Chen Yu's Preface
Ma Hong's book is based on Chen Zhaokui's lecture
Preface II
The "Illustrated Chen-Style Taijiquan: Theory and Application", compiled by my father Chen Zhaokui and organized by my elder disciple brother (shixiong 师兄) Ma Hong, is an authentic family manual of Chen-style Taijiquan passed down through generations: from Chen Changxing to Chen Fake, and then to Chen Zhaokui. This manual covers the traditional Old Frame (laojia 老架), Large Frame (dajia 大架), and Low Frame (dijia 低架) forms of Chen-style Taijiquan (First Routine with 83 movements and Second Routine, also known as Cannon Fist, with 71 movements). Its publication holds significant value as a guide and reference for Taijiquan enthusiasts seeking to study and research traditional routines in depth. It also has considerable collectible value.
The publication of this manual was no easy feat. During the tumultuous period of the Cultural Revolution, my elder brother Ma Hong visited our home in Beijing three times in 1972, 1973, and 1974 to learn Taijiquan from my father. In 1974 and 1975, he accompanied my father to Henan for further study. Later, in 1977, 1979, and 1980, Ma Hong invited my father to his home in Shijiazhuang to teach. Back then, the three of us—my father, Ma Hong, and I—shared a single sleeping mat. Despite the humble conditions, looking back, those were joyful times.
During those difficult years, Ma Hong demonstrated extraordinary determination, energy, and enthusiasm in learning Taijiquan from my father. Whether it was the routines, deconstructing movements, push-hands, supplementary exercises, or single-movement drills, he was meticulous and serious in his practice. He also took extensive and detailed notes on his learning. Whenever my father discussed or explained Taijiquan, Ma Hong diligently recorded it. Today, Ma Hong has used his original notes and personal insights from years of practice to compile this publication, preserving the authentic teachings of the Chen family’s traditional Taijiquan in its entirety. This is undoubtedly a significant contribution to the martial arts community.
I grew up learning Chen-style Taijiquan from my father, Chen Zhaokui, and followed him as we moved through Shanghai, Nanjing, Zhengzhou, Chenjiagou, Shijiazhuang, and Jiaozuo. I deeply feel the profound and expansive nature of this art, which is a gem of Chinese traditional martial arts and a treasure of traditional culture. It is our generation’s responsibility to earnestly inherit, study, and promote this art for the benefit of humanity. The publication of this "Illustrated Chen-Style Taijiquan: Theory and Application" is a remarkable achievement by my elder brother Ma Hong in promoting traditional Chen-style Taijiquan. I believe that my father, if he could see this from the afterlife, would feel deeply gratified.
On the occasion of this book's re-publication, I write this short preface to express my gratitude to Ma Hong for his contributions to the preservation and dissemination of this manual. At the same time, I also wish to express my deep remembrance of my father, Chen Zhaokui.
Chen Yu
September 9, 2001, Beijing