Steven Chan Becomes a Disciple 

Steven Chan has trained with Master Chen Zhonghua for several years.  He is now at Daqingshan, Shandong, China, attending a full-time program of 3 months training with Master Chen Zhonghua and local taijiquan experts.  Today (August 11, 2010) Steven Chan, who is the son of James Chan (organizer of the local Ottawa Chen-style Practical Method Workshops), was accepted by Master Chen Zhonghua as a disciple.  Congratulations to Steve! We also look forward to good news from his participation at the  淄博国际太极拳比赛Zibo International Taiji Competition in China. Good luck!

The recent Easter Weekend Workshop (April 2010) was an outstanding one.  It was well-attended and, for the first time ever, there were more women than men participants!  There were also many first-time attendees. Master Chen Zhonghua did not waste time and got to a great start very early.  We went through the positive and negative circles, and everyone got pointers on proper alignment of their body structures.  He also went through the theory of the "3 Rings of Taiji" and the technicalities of how to execute a "switchover" (which to some of us effectively meant "turning the tables").  One important technique that was emphasized over and over at this workshop was that of "never moving off the line".  This was explained using a long pole. Of course, hands-on push-hands with each participant was also an important aspect of each of Master Chen's workshop.  Participants were exhilarated with the push-hands exercises and the subtleties that were involved.  The next workshop in Ottawa is scheduled for September.  Please contact  James Chan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details.

Group picture of Apr 3-4, 2010 Master Chen Zhonghua's workshop in Ottawa. 

Three Rings of Taiji as explained by Master Chen. 

Energy along line of action--no excess, no waste as demoed by Master Chen. 

 As the pendulum swings--it peaks and then returns in the other direction.

 Push-Hands Tip of the Moment:  Don't fight with opponent; keep your structure; attack behind the "enemy line"

Are you ready to learn and train with one of the best in Tai Chi?

Here's your chance to learn from one of the most proficient practitioner and effective instructor of Tai Chi in the world.  Right here in Ottawa-Gatineau!  

Master Chen Zhonghua will be offering a Tai Chi workshop during the Easter weekend, April 2-4, 2010, in Ottawa-Gatineau.  The workshop is open to the general public and is for both beginners and advanced players.  Instructions and hands-on demo of fundamentals of GM Hong Junsheng's Chen-style Practical Method and applications in push-hands will be provided.  

Do not miss such a good opportunity! 

Please contact James Chan ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for registration or for more details.

Summary of Master Chen Zhonghua's Recent Workshop 

     The November 09 Workshop with Master Chen Zhonghua successfully ended on Sunday (29th).  There was a good turn out.  Thanks to James Chan, who organized it and to Rachelle Bergeron and Steven Chan for assisting.  Thanks also goes to Daniel Mroz for securing a good location for the workshop.  The first part of Yilu was covered, with much details provided for the seven moves of Buddha Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar.  By following the details several important basic foundations of the Chen Style Practical Method were covered.  Master Chen Zhonghua also emphasized the important process of proceeding in steps and that the steps need to be continguous to be effective.  Demos were provided of how to use the kua to switch over to the "other side"; how to sink the shoulder so as not to toss; how not to receive and return energy but to redirect energy instead; how to move into position without creating a reaction; and how to pull in the chest and arch the back to create length.  All sorts of props were used to illustrate principles, such as door hinges, sticks, long rubber bands, and tripods.  They were all very easy to understand, as the Master lectured and even demonstrated the applications of the principles to each participant.  However, while it was deceivingly simple for the Master to execute, it was very difficult for any of the participants to carry out.  Nevertheless, participants kept trying and some progress (at least understanding and knowledge of what key factors to keep in mind) was made by all.  Everyone enjoyed the workshop and many expressed gratitude to Master Chen Zhonghua for making the critical foundations so open for them to follow and practice.  The rules and drills are simple to understand but takes great dedication to drill into the body to carry them out effectively without effort.

Master Chen Zhonghua Lecturing on "zhuan guan" 

Master Chen Zhonghua Uses a Tripod To Show How to Move Without Tossing 

Master Chen Zhonghua Uses a Rubber Band To Demonstrate Correct Movements of the Kua

Hands on Push Hands with Master Chen Zhonghua with All Participants

November '09 Ottawa Workshop Participants