Vol 20, Issue 2/2005

Feeling the flow of movement – Zhaobao Taijiquan

Zhaobao Taijiquan is a Taiji style that is still relatively unknown in Germany. Its origins and development are disputed but reach back at least to the first half of the 19th century. Although it shows parallels to Chen style and generally features the same basic principles as other Taijiquan styles, it nonetheless has its own character. Christian Spruner von Mertz describes it as particularly flowing in its movements, almost playful in the variations of the postures and highly effective in its martial applications. On the other hand, his portrayal of Zhaobao Taijiquan also reveals the common basis of all styles.

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