This is a popular routine for internal martial artists.  It is characterized by spiral energy and combat techniques expressing numerous power hits (fajin).  Cannon Fist is also called Chen Style Routine Two.  Its firecracker power is based on the accumulated energy from Routine One's soft silk reeling.  In this instructional DVD, Master Jesse Tsao presents the routine in its classic form, in English with detailed instruction and front and back view demos.  He credits this new DVD on the teachings from Grandmasters Chen Zhenglei and Zhu Tiancai. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 30 class hours.  (Difficulty: Intermediate through Advanced Levels)

Each posture is initiated with small circles from wrist rotation, driven by silk reeling energy flow.  It will help prevent heart disease, and lung problems because rotation stimulates 6 meridian channel origin energy points around the wrist.  It will also prevent carpal tunnel. This is also an effective tool to help Tai Chi beginners get rid of stiff arm problems.  It is also a foundation for two-hand coordination and further study in double weapon forms.  Master Tsao teaches in English and the entire routine is demonstrated in both front and back views.  It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation.  Suggest 40 class hours.  (Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Level). DVD, (63 minutes)

This form is created strictly based on Chen style tai chi postures and self-defense applications, especially the Silk Reeling and Xinjia's small circles leading to large movements.  All moves are clear in practical martial arts meanings from authentic Chen family tai chi.  Dr. Jesse Tsao presents this routine to honor his Chen tai chi lineage, Sifu Grandmaser Chen Zhenglei, as well as other grandmasters such as Chen Xiaowang and Zhu Tiancai.  Dr. Tsao gained inside knowledge from hosting them across man y workshops since the early 2000s.  Demonstrations are given in front and back views, and Master Tsao gives a detailed description of each posture's martial meaning.   (Difficulty: Beginner through advanced Levels). (60 minutes)

Weighted-ball training with Tai Chi Silk Reeling (chan-si) and Self-massage, created by Dr. Jesse Tsao of Tai Chi Healthways, is one of the most effective ways to enhance your energy circulation and improve your balance, endurance, bone density, and core strength. Moving the ball around your torso massages your inner organs and reflects the inner dan-tian rotation. The weight helps develop your rooting and leg strength. Momentarily extending the ball away from the torso will improve your arm strength It can help build and maintain muscle mass and strength. Strong muscles lead to strong bones, and strong bones can help minimize the risk of fracture due to osteoporosis. It can also protect vitality, make everyday tasks more manageable, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Harvard Health Publications remarks that “a combination of age-related changes, inactivity, and inadequate nutrition conspire to gradually steal bone mass, at the rate of 1% per year after age 40.” As bones grow more fragile and susceptible to fracture, they are more likely to break after a minor fall or even a simple everyday activity such as bending over to tie a shoelace. Six out of 10 people who break a hip never fully regain their former level of independence. Even walking across a room without help may become impossible. Numerous studies have shown that strength training can play a role in slowing bone loss, and several studies show it can even build bone, offsetting age-related declines in bone mass. Practicing tai chi with a weighted ball puts healthy stress on the bones and can promote the activity of bone-forming cells. The result is stronger and denser bones.