Chen Style Taijiquan Gongfu Jia

Edmond Chow, 21st generation disciple (Tudi) of Marin Spivack, offers traditional Chen Style Taijiquan classes in Vancouver, B.C. He has been passionately pursuing Chinese Martial Arts for over 20 years. 

As a disciple of the Chen Zhaokui line of Chen Style Taijiquan, he is devoted to master the art under the tutelage of Shifu Marin Spivack, and to preserve and promote the art to other keen martial artists.

The Gongfu Jia (Gongfu Frame) line of Chen Style Taijiquan follows the training passed down from Chen Yu of Beijing. The art has a history of over 400 years. 

The Beijing branch was created when Chen Fake (Chen Yu's grandfather) moved to Beijing and made a name for himself with his martial skill, morality, and integrity. 

This lineage of Chen Style Taijiquan differentiates itself with richness in details, vigorous Fa Jin (explosive release of power), and intricate Qinna (joint lock) applications.

Gongfu means "skill acquired through hard work and practice". This line is called Gongfu Jia to emphasize that ability and skill are acquired through consistent practice. The progression is well-mapped out, but instruction is tailored to the progress of the student. As the student's ability grows through practice, further instructions are provided to refine or develop new skills. It's a personal journey, although we all follow the same map.

Traditional practice brings consistency in delivering results. By observing Chen Yu, Marin Spivack, and Marin's students, one can see the skill being transmitted from one generation to the next through the form practice, Tuishou (push hands), and martial applications. 

Each generation may carefully improve the teaching and training methods, but the path of the practice and the skill produced remain the same.

First and foremost is learning good body mechanics and alignment for more efficient movement and injury prevention. The rich details in the solo forms help drill these patterns into healthy habits that can be applied in daily life. Whether you're shovelling snow or throwing an opponent, these habits keep us safe and healthy in the long-term.

A close second is developing more integrated and holistic strength. On top of good body mechanics and alignment, we build functional strength that can be used in common tasks and physical activity in everyday life.

Last, but not least, we develop some unique martial skills that make use of that body mechanics, alignment, and integrated strength. We all hope we don't need to use these in a dangerous situation, but it's there when we need it. Otherwise, it's all interesting and fun to play and explore with fellow classmates.