Chen Youben (陳有本; 1780–1858) was a 14th-generation descendant and 6th-generation master of the famed Chen family and is considered to be an influential martial artist and teacher of Chen-style tai chi.

Chen Youben
陳有本
Born1780
Chenjiagou, Henan, China
Died1858
NationalityChinese
StyleChen-style tai chi
(6th gen. Chen-style)
Notable relativesChen Changxing,
Chen Wangting
Notable studentsChen Qingping
Chen Youben
Chinese
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinChén Yǒuběn

Chen Youben was the main teacher of Chen Qingping (1795-1868) and taught Chen Youlun, Chen Fengzhang, Chen Sande, Chen Tingdong, and his late, older brother’s sons, Chen Zhongshen (1809-1891) and Chen Jishen (b. 1809).[1] He also helped prepare Chen Gengyun to have sufficient martial skills to travel with Chen Changxing’s, his father's caravan escort service.[2]

Chen Youben is credited by some with the creation of what Chen Ziming (1932) called the "xinjia" (new frame) as opposed to the "laojia" (old frame) referring to the traditional, seven-form system of Chen Wanting.[1] This "new frame" is now equated with the "Xiaojia" (small frame) within the modern Chen Family routines.

Additionally, a tai chi evolution theory points to Chen Gengyun who learned enlarged movements and emphasized explosive power (Bao Fa Li) in order to be prepared to accompany Chen Changxing's caravan escort service.[2] If the theory is correct, as Gengyun's teacher, Chen Youben was also the creator of the "Dajia" (Large Frame) within the modern Chen Family routines.

Tai chi lineage tree with Chen-style focus

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Chen Youben (1780-1858)

References

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  1. ^ a b Brennan, Paul (2017-09-01). "TAIJI BOXING ACCORDING TO CHEN ZIMING". Brennan Translation. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  2. ^ a b "ChinaFromInside.com presents... TAIJIQUAN - Small Frame of Chen Style Taijiquan". www.chinafrominside.com. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
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