Zhaobao t'ai chi ch'uan
| Also known as | Zhaobao taijiquan Zhaobao Jia |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Internal (neijia) |
| Country of origin | China |
| Famous practitioners | Xing Xihuai (邢喜怀), Zhang Chuchen (张楚臣), Chen Jingbo (陈敬伯), Zhang Zongyu (张宗禹), Zhang Yan (张彦), Chen Qingping (陳清苹) |
| Ancestor arts | T'ai chi ch'uan |
| Descendant arts | Wu (Hao)-style taijiquan |
| Olympic sport | No |
Zhaobao taijiquan (pronounced jao-bao) (Chinese: 趙堡忽靈架太極拳) is a style of taijiquan that is often considered to be a modern style, but actually has a strong documented lineage that confirms its authenticity as an ancient style of taijiquan and as a true transmission from Jiang Fa in the late 16th century.
The main set of Zhaobao Taijiquan, or Zhaobao Jia, consists of 108 movements in the big frame and 75 refined movements in the small frame progressing in difficulty. Great emphasis is placed on Yi (mind/intent) in Zhaobao training. Like many other styles, Zhaobao Jia can be practiced at three heights, each providing a different degree of complexity. Generally students begin with the Middle Frame (Ren Pan Jia), progress to the Low Frame (Pan Gong Jia) and end with the High Frame (Da Li Jia).
Zhaobao Taijiquan's practical applications rely heavily on spiral uprooting techniques controlled through the use of Qinna, often followed with the use of sweeps or trips to bring the opponent to the ground. Flowing and coordinated techniques conform successfully to the basic tenets of the T'ai ch'i ch'uan Classics.
Zhaobao Taijiquan also has its own Neigong system based on traditional Daoist practice that enables the practitioner to develop the required physical and mental skills needed for successful mastery of the art.
The Zhaobao Taijiquan style shares many similarities with Chen-style taijiquan, and this commonality is considered by the school to be the manifestation of influences introduced by a member of the famed Chen family- Chen Qingping. He learned Zhaobao Taijiquan, which he taught to many disciples including He Zhaoyuan and Wu Yuxiang. The result of this influence means that the Zhaobao Taijiquan style is often considered by observers to be simply a recent offshoot of the Chen style. But actually the style has a much longer history and retains many unique qualities based on traditional Taijiquan theory and practice, clearly differentiating it as a complete and separate system of practice. See lineage diagram below.
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Wikipedia