Master Joseph Chen Zhonghua, a disciple of grandmasters Hong Junsheng and Feng Zhiqiang, will be giving a Chen Taiji workshop in the Ottawa region. Master Chen is the international standard bearer of Hong Junsheng Chen Taiji Practical Method system.  For more info, visit www.chenzhonghua.org

Nov 28 and 29, 2009 (Saturday and Sunday)

Time:              9 am to 4:30 pm (both days)

Location:        University of Ottawa, Theatre Building

                        135, Séraphin-Marion, Room 303, Ottawa

Content:         Chen Style Practical Method Foundation,

Yilu, Cannon Fist, and Push Hands Techniques

Cost:               $80 for one day (Saturday or Sunday) or $150 for both days

Registration:  James Chan - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 613.270.0407        or

Rachelle Bergeron (Je peux répondre à vos questions en français.) –

      This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 613.816.1242

Note : The workshop is open to taiji enthusiasts of all levels.

Ottawa's own Steven Chan has recently returned from full time studies on Daqingshan.  It was there he learned Chen style taijiquan under Master Chen Zhonghua for three months.  Waking up at 5:30 every morning to do yilu with the sunrise with fellow students, he improved immensely.  For three months he received feedback on how to improve his yilu, postures and push hands.  Many theories were described and weapon forms were taught, such as practical method straight sword and broadsword and the Hunyuan straight sword. Those staying on the mountain were also lucky enough to meet and learn from many powerful guests that were invited to the mountain, such as top disciples from Feng Zhiqiang and Hong Junsheng and national champions.  Being able to experience what top level taiji feels like from many top level people for a whole three months was enough to generate ten years worth of improvement for those staying on the mountain. 

However, despite the amount of taiji done on the mountain, there were many other things to experience.  Some days the clouds would be so thick that it was impossible to see farther than a hundred meters in front of oneself.  Such a sight would open one’s eyes to realize that they were actually walking in the clouds.  When one was not training they could explore wonderful historic sites, hike breathtaking trails, or just get some rest and relaxation to the peaceful sound of nature. The mountain is also home to one of the top restaurants.  It is there one can enjoy authentic local delicacies. Since the mountain being self sustained, all the food provided is amazingly fresh and nothing like you would get in a large city.

Indeed, there is so much energy on Daqingshan that one will remember it for the rest of their life.

James Chan is going to start a Practical Method Chen Taiji Meet Up. It plans to meet every two to three weeks to practice the yilu form.The meeting location is Dows Lake. Please see the following link. James will announce the meeting time in a couple of days.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=104907980431387636445.000455906f9c030a70b69&ll=45.390916,-75.706573&spn=0.007113,0.01914&z=16

Please note that the initial goal for the meet up is to practice the yilu form. Someone will lead the form but there will be very little or no teaching in this meeting. Participants are encouraged to come to Master Joseph Chen's workshop to get correction.

James Chan shows the way in Philadelphia by practicising/demoing Practical Method on World Tai Chi Day, April 25, 2009.

James is an ardent taijiquan practitioner and practices seriously every day.  He is also the workshop organizer for the Ottawa-Gatineau area.  As a disciple of Master Chen Zhonghua, James Chan is able to practice and feel the touch of top-level taiji on a regular basis.  James is tall and has a big solid frame.  However, appearance can be deceiving because he is very soft-spoken and can change readily between hard and soft in his taiji moves.  He is also very ardent in helping beginners and fellow classmates alike.

 James Chan in good form!