Zhao Bao Tai Qi Quan

[Black Fist]

I have recently come accross some article mentioning Zhao Bao Taiqiquan. Could anyone with experience or knowledge, explain to me this form of Taiqiquan and is it from chen style like Yang or is it later and what its characteristics ?

Thanks in advance.

[dz]

Greetings,

I maybe am off topic with this reply. First,
I don't know anything about the style you
asked about, but the romanized translation
of Tai Chi Chuan should be Taijiquan,
not Taiqiquan since the "Chi" in TCC isn't
the same as the romanized "Qi" (as in Qigong).

Personally, I would be quite sceptical towards
anyone that teaches Taijiquan that doesn't
understand the basic meaning of the name.

I'm not judging the style or teacher, just
pointing out a wrong translation. Hope I didn't
cause too much confusion. :)

Regards,
Wai

[This message was edited by Wai on 01-16-01 at 03:08 AM.]

[eightgates]

Hi Black Fist,

In the history as I learned it, a contemporary of Chen Changxin (Yang Luchan's teacher) named Chen Yuben reformulated the Lao Jia (Old Frame) to Xin Jia (New Frame - not to be confused with the present day usage of the term by modern Chen stylists for Chen Fake's post 1940's version of the routine). Chen Qingping, who learned this new frame, refined it further and it became known as the Xiao Jia (Small Frame) or Zhaobao Jia (Zhaobao Frame) after the village where he lived. The circles and movements of the form I learned are somewhat tighter and expression of fajing less obvious. I've seen videos of what is currently coming out of Zhaobao village, but it looks very different. I don't find this surprising or have a problem with it since there are many versions within all the various styles of Taijiquan. My grandmaster learned his Zhaobao form during the 1930's or 40's and what is coming out of Zhaobao may have been modified since that time just like the modifications to the Lao Jia, Chen Fake taught him.

For an excellent (and controversial) site on the various histories and styles of Taijiquan, see Peter Lim's site at
<A HREF="http://web.singnet.com.sg/~limttk/index.htm" TARGET="_blank">http://web.singnet.com.sg/~limttk/index.htm</A>

Best wishes, :)
eightgate