FAQs

---

 While all three terms refer to the same classical discipline (太極拳), they stem from different romanization systems and historical contexts:

• Tai Chi (Wade-Giles System): This is the legacy spelling established before the 1950s. Although it remains deeply embedded in Western culture, it is phonetically inaccurate in modern Chinese. 
• Taiji & Taijiquan (Pinyin System): Adopted officially worldwide, Pinyin is the modern phonetic standard. 
  • Taiji (太極) refers to the philosophical principle of the Grand Ultimate (Yin & Yang). 
  • Taijiquan (太極拳) is the full, accurate name of the art, where Quan (pronounced "Chuan") translates to "Fist" or "Martial Art". 

In mainland China, the art is strictly recognized as Taijiquan or Taiji.

The distinction between "Family" and "Style" defines the fundamental authenticity of your practice. It is not a mere play on words, but a clear standard to separate genuine transmission from superficial imitation: 

• Chen Family Tai Chi (陈氏太极 — Chén Shì Tàijí): Uses the character 氏 (Shì), meaning clan or family line. This title is strictly reserved for those who have inherited the art through direct bloodline or officially sanctioned transmission from Chenjiagou—tracing directly back to the creator, Chen Wangting. 
• Chen Style Tai Chi (陈式太极 — Chén Shì Tàijí): Uses the character 式 (Shì), meaning format, style, or imitation. It refers to practices that may mimic the external movements of Chen Tai Chi on the surface, but lack a direct, verified connection to the original family lineage. 

While both terms sound identical in spoken Mandarin (Chén Shì Tàijí), the distinction comes down to a clear and uncompromising standard:

1. Direct, Verified Lineage: Has the master inherited the art through a direct bloodline or studied directly under the primary grandmasters of Chenjiagou? 
2. Uncompromised Teaching: Is the complete internal system—including Yin & Yang mechanics, energy channels, and traditional principles—fully preserved, or is it merely choreographed movement? 

Without direct, verified transmission from the source, even visually impressive movements remain merely a "style"—a superficial imitation disconnected from the root. 

At CBTA USA, directed by Master Bosco Baek—trained directly under Master Chen Bing in Chenjiagou—we strictly teach Chen Family Tai Chi. Our commitment is to ensure practitioners do not waste time on external imitations, but instead study the uncompromised, living truth of the original lineage. 

While Taijiquan incorporates profound energetic principles, Taijiquan is not simply Qigong, nor are the two terms interchangeable.

To understand the distinction from both an academic and traditional perspective:

• Qigong (氣功) as an Umbrella Term:
  Qigong serves as a broad, categorical umbrella for any practice that cultivates, regulates, and integrates vital energy (Qi), breath, and mental focus. In this general sense, Taijiquan indeed contains internal Qigong elements.
• A Concrete Example — Ba Duan Jin (Eight Section Brocade):
  Consider Ba Duan Jin (八段錦), a traditional Qigong system using eight movements to open meridians, align posture, and foster longevity. While highly valuable for health, Ba Duan Jin remains a largely static wellness practice that lacks the dynamic and complex internal mechanics unique to Taijiquan.
• The Core Distinction: Structural and Martial Requirements:
  Unlike general Qigong practices, classical Taijiquan—particularly Chen Family Taijiquan—is governed by precise, non-negotiable training principles (Yaojue):
  • Gang Rou Xiang Ji (剛柔相濟): The seamless integration and mutual support of hardness and softness.
  • Kuai Man Xiang Jian (快慢相間): The deliberate interweaving of dynamic speed and measured slowness.
  • Fajin (發勁) & Spiral Power: The generation of explosive internal force paired with continuous Reeling Silk (Chan Si Jing) mechanics.

A Complete, Living System:

Equating Taijiquan with Qigong is fundamentally inaccurate because Taijiquan is a complete internal martial discipline encompassing both longevity and martial mastery.

The practice naturally adapts to the individual:

• For Health & Recovery: For older practitioners, individuals managing health conditions, or those seeking rehabilitation, training emphasizes internal balance, smooth energy circulation, and health cultivation.
• For Martial Depth: For younger practitioners or experienced martial artists, it organically expands into dynamic martial application, explosive power (Fajin), and combat principles.

Rather than a simple energy exercise, Taijiquan offers a complete living system that dynamically meets each practitioner's physical capacity while preserving its authentic martial foundation.

Yes, we do—however, these core disciplines are taught exclusively to Academy Members through a structured, cohort-based curriculum.

To understand our policy on martial practicum:

• Safety & Readiness First: Martial applications and Push-Hands (Tui Shou) involve direct energetic and physical force. Without proper structural alignment, internal connection, and mental readiness, practicing these techniques prematurely—or through casual, one-off seminars—carries a high risk of injury.
• No Public Classes: For the safety and integrity of our students, martial applications and Tui Shou are never taught in public settings or casual drop-in classes.
• Incremental & Cohort-Based Transmission: We teach these advanced elements incrementally to committed practitioners within our bi-annual cohorts. Students progress safely through verified stages, ensuring that internal balance, relaxation (Fang Song), and martial integrity are established before entering dynamic contact practice.
• Authentic Chenjiagou Tradition: All Push-Hands methods (including the traditional Five Kinds of Tui Shou) and combat applications are transmitted strictly according to the classical traditions of Chenjiagou.