Chen Huixian - A new phenomenon in the Midwest

Master Chen Huixian by Richard Daley

According to Jon Braeley’s documentary Chen Village, there are 3,000 residents in Chen Village in Henan, China and 2,500 of them practice Taichi. Chen Village is the birthplace of Taichi, however, not all of them become Taichi masters. Chen Huixian is one of few who had the talent and determination to become a Taichi master at a young age.

Huixian was born in 1981. She began her Taichi training at the age of six with her father, Grandmaster Chen Chunlei, studying traditional Chen Taichi Chuan forms that have been passed down for generations. At the age of seventeen, she began studying Taichi with her uncle, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, and quickly became his official Disciple. As a Disciple of Chen Zhenglei, Chen Huixian began a deeper study of the art of Taichi, including martial art theory, combat techniques and gradually formed her own understanding of this profound ancient Chinese art. Chen Huixian has won gold medals in numerous Collegiate, National, and International tournaments throughout China, in both the Taichi Chuan forms and weapon forms. She has also won several Advanced Division Push Hands Championships.  In July, she was invited to be a judge at the prestigeous 2009 Legends of Kung Fu Martial Arts Championships , hosted a Taichi workshop, and performed a Taichi form in Dallas. 
 

Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei photoed by Richard Daley

She now lives and teaches Taichi with her husband Michael Chritton in Kansas City. They opened a Taichi studio in March. It was not easy in the beginning but their reputation has spread and the studio has enjoyed healthy growth. Click the link here for a special report by the KC Star on Master Chen.

Last weekend, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei was hosted a two-day Taichi workshop at Three Dragons Way in Kansas City. Afterwards, he paid a special visit to Huixian’s studio. Grandmaster was pleased to see how much her students learned in such a short period of time. He shared the Taichi philosophy and principles with the attendees, and provided some hands-on instruction. 
 

Arron C commented that he has learned so much from the Grandmaster and he appreciates Grandmaster’s sincerity. “His adherence to the principles was clear and uncompromising, and his philosophy of the art was like bedrock!,” added Arron.

Logan was surprised to find out Grandmaster’s age. He wishes that he would be in “such amazing shape” when he is his age.

Another student feels lucky to have Huixian as a teacher. He thought the visit from the Grandmaster was a real privilege. He could not believe how gracious and humble the Grandmaster was. He called him “a true role model”.

Below is a video clip of Master Chen's performance during 2009 Taichi Day in Kansas City.