Chenjiagou Taijiquan Gongfu School

School Main Entrance

Chenjiagou Taijiquan Gongfu School has one of the longest histories of any school in Chen Village. Its origins trace back to the Chen Family Northwest Boxing Society, founded during the Qing dynasty by Chen Huamei, a 15th generation Chen family member. The school was rebuilt and modernized in 1988, and took its current name in 2005.

Today it is run by two generations of direct Chen family lineage holders, has established 35 branch schools across China, and maintains partnerships with Tai Chi organizations in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, India, Spain, and Southeast Asia.

Instructors

Chen Zhaosen (Head Coach and Founder) — 19th generation Chen family lineage holder, 11th generation Tai Chi direct lineage. Born in 1957 in Chenjiagou, the birthplace of Tai Chi. UNESCO intangible cultural heritage representative, international Tai Chi cultural ambassador, and honorary vice president of Wenxian Martial Arts Association. Known by the nickname "Big Saber King" for his mastery of the Spring-Autumn Halberd and traditional Chen-style weapons.

Master of Chen Tai Chi, health cultivation techniques, push hands, and both long and short weapons. With over 50 years of teaching experience, he has trained tens of thousands of students worldwide. He founded the school and continues to oversee its operations and training standards.

Notable achievements include:

• Henan Province Level 1 Martial Arts Master (1993)
• Provincial Non-Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative for Chen-style Tai Chi (2010)
• "Big Saber King" – recognized for exceptional mastery of traditional weapons
• Jiaozuo City-level Non-Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative (2009)
• International Tai Chi Cultural Ambassador (2009)

Chen Zhiwei (Principal) — 20th generation Chen family lineage holder, 12th generation Tai Chi direct lineage. Son of Chen Zhaosen, began training under his father at age 5. National Level 1 referee, Chinese Martial Arts 6th Duan. Currently serves as principal of Chenjiagou Taijiquan Gongfu School and manages daily operations, curriculum development, and student training programs.

Principal Chen Zhaosen

Training Philosophy

The school emphasizes small class sizes and hands-on correction. The approach is described as: even students with zero prior experience can quickly grasp the basics, while students with existing foundations can refine their skills. Courses are customized based on each student's arrival date, goals, and ability level.

Courses

Beginner class For students with no prior experience. Focuses on basic stances, silk reeling, and introductory forms (Old Frame Yilu and the condensed 26-form).

Intermediate class For students with some foundation. Covers Old Frame Yilu and Erlu, long and short weapons, push hands, and internal energy training.

Short-term programs Holiday courses, weekend classes, and drop-in enrollment available year-round. Flexible and convenient.

Long-term programs Customized plans based on age, ability, and goals. Systematic study of traditional Chen forms, weapons, and health cultivation series.

Coach training course (3 months) For students seeking instructor certification.

Students Training In Courtyard

Pricing

Program	Duration	Fee (CNY)	Approx. USD	Includes
Summer camp	15 days	¥800	~$110	Uniform
Summer camp	1 month	¥1,000	~$138	Uniform
Summer camp	45 days	¥1,400	~$193	Uniform
Intensive training	5 days	¥2,800	~$385	Course only

Note: Student ID required for summer programs. Pricing shown is for students with valid student ID.

Additional costs (paid separately):

• Meals: ¥30/day (~$4)
• Accommodation: see section below

Private lessons with Chen Zhaosen or Chen Zhiwei are available — contact the school's office for pricing.

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation:

• Standard shared double room: ¥35/person/day (includes AC, drinking water dispenser, WiFi, private bathroom)
• Standard single room: ¥70/room/day (includes AC, drinking water dispenser, WiFi, private bathroom)

All rooms are well-maintained with private bathrooms, hot water heater, air conditioning, and complimentary drinking water. Students need to bring personal clothing and toiletries.

Student Dormitory Room

Food:

• Three meals per day: ¥30/day (~$4)

The school dining hall provides nutritious, well-balanced meals with fresh vegetables, proteins, and grains. Food safety and hygiene are prioritized.

School Dining Area

Facilities

The school is located in the northwest part of Chenjiagou Village, adjacent to the South-to-North Water Transfer Canal. Facilities include dedicated training areas, equipment, dormitories, a dining hall, laundry room, and other communal facilities.

What Students Say

Reviews from Chinese-speaking students who have trained here give a consistent picture of what to expect.

Training schedule: The day runs 7:30am breakfast, 9:00–11:30am class, 12:00pm lunch, 3:00–6:00pm class, 6:30pm dinner. Outside of class hours, the training areas stay open and other students are usually around to practice with. The school takes one rest day per week — at this school, Mondays.

Teaching style: Students highlight the hands-on correction as a genuine strength. Instructors pay close attention to individual form and adjust technique in real time. Even complete beginners report making visible progress quickly. Theory classes — covering breathing, principles, and applications — run roughly twice a week, and instructors are available to answer questions outside of scheduled sessions.

What you can learn: In one month, most students complete Old Frame First Routine (老架一路) plus one weapons form. Younger or more athletic students can move faster. Tuition is charged per curriculum, not per month — ¥1,000 for one routine — with no fixed time limit. You can finish in two weeks or take two months.

Weapons and additional curriculum: Spring-Autumn Broadsword, sword, spear, push hands, and various other weapons forms are available. Basic training covers standing meditation (站桩), silk reeling (缠丝), and footwork (步法).

Food and accommodation: Conditions are described as basic but adequate. Three meals a day in the dining hall — heavy on vegetables, light on meat, but the food is fresh and clean. Vegetables go from the garden to the table the same day. Notably, the cook, teachers, principal, and their families all eat the same food as the students. One student noted that seafood, fish, and beef were not on the menu during their stay — worth keeping in mind if you have strong dietary preferences. Rooms are standard dormitory — air-conditioned with private bathrooms. Double rooms are assigned by the school; single occupancy is possible but not guaranteed. You can also opt to study only without boarding.

Daily cafeteria meal served to students during martial arts training at a Tai Chi school.

Buffet-style lunch served in the dining hall of a traditional Tai Chi school.

What makes this school different: Students describe it as the only school in Chenjiagou with a grove of trees on the grounds — more grounded and less built-up than other options in the village.

Practical tips from students who have been:

• The first two weeks are the hardest physically — push through the soreness
• Bring common medications (digestive, anti-inflammatory, mosquito repellent)
• Learning basic Tai Chi terminology in Chinese before arriving helps significantly
• Confirm your schedule and program details with the school before booking
• If you plan to study without boarding, check whether there is an additional fee

Contact

• Phone: 0391-6419992 / 6411135
• Mobile/WeChat: 13290702219
• Email: [email protected]
• WeChat ID: taijigongfu

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Information last reviewed May 2026, based on the school's official 2026 enrollment announcement. Verify current pricing and availability directly with the school before booking.