When we think of martial arts in "old China," we get visions of violent convulsions of dynastic change, devastating rebellions, civil wars, and banditry. Throughout the centuries there was a need for masters who possessed highly effective martial skills for positions in the military, protection services, and law enforcement. Out of this historical reality emerged a national treasure we call taijiquan.

Chen t'ai chi's mystique remains fundamentally a true fighting art, including bare-handed forms and applications, plus an arsenal of weapons that includes the spear, straight sword, broadsword, and halberd. Then there are the associated training methods used to master this complete system, such as qigong, push-hands, and standing post. All of these practices are infused with knowledge associated with the physical and mental aspects of the human condition.

Any serious taiji practitioner or scholar should have some understanding of the Chen family roots to get a vision of the whole tree. This two-volume anthology brings much of the rich heritage conveniently together for your reading. In this first volume, prepare yourself to sit at the feet of the main representatives of the Chen Village, including Chen Xiaowang, Chen Xiaoxing, and Wang Xi'an. Perhaps of greater importance are the clear explanations outlining each step in the learning process toward mastering Chen-style t'ai chi. Chapters included here clarify what proper training entails and why much time and effort (gongfu) are necessary to gain results.

• Chenjiagou: The History of the Taiji Village, by David Gaffney, B.A.
• Comments on Selections from Chen Xin's Illustrated Explanations of Chen Taijiquan, by Stephan Berwick, M.A.
• Mind-Body Connections in Chen Xin's Illustrated Explanation of Chen-Style Taijiquan, by Miriam O'Conner, M.A.
• Overlapping Steps: Traditional Training Methods in Chen Village Taijiquan, by David Gaffney, B.A.
• Taiji's Chen Village: Under the Influence of Chen Xiaoxing, by Stephan Berwick, M.A.
• Chen Xiaowang on Learning, Practicing and Teaching Chen Taiji, by Stephan Berwick, M.A.
• Dripping Oil onto Parchment: Traditional Taijiquan Form Training in Chen Village, by David Gaffney, B.A.
• An Encounter with Chen Xiaowang: The Continuing Development of Chen-Style Taijiquan, by Dietmar Stubenbaum
• Going Beyond the Norm: An Interview with Chen Taiji Stylist Wang Xi'an, by Asr Cordes
• A Brief Description of Chen-Style Master Du Yuze, by Wong Jiaxiang; Michael DeMarco, M.A., translator
• Index