Zhaobao Taiji Quan

Zhaobao Taiji Quan is a style of Taiji Quan that is often considered to be a modern style, but actually has a strong documented lineage that attempts to confirm its authenticity as an ancient style of Taiji Quan and that it is a true transmission from the Zhang Sanfeng, Wang Zongyue and Jiang Fa lineage.

Controversially they place Wang Zongyue and Jiang Fa further back in history to the end of the Ming and early Qing dynasties. This contradicts the accepted Yang Family Taiji Quan tradition, yet they possess documented evidence that supports the claim.

The Zhaobao style shares a lot of similarities with the Chen style of Taiji Quan, but this commonality is considered by the school to be the manifestation of influences introduced by a member of the famed Chen family; Chen Qingping (1795 ~ 1868). He created a style known as the "New Routine", that he taught to many disciples including He Zhaoyuan and Wu Yuxiang. The result of this influence means that the Zhaobao style is often considered by outsiders to simply be a direct off-shoot of the Chen style. These similarities, however, appear to be largely superficial and the style retains many unique qualities based on traditional Taiji Quan theory and practice.

Zhaobao Taiji Quan is not a family style (although there exists the He Family off-shoot) and has traditionally been passed down from master to chosen disciple. The Zhaobao name is given to the style as a way of honouring Chen Qingping and the village where he lived; Zhaobao Village in Wenxian County, Henan Province, China.

According to the style's tradition Chen Qingping was the 7th generation master from the time that the grand master Jiang Fa brought the style taught to him by Wang Zongyue to the local area in Wenxian County.

Zhaobao Taiji Quan's lineage down to Chen Qingping is as below: -

Zhang Sanfeng

Various Daoists

Wang Zongyue

Jiang Fa (1st generation)

Xing Xihaui (2nd generation)

Zhang Chuchen (3rd generation)

Chen Jingbo (4th generation)

Zhang Zhangyu (5th generation)

Zhang Yan (6th generation)

Chen Qingping (7th generation)

Zhaobao Taiji Quan'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 the techniques conform successfully to the basic tenets of the Taiji Classics.

Zhaobao Taiji Quan 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.

Reference

• Zheng, Wuqing. Wudang Zhaobao Taijiquan Small Frame, Da Zhan Publishing Company, Taiwan. ISBN 957-468-163-7 (only available in Chinese)