HISTORICAL CONTEXT & LINEAGE

Chen Style Taijiquan New Frame Routine II, famously known as 'Pao Chui' or 'Cannon Hammer,' represents the pinnacle of the system's external martial expression. While the first routine (Yi Lu) focuses on the foundation of silk-reeling and internal structure, the second routine is a rigorous study in high-velocity combat. This instructional masterpiece is presented by Master Zhang Zhijun, a highly respected 11th-generation lineage successor. Master Zhang is globally recognized for his scientific approach to the art, having spent decades deconstructing the traditional forms of the Chen family to reveal their underlying combat efficiency. The Cannon Hammer lineage is historically associated with the more aggressive and defensive aspects of the art, designed to train practitioners for the chaos of real engagement. Master Zhang’s teaching bridges the gap between the philosophical roots of Taiji and the physical reality of kinetic energy transfer, ensuring that the 'Historical Heritage' of the Chen family is preserved with absolute technical clarity.

TECHNICAL FORM & APPLICATIONS

The structure of the New Frame Routine II is significantly more complex and demanding than the first routine. It is characterized by its 'Fluid Structure' and 'Cohesive Choreography,' requiring the practitioner to move with extraordinary speed, compactness, and controlled violence. The routine emphasizes 'Hardness with a touch of Softness,' featuring rapid jumps, heavy stomps, and sudden changes in direction that mimic the firing of a cannon. Master Zhang Zhijun provides a comprehensive breakdown of the movements, focusing on the four primary forces: Cai (Pulling Downward), Lie (Bend Backward/Splitting), Zhou (Elbow Stroke), and Kao (Shoulder Stroke). These are supported by the auxiliary forces of Peng, Lu, Ji, and An. This Form & Applications is a relentless sequence of strikes and evasions, designed to overwhelm an opponent with a barrage of unified power. Master Zhang’s instruction ensures that every movement is understood as a functional tool for 'Combat Application.'

BIOMECHANICS & FA-JIN (EXPLOSIVE POWER)

In the Cannon Hammer routine, the concept of Fa-Jin (Explosive Power) is taken to its highest level. Master Zhang Zhijun explains that the power in this routine is based on 'Springiness Force' (Tan Xing Jin), a unique biomechanical quality developed through 'Internal Alchemy.' This force is generated through the rapid compression and release of the body's structural alignment, acting much like a high-tension spring. Master Zhang demonstrates how the 'Leading Force by Tip' theory applies to these high-speed movements, ensuring that the practitioner maintains 'Structural Integrity' even during the most violent power emissions. The biomechanics involve a sophisticated use of the waist and legs to launch the limbs like projectiles, requiring perfect 'Neuromuscular Coordination.' This section provides a masterclass in the physics of martial power, showing how to coordinate the entire body to produce a unified, multi-directional shockwave that can penetrate an opponent's defense instantaneously.

COMBAT APPLICATION & PRACTICAL VALUE

The ultimate purpose of the Cannon Hammer is 'Actual Combat Technique.' Master Zhang Zhijun illustrates the practical application of the routine's most representative movements, showing how they are used to break an opponent's structure and deliver finishing blows. The focus is on 'starting later but arriving first' and 'Adhere and Follow'—using the opponent's momentum to facilitate their own destruction. The routine's heavy emphasis on elbow and shoulder strikes makes it particularly effective for close-quarters combat, where space is limited and speed is paramount. Master Zhang’s deep knowledge of 'Combat Application' is evident in his explanations of how to transition from a defensive parry to an explosive counter-attack in a fraction of a second. For the dedicated practitioner, this DVD offers a scientific and effective pathway to achieving the highest levels of martial mastery, transforming the ancient form into a functional and devastating combat system.