About Us

中文往下

Jack Yan is a highly respected Taichi master and an in chamber disciple of the renowned Grand Master Chen Zhenglei. With a Ph.D. in Chinese Wushu, Jack has dedicated his life to mastering and teaching traditional Chinese martial arts. Since 1988, he has been instructing students in Canada, sharing over half a century of expertise in Chen’s Taijiquan and Five Elements Tongbei. His deep knowledge of martial arts, combined with his extensive teaching experience, has made him a prominent figure in the global Taichi community.

Jack Yan runs his facility of TNT Internal Arts for Health and Wellness in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. His school is equiped with high-tech to enable a hybrid learning environment. With a prominent presence online, his online classes are accessed from students all over the world.

Discover the Art of Taijiquan (Taichi) – Try Free Classes Today!

Inscribed in 2020 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Taijiquan (commonly known as Taichi) is a centuries-old physical practice rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy. It is renowned for its graceful, circular movements that flow in harmony with deep, mindful breathing, promoting physical health and mental clarity.

What is Taijiquan?

Taijiquan originated in the mid-seventeenth century in Wenxian County, Henan Province, central China, and is now practiced by millions of people across the world. This inclusive art form transcends age, ethnicity, and fitness levels, making it accessible to everyone. It is perfect for those looking to improve their balance, focus, and overall well-being.

Why Learn Taijiquan?

Taijiquan is much more than just a physical exercise. It’s a holistic practice that fosters the balance of yin and yang and cultivates a deep connection between body, mind, and nature. It encourages the development of a peaceful, neutral mind while promoting physical strength, flexibility, and energy flow.

By joining a Taijiquan class, you will:

  • Experience a time-honored tradition with deep cultural significance.
  • Learn the baishi ceremony, a traditional ritual that formalizes the teacher-student relationship in this ancient practice.
  • Engage with a practice that has been passed down through generations via both clan-based transmission and the master-apprentice model.

Join us for free Taijiquan classes and experience the transformative power of this ancient practice for yourself. Whether you’re a beginner or have experience in martial arts, our classes are open to everyone. Discover how this unique blend of movement, meditation, and breath control can bring balance and harmony to your life.

Unlock the Power of Tongbei – Experience Free Classes Now!

Discover the ancient art of Tongbei, a dynamic and powerful martial art deeply rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy. Tongbei, which translates to “Spreading Power from the Back Boxing” (tong meaning “through,” bei meaning “back,” and quan meaning “fist”), is renowned in northern China for its ability to engage opponents from a maximum distance, making it a unique and effective martial style.

What is Tongbei?

Tongbei is a comprehensive martial system that incorporates elements of both internal and external martial arts. Its training methods blend fluid, efficient movements with traditional principles that have been passed down through generations.

Tongbei’s training consists of several key components:

  • Basic Training: Mastering stances, arm techniques, leg techniques, and conditioning.
  • Combinations and Forms: Learning pre-set sequences that integrate movements for attack and defense.
  • Two-Person Sparring: Engaging in free sparring to apply techniques in real-time.
  • Weapons Training: Gaining proficiency with traditional Chinese weapons.
  • Qigong: Harnessing internal energy to enhance strength, focus, and overall health.

Five Elements Tongbei – Philosophy in Motion

One of the most fascinating aspects of Tongbei is the Five Elements theory, which lies at the core of this practice. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, the universe is governed by five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. This philosophy extends to the human body, with the five elements represented by the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys.

The Five Elements Tongbei school is based on the idea that the principles of the cosmos (macrocosm) and the human body (microcosm) are interconnected. Just as the five elements balance nature, they also influence health, strength, and martial ability. Tongbei’s fluid, back-through motion allows practitioners to channel energy from the spine, creating powerful strikes and seamless transitions during combat.

Why Choose Tongbei?

Tongbei is an ideal martial art for those looking to develop explosive power, precision, and a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese martial theory. By mastering Tongbei, you’ll:

  • Learn to maximize your reach and control distance during combat.
  • Train in both hand-to-hand combat and traditional weapons.
  • Explore the profound philosophy of the Five Elements, connecting body, mind, and nature.
  • Strengthen your body through focused conditioning and Qigong exercises.
  • Gain confidence and discipline in an art that has stood the test of time.

Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or completely new to the practice, our free Tongbei classes are open to everyone. Come and experience the power of this traditional martial art, learn its rich history, and start your journey toward mastering the Five Elements.

Try these classes for free! If you like them, sign up for more.
Chen's Taichi Old Frame One
Five-Elements Tongbei
Whipstick
TNT Kungfu
Yang’s Taichi 85 Forms
Jack Yan on Chinese Culture & Wushu

陈氏太极拳

陈氏太极拳(Chen-style Taijiquan)是中国武术的重要流派之一,由陈家沟的陈王廷于明末清初时期创编。它不仅是一种传统武术,也是一种内家拳法,以修身养性、强身健体和实战防身著称。陈氏太极拳强调“以柔克刚”、“刚柔并济”的理念,动作既内敛含蓄,又爆发力强,体现出阴阳调和的哲学思想。

历史背景

陈氏太极拳起源于河南省温县陈家沟,最早由陈王廷基于古代拳术、兵法和道家养生理论创造。此后,陈家历代传人不断发扬光大,形成了一套系统的技击和养生体系。19世纪时,陈长兴将陈氏太极拳传给了杨露禅,后者创立了杨氏太极拳,推动太极拳在全国范围内的传播。

陈氏太极拳的特点

陈氏太极拳具有鲜明的特点,与其他太极拳流派有所不同:

  1. 缠丝劲:陈氏太极拳的一个显著特点是其螺旋状的运动方式,称为“缠丝劲”。这种力量通过身体的旋转和缠绕,产生强大的爆发力和控制力。
  2. 刚柔并济:在陈氏太极拳中,既有柔和、缓慢的运动,也有快速、爆发力强的动作,如“发劲”和“跳跃”。这种刚柔相济的风格体现了阴阳调和的太极理念。
  3. 拳架丰富:陈氏太极拳包括老架、新架等不同的套路,每个套路都有其独特的动作和训练方法。老架注重传统技法,而新架则结合了更多现代技击的元素。
  4. 推手训练:推手是陈氏太极拳的重要训练方式之一,通过与伙伴的互动,培养敏锐的触觉和应对技巧。推手不仅是技击的基础训练,也是修炼太极内功的重要手段。

陈氏太极拳的益处

  1. 强身健体:通过缠丝劲和内功的锻炼,陈氏太极拳能够调节气血,增强体质,特别适合长期坚持修炼。
  2. 提升协调性和平衡感:陈氏太极拳的动作要求全身协调配合,有助于提高身体的平衡感和灵活性。
  3. 减压养心:太极拳的动作节奏缓慢且富有韵律,修炼者能够通过呼吸与动作的结合,达到宁心静气的效果,帮助缓解压力和焦虑。
  4. 实战防身:陈氏太极拳除了养生作用外,还是一门实用的技击术。通过推手和散手的训练,习练者能够提高格斗技能和应对突发状况的能力。

陈氏太极拳的代表人物

1. 陈王廷(1600-1680)

陈氏太极拳的创始人
陈王廷,生于明末清初,河南温县陈家沟人,被认为是陈氏太极拳的创始人。他是一位出色的武术家和军事将领,精通当时的拳术和兵法。在卸任后,他结合古代拳法、内功、导引术、和易学理论,创编了陈氏太极拳的基础套路。陈王廷将“长拳”与太极内功相结合,注重阴阳调和、刚柔并济,使太极拳不仅成为一种武术技击方式,还具有养生的功效。

2. 陈长兴(1771-1853)

陈氏太极拳的传承与发扬者
陈长兴,陈氏太极拳第6代传人,陈王廷的后裔,是一位极具影响力的武术家。陈长兴精通陈氏太极拳的技法,并通过教学传播了陈氏太极拳的核心技艺。他将太极拳的套路精简为“老架”,这一风格在陈家沟得到了广泛流传。此外,陈长兴最为人熟知的贡献是他将太极拳传授给了杨露禅,后者创立了杨氏太极拳,推动太极拳从陈家沟走向更广阔的武术世界。

3. 陈发科(1887-1957)

现代陈氏太极拳的重要推广者
陈发科是陈氏太极拳第9代传人,他是现代太极拳推广的重要人物之一。在1930年代,陈发科应邀到北京教授陈氏太极拳,将这一古老的拳术带入了当时的文化中心,受到了众多武术家和社会名流的推崇。陈发科的教学风格细腻、严谨,他忠实传承了陈氏太极拳的传统技法,同时在实战方面表现出极高的功力。他的教学使得陈氏太极拳在北方地区广泛传播,奠定了其在现代武术界的地位。

4. 陈照丕(1893-1972)

陈氏太极拳的传承者与守护者
陈照丕是陈发科的弟弟,陈氏太极拳第10代传人。他一生致力于陈氏太极拳的传承和发展,尤其注重保持拳法的传统技法。他不仅在家乡陈家沟教授太极拳,还经常外出教授和推广陈氏太极拳。陈照丕为陈氏太极拳的守护和普及做出了巨大贡献,使这一流派得以在全国范围内发扬光大。

5. 陈照奎(1928-1981)

陈氏太极拳的创新与推广者
陈照奎是陈发科的儿子,陈氏太极拳第10代传人。他继承了父亲的武学精髓,并在太极拳的推广中做出了突出贡献。陈照奎不仅深入研究陈氏太极拳的技法,还将其推广到多个国家和地区。他的太极拳风格以刚柔并济、劲力贯通著称,注重技击实用性。他的弟子遍布国内外,对太极拳的国际化推广起到了重要作用。

6. 陈正雷(1949-)

当代陈氏太极拳的代表性人物
陈正雷是当代陈氏太极拳的代表人物之一,是陈氏太极拳第11代传人、陈照丕的侄子,中国武术9段,中国当代10大武术名师,国家武术研究院专家委员会专家,人类非物质文化杰出传承人。作为太极拳的一代宗师,陈正雷致力于将太极拳推广到世界各地,推动了太极拳的现代化发展。他积极举办国际太极拳交流活动,出版了大量关于太极拳的书籍和教学资料,为世界各地的武术爱好者提供了系统的学习方法。陈正雷的教学风格细致入微,既注重传统技法的传承,又不乏创新与实用性。

陈氏太极拳是一门集养生、技击、修身为一体的武术体系,凭借其深厚的文化底蕴和丰富的技法,吸引了全球无数武术爱好者的关注和学习。作为中国传统文化的瑰宝之一,陈氏太极拳不仅在国内拥有广泛的影响力,也逐渐走向世界舞台。

五行通背拳

五行通背拳是中国传统武术中极具代表性的拳法流派之一,融合了五行学说与通背劲的核心技法,在实战性和养生功能上都具备极高的价值。近代五行通背拳的重要代表人物之一是修剑痴先生,他的全名为修明,字燕侬,号剑痴,是五行通背拳少祁派的集大成者。

修剑痴(修明)先生生于清末民初时期,是一位极具天赋和热情的武术家。从小修剑痴便对武术表现出极大的兴趣,遍访名师,广泛学习了当时流行的各种拳法。他对武术不仅执着,还追求精益求精,因此被后人称为“剑痴”。

修剑痴先生在研习了通背拳的传统技法之后,逐渐将五行学说(金、木、水、火、土)融入拳法,最终发展出一套独具特色的五行通背拳体系。五行通背拳中的每种拳法对应一种五行属性,象征不同的劲力与技击风格,使其在实战中具备了多样化的技法运用,同时符合中国传统文化中的阴阳五行理论。

修剑痴先生不仅是五行通背拳的集大成者,也是少祁派的重要传承人和发展者。他通过对五行理论和通背劲的深入研究,创造了更加完整和系统化的五行通背拳技法:

  1. 五行理论的融合:修剑痴将五行相生相克的哲学融入到拳法的发劲、动作和战术中,创造了金、木、水、火、土五种不同风格的劲力运用,使每一招一式都能体现出五行的变化与平衡。
  2. 通背劲的精研:通背劲是通背拳的核心,而修剑痴在此基础上,强化了脊柱的发力和劲力的贯通,使通背劲更加高效有力。通过训练,习练者能够达到全身协调、劲力贯通的境界。
  3. 实战与养生并重:修剑痴不仅强调五行通背拳在格斗中的实战价值,还注重其养生功能。他强调练拳的过程应当结合呼吸与气血的调和,提升内外兼修的功效。

五行通背拳的特点

  1. 五行相生相克:每种拳法分别对应五行中的一种元素,拳法风格与劲力相辅相成,如金的刚猛、木的灵活、水的柔韧、火的爆发和土的稳重。这种结构使五行通背拳在技击时有较强的应变能力。
  2. 通背劲贯穿全身:五行通背拳注重通过脊柱的发力,使劲力贯通四肢,达到全身协调、劲力连贯的效果。修剑痴对通背劲的运用有极深的理解,使得拳法在进攻与防守之间更加灵活多变。
  3. 步法灵活,拳法多变:五行通背拳的步法迅捷,动作敏捷多变,既有前进的爆发力,也有后退的防守反击技巧,实战性极强。

传承

修剑痴先生将五行通背拳发扬光大,他的贡献不仅在于对传统技法的传承,更在于他的创新与体系化发展,使得五行通背拳成为一门兼具理论深度与实战价值的拳法体系。他的弟子们继承了他的技艺和精神,将五行通背拳传播至更广的武术圈,并在国内外赢得了广泛的声誉。

修剑痴先生通过五行通背拳,不仅展示了中国武术中阴阳五行的哲学智慧,也为后世武术的传承和发展做出了重要贡献。他的拳法与理论至今仍然影响着武术界,成为习武者们修炼、养生与技击的宝贵财富。

本校五行通背拳的传承为修师一脉,严志钢师承大连的曹建臣,张献礼,黑龙江的刘树伟,目前课程内容主要是基本单操,初级及提高套路 –  一字连击、通背拳36式等。