care managers provide personalized assistance to older adults and their families. The focus is on managing and coordinating elder care services. The mind and body wellness taught in this course may be helpful to such individuals. Additionally, the course mentions that many stability problems caused by aging respond well to exercises designed to improve balance. Furthermore, the course notes that Tai Chi improves balance.
Stress Management Consultant
Stress management consultants help individuals and organizations develop strategies to reduce stress. This course may be particularly helpful to someone who wishes to become a stress management consultant, as it teaches Tai Chi. The course notes that Tai Chi enables one to gain flexibility and strength, reducing stress and allowing for greater relaxation. Tai Chi also focuses your attention on bodily sensations, similar to meditation.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Original Tai Chi Martial Art - Chen Style Old Form One.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Chen Style Taijiquan, the foundation of all Tai Chi styles. It delves into the history, principles, and techniques specific to Chen Style, offering a deeper understanding of the form taught in this course. It is particularly useful for understanding the unique aspects of Chen Style, such as *fā lì* (releasing power) and silk reeling. This book serves as an excellent reference for students seeking to master the nuances of Chen Style Tai Chi.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the health benefits of Tai Chi, backed by scientific research. It explores how Tai Chi can improve balance, flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. While not specific to Chen Style, it offers valuable insights into the overall benefits of Tai Chi practice. This book is more valuable as additional reading to understand the broader health implications of the course material.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser