GETTING STARTED: Your First Steps into Chen Family Taijiquan

If you are new to Tai Chi, choosing where and how you begin matters more than you may realize.

Many modern approaches introduce Tai Chi through simplified forms or slow movements alone. While these methods may appear accessible, they often overlook the internal principles that make Tai Chi a complete system for health, awareness, longevity, and personal cultivation.

At Chen Bing Taiji Academy USA, we begin where Tai Chi began—through the teachings of Chen Family Taijiquan from Chenjiagou, the birthplace of Tai Chi.

This is not simply about learning movements.

It is about learning how Tai Chi actually works.

Step 1 - Begin with Tai Chi 100: Fang Song

All new students begin with:

Tai Chi 100: Fang Song

Fang Song (放松) means intelligent relaxation—not collapse, softness, or passivity, but the ability to release unnecessary tension while maintaining awareness and structure.

Developed from the essential principles of Chen Family Old Frame First Road and Second Road, Fang Song serves as the foundation of the entire CBTA USA training system.

Through Fang Song, students learn how to:

• Release physical tension
• Improve natural breathing
• Develop body awareness
• Recognize imbalance and restriction
• Cultivate internal sensitivity

Many students experience improvements in comfort, relaxation, sleep quality, and overall well-being through consistent practice.

Step 2 - Continue Through Public Classes

The Public Program introduces the essential teachings of Chen Family Taijiquan through a structured curriculum.

Students progress through:

• Tai Chi 100: Fang Song
• Tai Chi 101: Stepping, Reeling Silk & Explosive Power
• Tai Chi 102: Diamond Pounds Mortar
• Tai Chi 103: Basic Principles 13 Form

Together, these courses provide a practical introduction to the core principles, movement mechanics, and training methods of Chen Family Taijiquan.

Step 3 - Develop Consistency Through Public Membership

Students who wish to deepen their practice may continue through Public Membership.

Public Membership includes:

• Unlimited Public Classes
• Public Membership Open Hours
• Instructor guidance
• Structured practice support

The purpose of Public Membership is simple:

To help students transform Tai Chi from something they attend into something they practice consistently.

Step 4 - Explore the Full Pathway

For students seeking deeper study, long-term commitment, and teacher development, Academy Membership may become available through application.

The Academy Membership is designed for:

• Aspiring professional teachers
• Future disciples
• Dedicated practitioners

who wish to pursue long-term lineage-based training within the Chen Family tradition.

Why Start with Chen Family Taijiquan?

Beginning at the source provides a clear and coherent foundation.

Rather than learning disconnected techniques, students are introduced to a complete training system rooted in the birthplace of Tai Chi and preserved through direct lineage transmission.

This step-by-step progression allows students to build a practice that is:

• Rooted in authentic lineage
• Safe and sustainable
• Internally consistent
• Applicable throughout life

Supported by Modern Research

Modern research continues to support many of the traditional benefits long associated with Tai Chi.

Studies have shown that regular practice may help improve:

• Balance and coordination
• Flexibility and strength
• Stress management
• Mental clarity
• Overall quality of life

At Chen Bing Taiji Academy USA, these benefits are not viewed as separate goals, but as natural outcomes of practicing Tai Chi according to its original principles.

The Most Important Step

Every experienced practitioner was once a beginner.

The most important step is simply to begin.