Academy

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The Academy Curriculum is the core, traditional pathway of Chen Bing Taiji Academy USA, taught exclusively through Academy Membership. Grounded directly in the heritage of Chenjiagou—the birthplace of Taijiquan—this program offers a structured, multi-level system designed to preserve, embody, and transmit authentic Chen Family Taijiquan.

As a premier and boutique academy, we do not offer general martial arts mix-ins or casual fitness routines. We teach exclusively authentic Chen Family Taijiquan, honoring the traditional principle that cultivating longevity and vitality forms the essential foundation before developing true martial depth.

[ IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: 2027 Onsite Policy & Enrollment Schedule ]

Beginning January 1, 2027, Chen Bing Taiji Academy USA will transition completely to an exclusive Academy Membership system for all onsite training. Public classes and public memberships will be fully retired, allowing our physical academy to focus entirely on dedicated practitioners committed to classical study and formal transmission.

• Semiannual Cohort Intake: Admission to the Academy opens only twice a year—every January and July.
• Minimum Cohort Size: To maintain the dynamic energy and standard of traditional cohort training, a minimum of 5 qualified applicants is required for a cohort to launch. If fewer than 5 candidates are accepted for an intake window, the cohort for that cycle will be automatically canceled.

[ TRADEMARKED TAI CHI PROGRAMS ]

Our Trademarked Tai Chi Programs are offered exclusively to Academy Members as foundational Pre-Academy Courses.

[ APPLICATION & ADMISSION REQUIREMENT: STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (SOP) ]

Entry into the Academy is selective. Prospective members must submit a formal Statement of Purpose (SOP) to info@chenbing.org prior to enrollment. Your SOP must clearly outline:

1. Your Specific Purpose: Why you are seeking admission to the Academy.
2. Training Goals: Whether your primary focus is internal health/longevity enhancement or deep martial art cultivation.
3. Community Contribution: How you intend to support, contribute to, and uplift the CBTA USA community as a dedicated member.

[ COMMITMENT & PHILOSOPHY ]

Traditional Taijiquan is not a short-term trial or a quick-fix hobby—it is a lifelong discipline requiring patience, focus, and genuine dedication.

• Longevity Before Combat: True martial ability in Chen Family Taijiquan cannot exist without physical integrity, structural alignment, and internal energy cultivation. We prioritize health, vitality, and internal balance as the necessary foundation for advanced martial application.
• Required Mindset: Students must demonstrate a strong, long-term commitment to their practice, continuous attendance, and respect for the lineage.
• A Dedicated Standard: If you are seeking short-term training, casual recreational activity, or a quick introduction, we respectfully advise you to explore other schools. Our academy is built specifically for those who value deep immersion, disciplined instruction, and authentic mastery.

[ PROGRESSIVE PATHWAY OF STUDY & DURATION ]

Organized across six distinct levels (a total 8-year average mastery track), the curriculum bridges foundational mechanics with high-level internal and martial mastery:

1. Primary Curriculum (Levels 1 & 2) — Average Duration: 1 Year

• Core Focus: Establishing structural clarity, internal awareness, Dantian rotation, and initial form mechanics.
• Key Modules: 
  • Fang Song (8 Methods of Relaxation) & Dantian Movement
  • Primary Reeling Silk (Chan Si Jing) & Single Explosive Power (Fajin)
  • Forms: Oldest Five, Old Frame Eight (A&B), Old Frame Eleven (by Master Bosco Baek), Harmony 13 Form, Essence Cannon Fist 17 Form, and Basic 13 Form.
  • Auxiliary: Chen Xiaowang 19 Form.

2. Intermediate Curriculum (Levels 3 & 4) — Average Duration: 3 Years

• Core Focus: Entering the classical core of the Chen Family tradition, developing deep internal connection, dynamic martial power, and weapon proficiency.
• Key Modules: 
  • Mother Forms: Old Frame First Road (Laojia Yilu) & Old Frame Second Road (Laojia Erlu / Cannon Fist).
  • Traditional Weapons: Single Broadsword (22), Single Straight Sword (49), Long Pole (13), Double Mace (18), and Tai Chi Fan (48).
  • Auxiliary Practicum: Chen Xiaowang 38 Form, Traditional 5 Kinds of Push-Hands (Wu Zhong Tui Shou), 8 Essential Martial Applications, Sparring, and Specialized Internal Power Training (Taiji Ruler, Ball, and Wheel).

3. Advanced Curriculum (Levels 5 & 6) — Average Duration: 4 Years

• Core Focus: Reaching the highest level of expression, integrating subtle energy, sophisticated martial strategy, and advanced lineage weaponry.
• Key Modules: 
  • Mastery Forms: New Frame First Road (Xinjia Yilu - 83) & New Frame Second Road (Xinjia Erlu / Cannon Fist - 71) from the Grandmaster Chen Fake lineage.
  • Advanced Weapons: Double Broadsword (35), Double Straight Sword (40), Spear (71), and Spring Autumn Big Blade / Guan Dao (30).

[ ANNUAL TEACHER EXAMINATION: MANDATORY POLICY ]

To maintain rigorous standards, ensure technical precision, and evaluate student progress, the Academy conducts an Annual Teacher Examination once a year:

• Mandatory Participation: All Academy Members completing Levels 1 & 2 are required to take the Teacher Examination without exception.
• Evaluation Standard: This exam ensures that every practitioner builds an unshakeable foundation in body mechanics, form integrity, and internal principles before advancing deeper into the lineage curriculum.

[ PURPOSE & LINEAGE TRANSMISSION ]

The Academy Curriculum is specifically designed for practitioners who wish to move beyond general wellness and enter the traditional training path of Chen Family Taijiquan. It serves as the official pathway for those aspiring to become Certified Teachers, Leaders, Disciples, Successors, and Lineage Holders entrusted with carrying the art forward to future generations.