The Chen Xiaowang 38 Form is a condensed routine in Chen-style Tai Chi, created by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang in the 1980s. It serves as an accessible introduction to the complexities of Chen Taijiquan, balancing traditional elements with a more streamlined structure.
Origins and Structure
Derived from the traditional Old Frame (Laojia Yilu) and New Frame (Xinjia Yilu) routines, which contain 75 and 83 movements respectively, the 38 Form was designed to simplify learning while preserving the essence of Chen-style Tai Chi. Grandmaster Chen eliminated repetitive and particularly challenging movements, focusing on key principles such as silk reeling (chan si jin), internal energy cultivation, and explosive power (fa jin) .
Key Features
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Balanced Dynamics: The form integrates slow, fluid motions with sudden, powerful expressions, reflecting the yin-yang philosophy inherent in Tai Chi.
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Silk Reeling Emphasis: Practitioners develop coiling movements that promote internal energy flow and coordination.
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Four-Section Layout: The routine is divided into four sections, each comprising nine movements, facilitating structured learning and practice.
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Martial Applications: Despite its simplified nature, the form retains practical self-defense techniques, making it suitable for both health and martial arts training.
List of movements:
1. Yu Bei Shi - Preparing the Form
2. Jin Gang Dao Dui - Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar
3. Bai He Liang Chi - The White Crane Spreads Its Wings
4. Shang San Bu - Stepping Forward Three Steps
5. Xie Xing - Walking Obliquely
6. Lou Xi - Brush Knee
7. Qian Tang Ao Bu - Wade Forward Twist Step on Both Sides
8. Yan Shou Hong Quan - The Fist of Covering Hand and Arm
9. Pie Shen Quan - The Punch of Draping Over Body
10. Shuang Tui Shou - Push with Both Hands
11. San Huan Zhang - Change Palms Three Times
12. Zhou Di Chuan - Fist Under Elbow
13. Dao Juan Hong - Step Back and Whirl Arms on Both Sides
14. Tui Bu Ya Zhou - Step Back and Press Elbow
15. Bai She Tu Xin - Beast Head Pose
16. Shan Tong Bei - Flash the Back
17. Qian Tang Ao Bu - Wade Forward and Twist Step on Both Sides
18. Qing Long Chu Shi - Green Dragon Comes Out of Water
19. Ji Di Chui - Punch of Hitting the Ground
20. Ti Er Qi - Double Raise Foot
21. Hu Xin Quan - The Fist of Protecting Heart
22. Qian Zhao - Forward Trick
23. Hou Zhao - Backward Trick
24. You Deng Yi Gen - Kick with Right Heel
25. Zuo Deng Yi Gen - Kick with Left Heel
26. Yu Nu Chuan Shuo - Jade Girl Works the Shuttles
27. Lan Zha Yi - Lazy About Tying the Coat
28. Liu Feng Si Bi - Six Sealing and Four Closings
29. Dan Bian - Single Whip
30. Que Di Long - The Dragon on the Ground
31. Shan Bu Qi Xing - Step Forward with Seven Stars
32. Xiao Qin Da - Small Catching and Hitting
33. Yun Shou - Wave Hands Like Clouds
34. Gao Tan Ma - High Pat On Horse
35. Shuang Bai Lian - Double Wave Lotus
36. Dang Tou Pao - The Cannon Right Overhead
37. Jin Gang Dao Dui - Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar
38. Tai Ji Shou Si - Closing Taiji Form