Note: The answers given here are only short answers and are only meant to give a rough overview
of the topic. If you have further questions, Mario Pöhl will be happy to help you.

What is Tai Chi?
Taijiquan is a martial, movement and meditation art. The movements are based on the
philosophical principle of opposites (Yin & Yang). There is a constant change.
From full to empty (loaded to unloaded), fast to slow, turning in and turning out, etc.
Tai Chi is usually trained by running sequences of movements called forms.
There are hand forms as well as weapon forms.

In the Chen Tai Chi lessons of Mario Poehl it is supplemented by Qi Gong exercises (explained below on this page) like „Standing Pillar“ and the „Silk Reeling“, and partner exercises (called push hands or in Chinese Tui Shou).

Tai Chi or Tai Ji?
In China, the place of origin of this martial, movement and meditation art, it is called „Tai Ji Quan“ or
Taijiquan“ and means „Supreme Last Fist“.
On this website the spelling Tai Chi is used, because it is more common here in the western countries.
more common here in the western countries.

How and when was Chen Style Taijiquan developed?
Chen Style Taijiquan was developed by a general named Chen (hence the name) Wang Ting (1600-1680) by combining „Daoyin“ (meditative gymnastic exercises involving the conscious mental guidance of Qi) and „Tuna“ (deep abdominal breathing exercises) with the effective martial techniques of the then famous general Qi Ji Guang.

The forms taught by Grandmaster Chen Zheng Lei were developed and passed down by Chen Chang Xing (13th generation Chen family, „lao jia“ old frame) and Chen Fa Ke (17th generation Chen family, „xin jia“ new frame).

What are the effects attributed to Taijiquan?
Regular Tai Chi training can have the following effects (here is just a small excerpt):

Physically:

• prevents illnesses and injuries and reduces their symptoms
• strengthens the entire body musculature (no bodybuilding)
• improves coordination and body reflexes
• improves condition/endurance
• improves posture
• tensions decrease or disappear completely
• you become more aware of your body
• it strengthens the immune system
  

Mentally:

• develops inner peace and serenity
• one becomes more focused and attentive
• develops self-confidence

What distinguishes the Chen style from some other Tai Chi styles?
Characteristic of Chen style is the apparent alternation of slow flowing movements with explosively executed fist and palm strikes, elbow strikes, jumps and kicks resulting from the expulsion of previously accumulated bodily energy (called Qi).

How often should Tai Chi be practiced?
Grandmaster Chen Zheng Lei once said:

„If you pause your practice for one day, it will set you back 1 week in progress. If you don’t practice for a week, it will set you back 1 month. And if you don’t train for a month……nuntil then you can start Taijiquan all over again.“

This says something about hairiness, which is often underestimated, especially among beginners in Tai Chi, and which leads to stagnation and not infrequently to discontinuation of Tai Chi training if desired training effects do not occur.

The Chinese have a nice saying for this: Chi ku – bitter eating!
One must first „eat bitterly“, i.e. work hard at something, before one can enjoy success.

For our western civilization Mario Pöhl suggests at least 20-30 minutes of Tai Chi training per day.
If sometimes you really can’t do it, then you should at least be in thought of the principles of Tai Chi, let everything be relaxed, consciously bring your body and mind to rest.

But from a certain point of training it is even possible to practice a Tai Chi form in a small space (4 square meters).
Or one takes one or 2 movement sequences from the form to train.

But all in all, as mentioned before, it is about patience, perseverance and hairiness. Much like the rather common saying,
„No pain, no gain!“

For whom is the Chen style Tai Chi suitable?

Chen Style Taijiquan is suitable for everyone, regardless of age.

Many older people will naturally ask themselves after reading the „Characteristics of Chen Style Taijiquan“ whether this style is suitable for them at all. This question can be answered with a definite YES.

Depending on the body condition and age, the teacher will pay attention to a form of movement that does not affect health.
In the forms, the kicks, jumps, gauze strokes, etc. are then either performed very slowly or only hinted at. Through this the effect of Tai Chi is not lost.

What is Qi?

Qi can be described as „life energy“. Qi flows in every living body and is present in the air around us. At birth, qi is still present in high levels, but as we age, it weakens and decreases. This is where Qi Gong intervenes to restore and strengthen the flow of Qi.

What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong is a system of exercises that serves both to maintain and restore health. This is achieved through the cultivation of Qi.

What is the meridian system?
According to Chinese belief, there is a system of meridians in our body in which the Qi flows. It is located just below the surface of the skin. They serve for blood circulation and connect the internal organs. If these meridians are interrupted in any
If these meridians are interrupted in any way, the Qi cannot flow freely and health can be impaired.

Through the exercises of Qi Gong it is possible to remove these blockages and restore the previous state of health.