Profile of Zhang Xuexin (1928 - )

Zhang Xuexin Master Zhang's Childhood Studies: Master Zhang Xuexin studied external ("waijia") martial arts since he was nine years old. Master Zhang's Taiji Lineage: Master Zhang Xuexin is the senior indoor student of Feng Zhiqiang, 18th-generation master of Chen-Style Taijiquan.

Master Zhang's Chen-Style Taijiquan Studies:

Master Zhang Xuexin began studying Chen-style Taijiquan in 1963. He studied both the "Lao Jia" and "Xin Jia" forms of Chen-Style Taijiquan. He studied from: Li Reiyuan (Chen Fake's stepdaughter) in 1963, Rui Mongni (an early student of Chen Fake) in 1965, and Chen Zhaokuai (Chen Fake's second son) from 1966 to 1970. Chen Zhaokuai's training emphasized "qinna" (joint-locking and grappling) and "silk-reeling" techniques. In 1970, he settled in Beijing and studied with Feng Zhiqiang, one of Chen Fake's senior students. Feng Zhiqiang's training focused on internal power, push-hands, and sparring.

In the mid 1960's: Left to right: Rui Mongni (an early student of Chen Fake), Chen Zhaokuai (Chen Fake's second son), and Master Zhang Xuexin

In the early 1970's: Master Zhang Xuexin and Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang

Arrival in the United States:

Master Zhang came to the United States in 1990. He was the first Taiji instructor to teach and emphasize the importance of silk-reeling spiral training exercises in the United States.

In 1994: Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang and Master Zhang Xuexin

Tony's China Trip: Sightseeing/Master Feng Zhiqiang's group in Beijing

On his way back to the States, Tony visited some of Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang's students in Beijing. The banner " Chen style Xinyi Hun Yuan Taijiquan" marks off their practice area. Tony with Grandmaster Feng's top student Chen Xiang in front of the banner.

Tony and Feng Xiuqian chatting during a break in broadsword practice.

Tony at Master Feng's school in Beijing.

Tony getting pointers from one of Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang's senior students in Beijing.

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