CHEN-STYLE TAI CHI AT WINDSONG DOJO

When you hear the words “tai chi,” you may think of slow movements done for the health benefits. But did you know that it is, first and foremost, a martial art?

The name “tai chi” comes from the Chinese 太极拳 “taijiquan” (tie-jee-chwen), which can be roughly translated as “yin-yang fist.” It first emerged at the end of the Ming Dynasty in Chen Village, Henan Province, as a synthesis of generations of veteran fighters’ experience in military combat and Daoist theories of body and mind.

The ultimate goal of taijiquan is perfect mechanical efficiency in movement; being able to direct kinetic energy through your body’s structure to create advantageous positions in close-range combat. The slow, mindful movements that tai chi has come to be known for arise from a need to develop awareness of all mechanical connections within the body to create kinetic chains for attack and defense. What may seem like simple flowing exercises hide an arsenal of strikes, throws, and joint locks.

In this class, you will learn Chen-style Taijiquan in the tradition of Chen Zhaokui and his son Chen Yu; a precise, powerful form of taijiquan that, yes, will teach you to relax, but for the purpose of redirecting force, unbalancing an opponent, and generating explosive power with minimal effort. 

Classes will consist of breath and energy work (qigong), fundamental exercises (jibengong), forms (taolu), and push hands (tuishou). 

Classes are every Sunday 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

$20 per class or $70 for four classes 

INSTRUCTOR

Angel M. Castillo is a lifelong martial artist who has competed in Shotokan Karate, folkstyle wrestling, submission grappling, shuai jiao, and amateur sumo. He began training in Chen-style taijiquan in 2021 in Los Angeles under Guo Qichen, then after moving to Oklahoma City in 2023 began training under Nabil Ranne, direct disciple of Master Chen Yu. He was a silver medalist at the 2022 World Series of Push Hands, gold medalist in Chen-style forms at the 2023 Golden Dragon Championships in Los Angeles, and gold medalist in Chen-style forms and push hands at the 2025 Denver National Chinese Martial Arts Championship. He currently keeps his skills sharp by training judo and aikido and helping coach the sumo club, all at Windsong Dojo.