Zhaobao Taijiquan
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Zhaobao Taijiquan (pronouced jao-bao) is a style of Taijiquan that is often considered to be a modern style, but actually has a strong documented lineage that confirms its authenticity as an ancient style of Taijiquan and as a true transmission from Chen Qingping.
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[edit] Form and Characteristics
The main set of Zhaobao Taijiquan, or Zhaobao Jia, consists of 108 movements progressing in difficulty. Great emphasis is placed on Yi (mind/intent) in Zhaobao training. Like many other styles, Zhaobao Jia can be practiced in three heights, each providing a different degree of complexity. Generally students begin with the Middle Frame (Ren Pan Jia), progress to the Low Frame (Pan Gong Jia) and end with the High Frame (Da Li Jia).
The Zhaobao style shares a lot of similarities with the Chen style of Taiji Quan. This commonality is considered by the school to be the manifestation of influences introduced by a member of the famed Chen family; Chen Qingping (1795 ~ 1868). He created a style known as the "New Frame", that he taught to many disciples including He Zhaoyuan and Wu Yuxiang. The result of this influence means that the Zhaobao style is often considered by outsiders to simply be a recent off-shoot of the Chen style. However the style retains many unique qualities based on traditional Taijiquan theory and practice, clearly differentiating it as a complete and separate system of practice. The evolution of the style can be compared effectively to Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. Yang Luchan was a disciple of Chen teachers, but adapted the fundamentals of the art to fit his interpretation of tai chi principles and thus originated a similar-looking but independent style of Tai Chi Chuan. Some more vigorous postures usually found in Chen style's Cannon Fist (Er Lu) sets are commonly performed in Zhaobao's first slow set.
Zhaobao Taijiquan's practical applications rely heavily on spiral uprooting techniques controlled through the use of Qinna, often followed with the use of sweeps or trips to bring the opponent to the ground. Flowing and coordinated the techniques conform successfully to the basic tenets of the Taiji Classics.
Zhaobao Taijiquan also has its own Neigong system based on traditional Daoist practice, that enables the practitioner to develop the required physical and mental skills needed for successful mastery of the art.
[edit] History and Lineage
Zhaobao Taijiquan is not a family style (although there exists the He Family off-shoot) and has traditionally been passed down from master to chosen disciple. The Zhaobao name is given to the style as a way of honouring Chen Qingping and the village where he lived; Zhaobao Village in Wenxian County, Henan Province, China.
According to the style's tradition Chen Qingping was the 7th generation master from the time that the grand master Jiang Fa brought the style taught to him by Wang Zongyue to the local area in Wenxian County.
Zhaobao Taijiquan's lineage down to Chen Qingping is as below: -
Zhang Sanfeng
Various Daoists
Wang Zongyue
Jiang Fa (1st generation)
Xing Xihaui (2nd generation)
Zhang Chuchen (3rd generation)
Chen Jingbo (4th generation)
Zhang Zhangyu (5th generation)
Zhang Yan (6th generation)
Chen Qingping (7th generation)
[edit] Reference
- Zheng, Wuqing. Wudang Zhaobao Taijiquan Small Frame, Da Zhan Publishing Company, Taiwan. ISBN 957-468-163-7 (only available in Chinese)
[edit] External links
- Chenstyle.com This resource guide to Chen and related styles has a description and short video of middle frame Zhaobao Jia
- Low frame Zhaobao Jia
- Middle frame Zhaobao Jia
- High frame Zhaobao Jia
