Greetings of the Chairmen

Welcome to our web site, I am glad that you are interested in learning more about the International Society of Chen Taijiquan (ISCT). Taijiquan is rapidly becoming more popular around the world, and it is our goal to offer the traditional training as it has been passed down in my family. My sister, Chen Peiju, and I are 20th generation Chen family successors of taijiquan, and we now have teachers in many countries around the world. ISCT is an open organization that is actively working to support our network of teachers and students. As with any traditional art, an aspiring student needs to develop the fundamental skills under the guidance of a knowledgable instructor. Unfortunately in our modern society full of instant gratification, traditional taijiquan does not offer any shortcuts. ISCT teachers are qualified to lead you step by step along the way, but of course most of the work must be done by yourself.
I encourage you to enjoy this down-to-earth art and am confident that if you practice regularly your quality of life will improve in many ways. Look through our web site and you will find a community of friendly people learning taijiquan. Please visit one of our classrooms or send an email if you need more information.
Sincerely,

The International Society of Chen Taijiquan

The International Society of Chen Taijiquan (ISCT) is a non-profit organization. The objectives of the Society are twofold:
first to develop an international community of people who enjoy the peace and harmony of practicing Taijiquan, and second to
promote the practice, research and development of traditional Chen Taijiquan. Through health-promoting activities open to the
public ISCT helps people around the world to discover the ancient art of Taijiquan as practiced traditionally by members of the
Chen family and strives to preserve this family treasure for many generations to come.
ISCT formally came into existence at its first international conference in Paris France in May of 2001. The founders of ISCT are
Chen Peishan and his sister Chen Peiju, 20th generation of Chen family. They are the current generation masters of the "Small
Frame" lineage within the Chen family. ISCT sponsors Taijiquan events such as international conferences, workshops, and demonstrations. Chen Peishan and Chen Peiju make great effort to travel and teach throughout the world. People who attend
their events are always impressed by their mastery in this ancient art. ISCT teachers have worked diligently to understand the
principles and practice of traditional Taijiquan.
People become members in ISCT wherever there is an ISCT teacher. Local membership entitles you to participate in events at
reduced cost, and to receive the ISCT newsletter.

An Excerpt from Chen Xin´s Instructions for Studying Taijiquan

An Excerpt from Chen Xin´s Instructions for Studying Taijiquan

(Translated and explained by Laurie Sogawa 14.06.02)

1. No disrespect: When you disrespect others, you injure your teacher and friends, and then injure your own spirit.
Can Taijiquan be learned without self-discipline?

2. No coarseness: Coarseness of actions or words leads to trouble of all kinds. A person should be enveloped in graceful
dignity, and behave with courtesy. If not, outer coarseness will surely damage the inner self.

3. No arrogance: Arrogance causes disturbance. It is said: Heaven exists also beyond Heaven. A humble person has an
open heart, receptive to teachings. Wouldnt anyone find it a pleasure to teach such a person? It leads to greater good
when the merits of many people accumulate.

4. Honing observations: If you do not pay meticulous attention to the movements, your understanding of the principles
and the process will become vague and unconnected. Especially, pay close attention and try to fathom what the teacher
is doing. Without honing and listening, the Qi and the movement of Neijin will not flow smoothly in one go, and it will be
impossible to attain the state of Taihe-Yuanqi (harmony with the generative energy of the universe).

5. Reading books: Read about Taijiquan theory. The practice comes more easily if you understand the theory.

6. Learn Yinyang Kaihe first: The study of Taijiquan is about Yinyang Kaihe. Yinyang Kaihe has a natural presence
in the body. Study will neither enhance nor decrease it. Teachers should encourage students to recover their awareness
of this presence naturally. Teachers should embody the principles of Taiji, and teach with moderation, so that their students
come to understand this balance accordingly.

7. Taijiquan Has No Great Usage: Taijiquan has no great usage. However, during times of strife such as these, how can we
maintain our existence without Taijiquan? In the least, practicing Taijiquan