Bosco Baek

Master Bosco Baek (白承哲), the first Korean-American disciple of Master Chen Bing and a senior disciple of 'The Old Ten Disciples (老十徒弟)', is a leading figure in the world of classical Chen Family Taijiquan. A direct recipient of the rich traditions passed down in Chenjiagou, he brings with him an abundance of knowledge and experience to his role as the founder and principal of the Chen Bing Taiji Academy USA in Los Angeles. Baek was recognized under the EB-1A classification for extraordinary ability by the U.S. government—a rare distinction awarded to individuals whose accomplishments place them among the top tier in their field worldwide.

His profound understanding and superior mastery of Chen Family Taijiquan was officially recognized on October 5, 2014, when the Chen Village Committee and the China Chen Village Taijiquan Association conferred upon him the prestigious title of 'Chenjiagou Intangible Culture Chen Family Taijiquan Excellent Successor' (陈家沟非物质文化陈氏太极拳优秀传承人). This honor, often encapsulated as the "Chen Village Intangible Culture Successor," is the highest recognition awarded by Chenjiagou, affirming Master Baek's standing as a true inheritor of Chen Family Taijiquan.

Out of the 18 esteemed 'Intangible Culture Successors' worldwide, Master Baek holds the unique distinction of being the only one in North America. This endorsement signifies Master Baek's authenticity as a Tai Chi master, authorized to instruct in all the classical practices as they are taught in Chen Village, spanning from health objectives and longevity, to weapons, push-hands, classical Tai Chi grappling, and martial applications.

In May 2025, this recognition was formally elevated to the next and highest level of cultural authority with the conferment of the title “Humanity Intangible Culture Heritage Chen Family Taijiquan Excellent Successor” (人类非物质文化遗产陈氏太极拳优秀传承人). While the 2014 designation represents the highest authority at the Chenjiagou level, the 2025 title corresponds to the highest level of recognition at the Humanity Intangible Culture Heritage level, aligned with UNESCO’s recognition of Chenjiagou as the birthplace of Taijiquan. The title was officially issued on May 1, 2025, and formally presented by Master Chen Bing on October 31, 2025, at Chen Bing Taiji Academy USA in Los Angeles.  Master Baek is currently the only recipient of this designation across North and South America, and receives this recognition with humility and a deep sense of responsibility to preserve, uphold, and transmit Chen Family Taijiquan according to its original principles.

A milestone in Master Baek's illustrious career came in May of 2015, when he became the first professional Tai Chi teacher to conduct a seminar at the FBI Los Angeles headquarters. Sharing his extensive knowledge with agents and staff members, Master Baek demonstrated Tai Chi's value in promoting both physical and mental well-being, as well as its application in self-defense and law enforcement. In recognition of this landmark seminar, Master Baek received a plaque of appreciation from the FBI, an enduring testament to his unparalleled expertise, dedication, and contribution to Tai Chi.

In 2016, the California State Assembly bestowed upon Master Baek a Certificate of Recognition at the 5th Kung Fu Tai Chi Day, acknowledging his tireless efforts to preserve and propagate the rich cultural heritage of martial arts. This accolade underscores Master Baek's unwavering commitment to fostering the martial arts community in California and beyond. Further solidifying his reputation, the Chen Bing Taiji Academy Chenjiagou Headquarters honored Master Baek with the 'Excellent Coach' (优秀教练) award in October 2016, reflecting his persistent dedication to Tai Chi instruction and his distinct contributions to the field.

Master Baek's journey into the world of Chinese martial arts began at the age of 13 with Chinese Longevity Enhance Wisdom Qigong (中華養生益智功, abridged as Chinese Hygiene Qigong). He continued his studies with classical Raja and Hatha Yoga at the Himalaya Meditation Center and Korea Yoga Academy in 1996, and in 1999, he delved into Chen Family Taijiquan under the guidance of Master Myung-Won Seo (徐明源), the first foreign disciple of Grand Master Chen Xiaoxing.  A year later, in 2000, Master Baek formally started studying under Master Chen Bing, culminating in his formal acceptance as a disciple on Christmas Day in 2005 in Chenjiagou. 

Master Baek’s expertise in Tai Chi is seamlessly enriched by his extensive background in Chinese Hygiene Qigong, Sva Sam Vidya Raja Yoga (स्व सम् विद्या, Himalaya Meditation Center), Anuka Yoga Cikitsa (अनूक योग चिकित्सा, Korea Yoga Academy), and Svastha Yoga (स्वस्थ, A.G. Mohan). While these disciplines enhance his understanding of movement, breath, and internal cultivation, they are not separate pursuits but rather integrated elements that deepen and refine his mastery of Chen Family Taijiquan, reinforcing both its martial precision and therapeutic power.

As a professor at Dongguk University Los Angeles, Master Baek teaches Tai Chi and Qigong while also pursuing doctoral-level studies in East Asian Medicine (commonly known as Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM), further expanding his expertise in holistic healing. His education at Harvard Medical School’s Executive Education program has strengthened his ability to bridge classical traditions with modern medical insights, ensuring that Taijiquan remains both a formidable martial art and a profound healing practice.

Master Baek is renowned for his ability to adapt and refine Taijiquan, meeting the unique needs of each practitioner while preserving its classical martial essence as taught in Chenjiagou. He is not only a guardian of Chen Family Taijiquan but also a visionary guiding its evolution. Through his lifelong dedication, he inspires students worldwide, embodying the timeless balance between tradition and innovation in the ever-flowing art of Tai Chi.

2004 Tai Chi Instructor for Cancer Patients, Caregivers & Staff Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University
2010 Tai Chi Professor, Samra University
2014 Tai Chi Instructor, METRO Los Angeles
2015 Tai Chi Instructor, FBI Los Angeles
2017 Tai Chi & Yoga Director, Fabletics
2017–2018 Guest Professor, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
2019–Present Professor of Tai Chi & Qigong Dongguk University Los Angeles (DULA)
2023–Present Instructor, Los Angeles General Medical Center (DHS)
2024 Kung Fu Coach, Choreographer & Assistant Stunt Consultant “Coolie” TV Series