At 76, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei still delivers powerful punches.
Recently, at the request of the Shaolin Tai Chi Heritage Center in Las Vegas, Grandmaster Chen conducted a small workshop on “How to Channel Your Energy to Exert Powerful Force.” The legendary Tai Chi master demonstrated the manifestation of Qi with a few explosive punches, leaving attendees amazed and inspired.
As a 11th Generation Chen Style Tai Chi Inheritor and Standard Bearer, Grandmaster Chen began training at the age of eight under the guidance of his uncles, Grandmasters Chen Zhaopei and Chen Zhaokui. Over the decades, he has authored numerous books and instructional videos on Tai Chi, pioneering the art’s introduction to Japan and later the U.S. Having taught millions worldwide, he has received prestigious awards and honors from various governments and organizations.
The Essence of Tai Chi Power
Unlike hard-style martial arts, Tai Chi does not rely on brute force, yet it is revered as the “Grand Ultimate” martial art. Cultivating Tai Chi’s internal power remains a profound mystery, demanding a lifetime dedication of learning and practicing. The process of channeling internal energy to exert external force is akin to advanced academic study, requiring profound knowledge, experience, and practice.
Given that workshop participants were at varying levels of experience—and with only an hour to teach—Grandmaster Chen shared the three fundamental stages of developing true Tai Chi power.
Stage One: Using External Movement to Trigger Internal Qi (Yi Wai Xing Yin Dong Nei Qi)
Grandmaster Chen explained that simply moving the arms, legs, and torso activates Qi, causing blood to circulate through the vessels while Qi flows through the meridians. However, proper body alignment is essential to prevent blockages. Key alignment principles include:
- An upright upper body
- Head suspended
- Shoulders rounded and elbows sunk
- Chest slightly tucked and waist relaxed
- Knees bent, hip joints (Kaos) folded, and groin rounded
- Tongue touching the palate
With consistent and mindful practice, maintaining these alignments allows Qi to flow smoothly. After months or a year of diligent training once they remember the routine, practitioners may experience tingling sensations in their fingers, swelling in their hands, or warmth in their palms—signs of successfully reaching the first stage.
Stage Two: Combining External Movement with Internal Qi (Zhao Shou Dong Jin)
Many practitioners find that their Qi sensations at the end of Stage One are inconsistent, appearing and disappearing unpredictably. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, students can refine their practice to sustain and amplify these sensations.
At this stage, Qi accumulates in the lower Dantian (elixir field), making the lower abdomen feel full and weighted. When this energy flow strengthens, practitioners achieve Small Heavenly Circulation, where the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) at the back of the body connects with the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) at the front.
- Inhalation: Qi ascends through the Governing Vessel
- Exhalation: Qi descends through the Conception Vessel
Only those with abundant Qi in the Dantian can reach this level, making it an advanced milestone in Tai Chi training.
Stage Three: Using Internal Energy to Move the Body (Yi Nei Qi Cui Wai Xing)
At this stage, movement is no longer powered just by muscle and physical structure of the body but by the intent (Yi) directing Qi. Actually the Qi power is much stronger than physical strength. The energy spreads throughout the body, activating key points:
- Bai Hui (Hundred Meeting Point) at the crown of the head
- Yong Quan (Bubbling Spring) at the soles of the feet
- Lao Gong (Labor Palace) in the center of the palms
Reaching this stage enables practitioners to achieve Grand Heavenly Circulation, where the body becomes light and agile, yet deeply rooted and relaxed.
In Tai Chi, a punch is not just thrown with skeletal and muscular force—it is delivered with internal Qi and universal energy. Yi (intent) moves as fast as light, making Tai Chi power both subtle and formidable.
Unyielding Spirit: Grandmaster Chen’s Journey
A few years ago, Grandmaster Chen survived a serious car accident, leaving him bedridden for months. Though his body has not fully recovered, his passion for teaching remains unwavering.
Last year alone, he traveled tirelessly across the U.K., France, Italy, Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and over ten cities in China, sharing his knowledge without signs of fatigue. Grandmaster Chen is best known for his mastery of Rou (softness), his relaxed movements flowing seamlessly like water—an achievement regarded as the pinnacle of Tai Chi practice. At 76, he has not lost his punches—not because of physical strength, but because he channels the true essence of Tai Chi: the power of intent through the total relaxation.