Form

The form we practice is the Hun Yuan Chen Form. It’s eight sections and 48 moves are characterized by large circular or spiraling patterns and dynamic emphasis. The Hun Yuan form is a derivation of the Old Frame Chen forms and were modified by Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang, 18th generation master of Chen Taiji. Movements are not even and the patterns are not completely circular but instead become egg shaped and build in speed and momentum with a characteristic use of fajing, explosive force.

The Hun Yuan form was taught in Tallahssee over a period of several years by Zhang Xue Xin. He came twice a year and gave weekend seminars for eight years. During that time, he also taught the Silk Reeling set, the Hun Yuan Qigong set, the 24 and 48 Hun Yuan Form, push hands, and various other taiji skills.

While it is important to recognize and understand the large variety of chinna or joint locking applications that are present in the form, we consider the fighting aspect of the form as one part of the complex Taiji system. In order to deeply understand the form, one must have some understanding of philosophical systems that include Daoism, Chinese Medicine, and martial applications. Learning the form seems intricate and does take time but it's really very simple. It is a process of moving the body in the way it is designed.

Feng Zhiqiang and Zhang Xue Xin