Understanding Taijiquan Applications - Chen Taijiquan

Taijiquan Applications Seminar in Berlin

This seminar will focus on the didactics of learning and understanding Taijiquan applications through the forms. Using material primarily from Yilu (Yīlù 一路) and selected parts of Erlu (Èrlù 二路), we will explore how applications can support and deepen form practice rather than being treated as isolated techniques.

Those who are coming from another martial art or Taiji frames will surely also benefit from the contents, however, let us know so we can determine whether the seminar is suitable for your experience level or training background, please feel free to contact us.

A central aspect of the seminar will be chaizhao (拆招 chāizhāo) — the analysis and breakdown of movements to better understand body mechanics, structure, timing, and intention within the forms. The goal is to build practical bridges between solo practice, partner work, and functional movement principles.

To make the material accessible and easier to follow for everyone, we will also work with danshi (单式 dānshì) — single-posture training methods. By isolating and repeating individual movements and principles, participants can more clearly experience how applications emerge from the form and how specific movement qualities are developed in practice.

The applications explored during the seminar will draw from the traditional Chinese martial categories of shuai (摔 shuāi, throwing), ti (踢 tī, kicking), na (拿 ná, controlling and seizing), and da (打 dǎ, striking). Beyond individual techniques, we will also examine strategies of engagement, positioning, timing, and adaptation, exploring how these elements are expressed through Taijiquan movement and training methods.

We will also touch lightly on fangshen (防身 fángshēn, self-defense) and sanshou (散手 sǎnshǒu, free application/free fighting) concepts, not as separate systems, but as ways to contextualize and test the movement qualities developed in Taijiquan training.

Throughout the seminar, we will use practical partner exercises and simple “functional tests” to illustrate core Taiji principles such as connection, balance, adaptability, coordinated whole-body movement, and efficient force transmission. The emphasis will remain on understanding the relationships and transitions between form, application, partner work, and freer expression of movement.

The workshop constitutes a good educational event for all coaches and instructors.