Chen Fake (pronounced fah-keh) (1887-1957) was a prominent master of Chen-style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), widely recognized for his contributions to the art's development and dissemination in the 20th century.
Early Life and Training
Chen Fake was born in Chenjiagou (Chen Village), Henan Province, China, into a family with a long tradition of martial arts. His father, Chen Yanxi, and grandfather, Chen Gengyun, were both accomplished practitioners of Chen-style Taijiquan. Despite this lineage, Chen Fake's early years were marked by poor health, and his martial arts training did not initially progress as expected.
Determined to overcome his frailty, Chen Fake dedicated himself rigorously to his training, eventually gaining significant strength and skill. His efforts were recognized when he became a top practitioner within his family and village, demonstrating exceptional prowess in the art.
Rise to Prominence
In 1928, Chen Fake moved to Beijing, seeking to spread Chen-style Taijiquan beyond its regional confines. In Beijing, he faced numerous challenges from other martial artists, which was a common practice at the time to test one’s skills and legitimacy. Chen Fake's victories in these bouts earned him considerable respect and a growing number of students.
There are several accounts of Chen Fake's challenge matches, which contributed significantly to his reputation as a formidable martial artist and Taijiquan master. These matches took place mainly in the 1920s and 1930s after he moved to Beijing. Here are some notable descriptions of these encounters:
1. The Challenge at Beijing's Zhongzhou Guild Hall:
One of the most famous incidents involved a public challenge match held at the Zhongzhou Guild Hall in Beijing. In this match, Chen Fake faced a variety of martial artists from different styles, including practitioners of Shaolin and other forms of Taijiquan. Chen Fake reportedly defeated all challengers with ease, demonstrating both his skill and the effectiveness of Chen-style Taijiquan. These victories earned him widespread respect and established his reputation as a top-tier martial artist in Beijing.
2. The Encounter with General Zhang Zhijiang:
General Zhang Zhijiang, a high-ranking military official and martial arts enthusiast, invited Chen Fake to demonstrate his skills. During this encounter, Chen Fake showcased his internal power and control. According to accounts, General Zhang was so impressed by Chen Fake’s abilities that he became a patron and supporter of Chen-style Taijiquan, helping to promote it among the elite circles of Beijing.
3. The Match Against a Russian Wrestler:
In another famous story, a Russian wrestler, known for his strength and size, challenged Chen Fake. Despite the wrestler's physical advantages, Chen Fake used his superior technique and internal energy to outmaneuver and defeat him. This match highlighted the effectiveness of Taijiquan's principles of using softness to overcome hardness and skill to neutralize brute strength.
4. The Incident with a Spear Master:
Chen Fake was challenged by a spear master who doubted the effectiveness of empty-hand techniques against weapons. During the demonstration, Chen Fake managed to evade and neutralize the spear attacks with precise and controlled movements, eventually disarming the opponent. This event further showcased the versatility and practicality of Chen-style Taijiquan.
5. The Confrontation with Wang Xiangzhai:
Wang Xiangzhai, the founder of Yiquan, was a well-known martial artist who also tested Chen Fake. According to some accounts, their encounter ended with mutual respect. While details of the exact outcome are varied, it is generally agreed that Chen Fake's skills were recognized and respected by Wang Xiangzhai, further solidifying Chen Fake's reputation in the martial arts community.
These accounts primarily come from oral histories, personal testimonies of Chen Fake's students, and written records from the Chen family and other martial arts historians. Notable students like Chen Zhaokui, Chen Xiaowang, and Feng Zhiqiang have passed down these stories, contributing to the legendary status of Chen Fake. Additionally, various martial arts publications and books on Taijiquan history provide detailed descriptions of these challenge matches, reflecting the high regard in which Chen Fake is held.
While some details may be embellished or vary between sources, the consistent theme across all accounts is Chen Fake's exceptional skill, composure, and effectiveness in martial arts, which played a crucial role in the spread and recognition of Chen-style Taijiquan.
Chen Fake opened a martial arts school in Beijing, where he taught Chen-style Taijiquan. Chen Fake was known for his precise and powerful movements, a deep understanding of Taijiquan principles, and the ability to explain and demonstrate the martial applications of the form.
Innovations and Legacy
Chen Fake is credited with developing and refining what is now known as the "New Frame" (Xinjia) of Chen-style Taijiquan. This form introduced variations that emphasized coiling and spiraling movements, which are characteristic of Chen-style Taijiquan. The New Frame complemented the traditional "Old Frame" (Laojia) and became an essential part of the Chen family repertoire.
His teaching methods were rigorous and demanding, focusing on the internal aspects of Taijiquan, such as the cultivation of qi (internal energy) and the application of martial techniques. Chen Fake's influence extended through his direct students, many of whom became renowned masters themselves.
Chen Fake returned to the Chen Village (Chenjiagou) to teach during the latter part of his life. After spending several decades in Beijing, where he significantly influenced the spread and development of Chen-style Taijiquan, he went back to his ancestral home.
Chen Fake's return to Chen Village in the early 1950s marked an important period in the revival and propagation of Chen-style Taijiquan within its birthplace. His teaching there helped ensure the continuity and preservation of the art among the new generation of Chen family practitioners and other local students.
Chen Fake's contributions during this period were instrumental in reinforcing the traditional practices and integrating the refinements he had developed during his years in Beijing. His efforts helped bridge the gap between the older generation of Chen practitioners and the emerging martial artists, thus ensuring the survival and further evolution of Chen-style Taijiquan.
Overall, Chen Fake's return to Chen Village was a significant chapter in his life, reinforcing his role as a central figure in the history and development of Chen-style Taijiquan.
Final Years and Impact
Chen Fake was known for his humility and dedication to Taijiquan. Despite his formidable skills, he remained focused on continuous learning and improvement, embodying the spirit of a true martial artist. Chen Fake continued to teach and practice Taijiquan until his death in 1957. His contributions significantly impacted the perception and practice of Taijiquan, both within China and internationally. Today, Chen-style Taijiquan is one of the most respected forms of Taijiquan, largely due to Chen Fake's efforts and teachings.
Contemporary sources on Chen Fake include accounts from his students, historical records from the Chen family, and martial arts scholars who have documented the evolution and spread of Chen-style Taijiquan. His legacy continues to influence practitioners and teachers, preserving and advancing the art of Taijiquan for future generations.
Differences between Fake's New Frame and the traditional Old Frame
Emphasis on Internal Strength (Nei Jin):
Chen Fake placed a significant emphasis on the development of internal strength, or "nei jin." through the development of Silk-Reeling Energy (Chan Si Jin). He taught that true power in Taijiquan comes from the internal alignment and coordination of the body, rather than just physical strength. This internal focus is a hallmark of his teaching and is evident in the New Frame's intricate movements.
Teaching and Influence
Teaching Methodology:
Chen Fake was known for his rigorous and demanding teaching methods. He encouraged students to practice diligently and emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying principles of Taijiquan. His approach was both practical and theoretical, ensuring that students comprehended the martial applications of each movement.
Notable Students:
Chen Fake taught many students who became influential Taijiquan masters themselves. Some of his notable students include his son, Chen Zhaokui who continued his father's legacy and contributed to the further development and dissemination of Chen-style. Other prominent figures include current Grandmasters Chen Xiowang and Chen Zhenglei as well as Feng Zhiqiang who is known for his deep understanding of both Chen-style Taijiquan and Xingyiquan and who became a prominent figure in Chinese martial arts. Tian Xiuchen is another important student who played a key role in preserving and teaching Chen-style Taijiquan.
Technical Aspects of the New Frame
Forms and Sequences:
The New Frame includes several forms that are more complex and intricate than those in the Old Frame. These forms often involve more sophisticated sequences of movements that require a higher degree of coordination and internal control.
Martial Applications:
Chen Fake emphasized the martial applications of each movement within the New Frame. This practical aspect ensured that the techniques were not only aesthetically pleasing but also effective in self-defense scenarios.
Heightened Awareness and Sensitivity:
Practicing the New Frame develops heightened awareness and sensitivity to an opponent's movements. This sensitivity is crucial for advanced Taijiquan practitioners, allowing them to respond effectively to various forms of attacks.
Comparison of the Old and New Frames:
1. Movement and Structure:
Old Frame (Laojia): The movements in the Old Frame are generally larger, more relaxed, and flowing. It emphasizes smooth, continuous motions with a focus on maintaining a steady, balanced posture throughout the practice.
New Frame (Xinjia): The New Frame incorporates more complex, coiling, and spiraling movements. It emphasizes the use of silk-reeling energy (chan si jin) more explicitly, with more pronounced twisting and rotating actions in the limbs and torso.
2. Emphasis on Silk-Reeling Energy:
A critical component of Chen-style Taijiquan, silk-reeling energy involves continuous, spiraling movements that mimic the unwinding of silk from a cocoon.
Old Frame: While the Old Frame also uses silk-reeling energy, it is less overt and more integrated into the overall flow of movements.
New Frame: The New Frame places a stronger emphasis on the visible application of silk-reeling energy, making the coiling and uncoiling actions more apparent and exaggerated. Chen Fake's New Frame highlights and refines this aspect, making it more pronounced and explicit in the practice. This method trains practitioners to generate and control internal energy effectively.
3. Postural Dynamics:
Old Frame: The postures in the Old Frame tend to be more extended and less compact. There is a greater focus on maintaining a consistent height and a stable, grounded stance.
New Frame: The New Frame features more dynamic height changes and compact movements. It often involves lowering and rising within the stances, adding a layer of complexity to the forms.
4. Complexity and Techniques:
Old Frame: The techniques in the Old Frame are more straightforward, with a focus on fundamental principles and applications. The forms are less intricate, making them more accessible to beginners.
New Frame: The New Frame is considered more intricate and challenging, incorporating advanced techniques and transitions. It often includes additional movements and sequences that require a higher level of skill and coordination.
5. Martial Applications:
Old Frame: The martial applications in the Old Frame are typically more direct and less elaborate. The focus is on clear, powerful techniques that are easy to understand and apply.
New Frame: The New Frame includes a wider range of martial applications, with more emphasis on subtle, sophisticated techniques. The increased complexity in movements translates to a broader array of combat strategies and tactics.
6. Learning Progression:
Old Frame: The Old Frame is usually taught first to beginners as it lays the foundation for understanding the core principles of Chen-style Taijiquan. It helps students develop basic skills and internal strength.
New Frame: The New Frame is often introduced after the practitioner has a solid grasp of the Old Frame. It builds on the foundational skills, challenging the practitioner to deepen their understanding and enhance their abilities.
Conclusion
Chen Fake's New Frame brought a refined, intricate layer to Chen-style Taijiquan, emphasizing internal energy cultivation and advanced techniques. While both frames share the same underlying principles, the New Frame's complexity and explicit focus on coiling and silk-reeling distinguish it from the more traditional and straightforward Old Frame. Together, they offer a comprehensive and rich practice that caters to various levels of skill and understanding in Taijiquan.
Legacy and Recognition
Cultural Impact:
Chen Fake's influence extended beyond martial arts into Chinese culture, where Taijiquan is revered not just as a form of self-defense, but also as a means of promoting health and well-being. His teachings helped bridge the gap between martial arts and traditional Chinese health practices.
Modern Day Practice:
Today, Chen-style Taijiquan is practiced worldwide, with Chen Fake's New Frame being a significant component of many practitioners' routines. His contributions have ensured that Chen-style Taijiquan remains a vibrant and evolving martial art.
Composed by ChatGPT
Edited by Jeffrey J. Kelly
Xilin Martial Arts, May 2024
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