HISTORICAL CONTEXT & LINEAGE

Chen Style Taijiquan Old Frame, also known as Lao Jia or the Big Frame, is the foundational system of the Chen family martial arts. It was formally codified by Chen Changxing, the 14th generation successor, who is famously known as the teacher of Yang Luchan, the founder of Yang Style Taijiquan. This instructional program is presented by Master Chen Qingzhou, a 19th-generation lineage successor and a world-renowned authority. Master Chen Qingzhou serves as the Chief Coach of Taiji for the Chen Qingzhou Kung Fu Association of America, bringing a global perspective to this ancient heritage. The Old Frame lineage is characterized by its preservation of the original 'Kung Fu Frame,' which emphasizes the cultivation of internal power through rigorous structural training. This DVD offers a rare opportunity to study the first routine of the Old Frame under a master who embodies the technical depth and historical integrity of the Chen village tradition, ensuring the art remains grounded in its authentic roots.

TECHNICAL FORM & APPLICATIONS

The Old Frame Routine I is a masterpiece of Fluid Structure and cohesive choreography. It consists of a series of movements that alternate between slow, gathering phases and sudden, explosive actions. Master Chen Qingzhou provides a meticulous breakdown of the forms, emphasizing the principle of using the waist as the central axis of all movement. The choreography requires the practitioner to maintain a naturally erect posture while the internal energy governs every part of the body. Each Form & Applications within the routine is designed to build a robust foundation in structural alignment, ensuring that the body moves as a unified whole. The routine focuses on the continuity of energy, where one part moves and all parts move, and when movement ceases, the entire body remains still yet alert. This training is essential for developing the internal root necessary for high-level combat application and health preservation.

BIOMECHANICS & FA-JIN (EXPLOSIVE POWER)

From a biomechanical perspective, Chen Style Old Frame is a study in kinetic chain integration and the use of spiral force, known as Chan-Si-Jin. The generation of Fa-Jin (Explosive Power) in this style originates in the legs and is amplified by the rotation of the waist before being expressed through the extremities. Master Chen demonstrates how to maintain structural integrity while executing relaxed, active, and elastic power emissions. The biomechanics focus on neuromuscular coordination, requiring the practitioner to synchronize their breath and intent (Yi) with the movement of the body. This focus on internal alchemy ensures that the force produced is both efficient and devastating. The routine emphasizes the 'Six Harmonies,' where the internal intent and external form are in perfect agreement, allowing the practitioner to emit power from any angle with absolute precision, reflecting the sophisticated internal mechanics of the Chen lineage.

COMBAT APPLICATION & PRACTICAL VALUE

The ultimate goal of the Old Frame Routine I is the development of functional combat skills through internal cultivation. Master Chen Qingzhou illustrates the tactical logic behind the forms, showing how the principles of Adhere and Follow are used to neutralize an opponent's force. The style's emphasis on spiral energy allows the practitioner to redirect incoming momentum with minimal effort, a hallmark of the Chen family tradition. The practical value of this training extends beyond self-defense, offering profound benefits for physical resilience, mental clarity, and overall health. By mastering this foundational routine, the student achieves a state of 'Agreement in Spirit and Appearance,' where the mind and body act as a single, unified weapon. This DVD is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the practical value and historical depth of traditional Chen Style Taijiquan, providing a scientific and credible pathway to achieving martial excellence.