 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. First, one must be completely relaxed, and understand the true meaning of softness. The various parts of the body must move in a coordinated manner, for there are so many circular and spiralling movements in Xin Jia that if the student cannot move in a coordinated way, they cannot express the true flavor of Xin Jia at all.
Q. Do you feel it is a mistake for a student to begin their training with Xin Jia?
A. Yes. The student doesn't understand softness and coordination, and can't produce the flavor of the style.
Q. What are the benefits to practicing Xin Jia?
A. Xin Jia uses the body in different ways: keeping loose, yet suddenly releasing power, the snapping nature of the movements-these are all characteristics of the style. Xin Jia movements are more demanding on the body than those of Lao Jia: it is better for fitness. It develops the ability to release energy better. But if a person does not understand the precise progression of study and the correct training methods, it is easy to get sidetracked, and lose one's way, and make mistakes that are difficult to correct. It is easy for the qi to rise in the chest, and to lose ones' breath. As the saying goes, "The head is heavy, and the legs are light". These are common mistakes people experience.
Q. You have been practicing Taijiquan for over forty years. Could you tell us something of your experiences and recollections of training with Master Chen Zhaopei? (Editors note: Chen Zhaopei (1883-1972) was a student of Chen Dengke (his father), Chen Yanxi, Chen Pinsan, and Chen Fake. His teaching and efforts to continue the legacy of Chenjiagou Tajiquan led to the spread of Chen style Taiji to the world outside Chenjiagou as well as the establishment of the Wushu Training Halls in both Chenjiagou and Wenxian.)
A. Although my teacher left us over 20 years ago, I will keep the memory of how he taught in my heart always. Chen Zhaopei was my uncle. I started training with him when i was eight years old. In 1928 he went to Beijing to teach. During this period he asked Chen Fake to come to Beijing to teach also. After Chen Fake arrived, he travelled to Nanjing. At that time, the Kuomintang was in power, and the mayor of Nanjing invited him to come and teach a class there. (Editors note; at that time, he also served as an honorary coach at the famous Central Martial Arts Institute)
From 1928 to 1958, he taught Taiji outside of the village. Some of the cities he taught in were Beijing, Nanking, Xian, Lanzhou, Luoyang, Kaifeng, and Zhengzhou. In 1958 he returned to the village. After his return visit, he realised that not very many people were practicing Taiji anymore, due to the stresses of the World War, and the war between the Nationalists and the Communists. Seeing this, he became very worried that the art would eventually decline. So he returned to his job at the Yellow River Regulatory Commision (in Kaifeng) and requested an early retirement. He returned home to the spartan life of the village to recruit a group of children for serious training.