An introduction of Zhaobao Taiji

An introduction of Zhaobao Taiji

Zhaobao Tai Chi Chuan is a very old form of boxing. It is an excellent exercise method which promotes good health and longevity. The consistent and faithful practice of this style is reported to have strengthening effects on people suffering with poor health or chronic illnesses. The characteristic upright headline of Zhaobao Style with its prolonged deep breathing clears the mind, harmonizes blood and qi (ch’i) circulation – thus helping to establish a general state of well being.
Jiang Fa, who studied with Wang Zhong Yue (whose Treatise on Tai Chi Chuan is a classic), was the last survivor of the seventh generation of Zhaobao Tai chi Chuan. According to a manuscript copy of Zhaobao Tai chi Chuan, Jiang Fa taught the Zhaobao style to Xing Xi (Hsing Hsi) Huai in the final years of Wan Li in the Ming Dynasty (around A.D.1620). Xing passed this style onto Zhang Chu Chen, Zhang onto Chen Jing Buo, Chen onto Zhang Zhong Yu, Zhang on to Zhang Yian, and Zhang Yian onto Chen Qing Ping. Chen Qing Ping have 8 famouse students , the oldest one is He Zhao Yuan , He Zhao Yuan passed on what was now called Zhaobao He Style Tai Chi Chuan to his sons He Jing Zhi and He Ren Zhi, and to his oldest grandson He Qing Xi. Later He Qing Xi taught many students, of whom his nephew He Xue Xing, Zheng Wu Qing, Zheng Buo Ying, Hao Yu Qiao and Guo Yun are the best known.Chen's another famouse student Li Jingyan created Zhaobao Hulei Taiji , also named as Thunder form .

The basic framework of Zhaobao Style tai chi chuan consists of 72 postures. Each has a collection of large and small, and flowing and reversed circular movements; even the qi inside the dantian is traveling in circles. Every circle is intertwined, thus inside and outside circles become one. Because of this characteristic, He Style is often called the circular fist form.
Framework exercises can be divided into large, medium and small frames. Each pose in each frame is light, agile, circular, brisk and open. In order to meet the requirements of proper body postures such as “three points facing”, “steps following body movement”, “movement without moving”, and “conformity with the bends and the shape of the body,” one must step as if reeling silk, move like flowing water (with each move remaining connected like a lotus root breaking with the fibers still holding together), and follow one form closely after another.
Throughout the whole fist form, the body frame maintains a posture that is central, upright, level, even, light, agile, rounded, and lively, with hard and soft movements complementing one another. During the entire exercise, thoughts are linked together to unite body applications. The exercise can make one healthy, as well as provide self-defense.
One should not expect to be successful in this style in haste. The first step to success is to learn the form. The second step requires accuracy. The third step requires internal energy to lead external movements. The fourth step is to inquire into the truth of applications. A piece of ice that is three feet thick is not formed in one cold day. Those who have patience will be successful in learning the style, and those lacking patience will fail. If one can devote oneself to study this style, learn diligently and practice hard, one can get better and better, attaining lightness, agility, smoothness, vitality, and a state of well being.