太極,太極拳,太極班,陳式太極


Chen Wan Ting

Chen Wangting: (1600 – 1680) was part of the 9th generation of the Chen family and originator of Tai Chi . In his early life he served in the army and defeated over 1,000 bandits.

During the Ming Dynasty, Chen served as Commander of the Wen County garrison, and was distinguished for his protection of merchant caravans in Henan and Shandong. After the Ming Dynasty ended and the reign of the Qing Dynasty began, Chen's military career was effectively over, and he retired to the family settlement.


He was codifying the pre-existing martial arts training of his Village, Chen Wang Ting created Tai Chi by integrating the skills of different martial art styles with elements of Chinese philosophy, key principles of Yin and Yang (complementary opposites), Dao Yin (leading/guiding energy) techniques, as well as theories drawn from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

 His complete work contained five smaller sets of forms, a 108-move Long Fist routine, and a Cannon Fist routine, Chen Broadsword, Chen Spear, and push hands. Chen is also credited with the invention of the first push hands exercises.