Introduction to Chen Style Tai Chi Workshop

Most people who come to a tai chi class for the first time spend months learning movements without understanding what the movements are for, how they work, or what principles connect them. They learn a sequence of postures. They do not learn tai chi.

This workshop is different. It starts with the foundation — the theory, the principles, and the training methods that make Chen style tai chi what it is — and introduces the movements of Laojia Yilu within that context. You leave with an understanding of what you are doing and why, not just a memorized sequence.

For the complete picture of what Chen style tai chi is and where it comes from, read The Complete Guide to Chen Style Tai Chi.

What Chen Style Tai Chi Actually Is

Chen style is the original tai chi. All other styles — Yang, Wu, Sun, and the rest — are derived from Chen style, which originated in Chen Family Village in Henan Province, China approximately four hundred years ago. What distinguishes Chen style from its descendants is that it has retained its martial root intact. The slow, flowing movements contain explosive power, real self-defense applications, and the full internal training system that makes tai chi something fundamentally different from other exercise systems.

The core of Chen style practice is silk reeling — the continuous spiral movement that generates whole-body power. Every movement in the form is an expression of this principle. Understanding it is not optional. It is the foundation everything else rests on.

I trained in Chen Village under Grandmaster Wang Xi’an for ten years — five hours daily, private instruction. What I teach in this workshop is what he taught me, presented in a way that gives a complete beginner the clearest possible starting point.

What the Workshop Covers

The Introduction workshop is structured to give participants a genuine foundation in Chen style tai chi over the course of a full weekend.

The first session covers theory and principles — what tai chi is, where it comes from, what distinguishes Chen style from other forms, and what the core training concepts mean in practice. This is not academic. It is the practical understanding that makes every subsequent session more productive.

Basic standing and alignment work establishes the correct structural foundation. This is where most beginners go wrong from the start — before they learn a single movement, they need to understand how to stand in correct relationship to gravity. This foundation determines the quality of everything that follows.

The warm-up sequence — the joint loosening exercises that prepare the body for practice — is taught in full. These exercises are therapeutic in their own right and form the beginning of every practice session for the rest of your training life.

Introduction to silk reeling in fixed stance gives participants their first direct experience of the movement principle that underlies the entire art. This is often the moment when people understand for the first time what makes tai chi different from every other movement practice they have encountered.

Introduction to Laojia Yilu begins the process of learning the foundational Chen style solo form. The workshop does not attempt to teach the complete 75-movement form — that takes considerably more time. What it does is introduce the opening section with enough depth that participants can continue learning independently.

Who This Workshop Is For

This workshop is designed for genuine beginners — people who have little or no prior tai chi experience and want to start correctly. It is also highly valuable for practitioners who have been studying tai chi in another style or under a teacher who did not emphasize the foundational principles, and who feel that something essential is missing from their practice.

No prior martial arts or movement experience is required. The workshop is appropriate for any age and any physical condition. Dr. Bob’s background as a chiropractor informs how the material is presented — with constant attention to what is actually happening in the body and why.

The Weekend Workshop

The Introduction workshop is offered as a weekend format — two full days with approximately 12 hours of training. This is enough time to establish a genuine foundation and give participants a clear path forward for continued practice.

Instruction includes detailed explanation of each element, hands-on correction, and guidance on how to continue building the practice independently. Participants leave with a complete warm-up sequence they can practice daily and a clear understanding of the principles that will guide their development.

See all available workshops at the Workshops page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this workshop appropriate for complete beginners?

Yes — it is designed specifically for beginners. The workshop assumes no prior knowledge of tai chi and builds the foundation from the ground up. Experienced practitioners from other styles are also welcome, but the material is structured to serve someone starting from zero.

How much of Laojia Yilu will I learn in one weekend?

The workshop introduces the opening section of Laojia Yilu with enough depth to begin independent practice. The complete form has 75 movements and takes considerably longer to learn correctly. The goal of the weekend is not to memorize as many movements as possible but to understand the principles well enough that every subsequent session of learning builds on a solid foundation.

What should I wear and bring?

Comfortable clothing that allows free movement — loose pants and a light top. Flat-soled shoes or bare feet depending on the venue floor. No special equipment is needed. Bring water and whatever you need for physical activity over a full day.

Can I continue learning after the workshop?

Yes — and this is the point. The workshop is designed to give you a foundation strong enough to continue developing independently, to seek out ongoing instruction, or to return for more advanced workshops. Dr. Bob is available for private instruction and ongoing support for serious students. The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Learning Tai Chi on this site is also a useful resource for continuing your practice after the workshop.