Zhaobao Taijiquan
Encyclopedia
Zhaobao Taijiquan is a style of taijiquan that is often considered to be a modern style, but actually has a strong documented lineage that confirms its authenticity as an ancient style of taijiquan and as a true transmission from Jiang Fa.
Zhaobao Taijiquan's practical applications rely heavily on spiral uprooting techniques controlled through the use of Qinna, often followed with the use of sweeps or trips to bring the opponent to the ground. Flowing and coordinated the techniques conform successfully to the basic tenets of the T'ai ch'i ch'uan Classics
.
Zhaobao Taijiquan also has its own Neigong
system based on traditional Daoist practice that enables the practitioner to develop the required physical and mental skills needed for successful mastery of the art.
. He learned Zhaobao Taijiquan, which he taught to many disciples including He Zhaoyuan and Wu Yuxiang. The result of this influence means that the Zhaobao Taijiquan style is often considered by observers to be simply a recent off-shoot of the Chen style. But actually the style has a much longer history and retains many unique qualities based on traditional Taijiquan theory and practice, clearly differentiating it as a complete and separate system of practice. See lineage diagram below.
The evolution of the Zhaobao Taijiquan style can be compared effectively to the evolution of Yang-style taijiquan. Yang Luchan, founder of the Yang-style t'ai chi ch'uan, was a disciple of Chen family teacher Chen Changxing
, and is said to have adapted the fundamentals of the martial arts
he was taught to fit his own interpretation of Taijiquan practice and principles, and thus originated a similar looking, yet independent style of Taijiquan.
Zhaobao Taijiquan is not a family style (although there exists the He Family off-shoot) and has traditionally been passed down from master to chosen disciple. The Zhaobao name is given to the style as a way of honouring the village in which the art was kept for many centuries; Zhaobao Village in Wenxian County, Henan Province, China
.
According to the style's tradition, Chen Qingping
was the 7th generation master from the time that the grand master Jiang Fa brought the style taught to him by Wang Zongyue
to the local area in Wenxian County.
Zhaobao Taijiquan's lineage down to Chen Qingping is as below:
Form and Characteristics
The main set of Zhaobao Taijiquan, or Zhaobao Jia, consists of 108 movements in the big frame and 75 refined movements in the small frame progressing in difficulty. Great emphasis is placed on Yi (mind/intent) in Zhaobao training. Like many other styles, Zhaobao Jia can be practiced at three heights, each providing a different degree of complexity. Generally students begin with the Middle Frame (Ren Pan Jia), progress to the Low Frame (Pan Gong Jia) and end with the High Frame (Da Li Jia).Zhaobao Taijiquan's practical applications rely heavily on spiral uprooting techniques controlled through the use of Qinna, often followed with the use of sweeps or trips to bring the opponent to the ground. Flowing and coordinated the techniques conform successfully to the basic tenets of the T'ai ch'i ch'uan Classics
Tai chi classics
The Tai Chi Classics are classical texts used as guides for the practice of the Chinese martial art of t'ai chi ch'uan. These texts, which vary from school to school, are usually written in classical Chinese and are used by modern schools that trace their lineage from the Chen family or from them...
.
Zhaobao Taijiquan also has its own Neigong
Neigong
Neigong, also spelled nei kung, neigung, or nae gong, refers to any of a set of Chinese breathing, meditation and spiritual practice disciplines associated with Daoism and especially the Chinese martial arts...
system based on traditional Daoist practice that enables the practitioner to develop the required physical and mental skills needed for successful mastery of the art.
History and Lineage
The Zhaobao Taijiquan style shares many similarities with Chen-style taijiquan, and this commonality is considered by the school to be the manifestation of influences introduced by a member of the famed Chen family- Chen QingpingChen Qingping
Chen Qingping or Ch'en Ch'ing-p'ing was a 15th generation descendant and 7th generation master of the famed Chen Family and considered to be an influential martial artist and teacher of taijiquan ....
. He learned Zhaobao Taijiquan, which he taught to many disciples including He Zhaoyuan and Wu Yuxiang. The result of this influence means that the Zhaobao Taijiquan style is often considered by observers to be simply a recent off-shoot of the Chen style. But actually the style has a much longer history and retains many unique qualities based on traditional Taijiquan theory and practice, clearly differentiating it as a complete and separate system of practice. See lineage diagram below.
The evolution of the Zhaobao Taijiquan style can be compared effectively to the evolution of Yang-style taijiquan. Yang Luchan, founder of the Yang-style t'ai chi ch'uan, was a disciple of Chen family teacher Chen Changxing
Chen Changxing
Chen Changxing also spelled Ch'en Chang-hsing was a 14th generation descendant and 6th generation master of the famed Chen Family and considered to be an influential martial artist and teacher of taijiquan ....
, and is said to have adapted the fundamentals of the martial arts
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
he was taught to fit his own interpretation of Taijiquan practice and principles, and thus originated a similar looking, yet independent style of Taijiquan.
Zhaobao Taijiquan is not a family style (although there exists the He Family off-shoot) and has traditionally been passed down from master to chosen disciple. The Zhaobao name is given to the style as a way of honouring the village in which the art was kept for many centuries; Zhaobao Village in Wenxian County, Henan Province, China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
.
According to the style's tradition, Chen Qingping
Chen Qingping
Chen Qingping or Ch'en Ch'ing-p'ing was a 15th generation descendant and 7th generation master of the famed Chen Family and considered to be an influential martial artist and teacher of taijiquan ....
was the 7th generation master from the time that the grand master Jiang Fa brought the style taught to him by Wang Zongyue
Wang Zongyue
Wang Zongyue was a legendary figure in the history of t'ai chi ch'uan . In some writings, Wang was a famous student of the legendary Zhang Sanfeng, a 13th-century Taoist monk credited with devising neijia in general and t'ai chi ch'uan in particular.Wang is also said to have resided in Tai-Gu...
to the local area in Wenxian County.
Zhaobao Taijiquan's lineage down to Chen Qingping is as below:
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External links
- USA Tai Chi Culture Association Includes history and lineage of Zhao Bao Tai Chi
- Chenstyle.com This resource guide to Chen and related styles has a description and short video of middle frame Zhaobao Jia
- A guide to the history, lineage, contents and description of Zhao Bao Taijiquan