Eight-Movement Beginner Form | January 2027

Rùmén Bā Shì 入门八式

Eight-Movement Beginner Form

Your first steps into traditional Chen-Style Taijiquan!

Would you like to learn Taijiquan but don't know where to begin?

This short online course introduces you to the essential foundations of Chen-Style Taijiquan through a simple, accessible eight-movement form.

Rùmén Bā Shì (入门八式) means "Eight Movements for Entering the Gate." Developed by Nabil, this introductory form draws primarily on the First Road (Yilu) of Chen-Style Taijiquan in the tradition of Chen Fake, Chen Zhaokui, and Chen Yu.

In four short live sessions, we will explore fundamental principles of Taijiquan while gradually learning a complete sequence of eight movements.

Learning the Foundations

Rather than simply memorizing movements, we will concentrate on the Basic Requirements of Chen-Style Taijiquan.

These principles provide the foundation for coordinated, relaxed, and functional movement. They are relevant not only to beginners but remain essential throughout one's Taijiquan practice.

We will introduce and practice:

• Body alignment: Finding a comfortable, balanced, and upright posture.
• Relaxation: Releasing unnecessary muscular tension while maintaining a stable structure.
• Rooting and weight shifting: Understanding how to distribute and transfer body weight.
• Upper and lower body coordination: Connecting movements of the arms, legs, and torso.
• Natural movement: Developing smooth, continuous motion without unnecessary effort.
• Introduction to silk reeling force: Exploring the spiral connections characteristic of Chen Taijiquan.

Learning a Short Form

To put these principles into practice, we will learn a small form consisting of eight movements.

The movements are based primarily on traditional Chen Taijiquan techniques. Some have been shortened or adapted to create a manageable introduction without the complexity of a full traditional form.

We will generally introduce two movements per session, gradually connecting them into a continuous sequence.

By the end of the course, you will have learned a complete little form that you can continue practicing independently.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed primarily for complete beginners. No previous Taijiquan or martial arts experience is required.

It is also suitable for people who:

• Would like to discover traditional Chen-Style Taijiquan.
• Want to understand basic body principles before learning a longer form.
• Are looking for a short movement sequence for regular practice.
• Practice another Taijiquan style and are curious about our approach.

You can participate from home. Comfortable clothing and enough space to move freely are all you need.

Course Format

• Four live online sessions
• Approximately 30 minutes per session
• Step-by-step beginner instruction
• Basic Requirements explained and practiced
• Eight movements learned progressively
• Time for questions and clarification

One booking covers the entire four-session course. This is a standalone course, not a recurring subscription.

Give the Gift of Taijiquan

Looking for a meaningful gift?

You can also purchase this beginner course for someone else. Please contact us if you would like to arrange the booking as a gift.

Your Instructor

Nabil Ranné is a teacher of Chen-Style Taijiquan and a direct student of Chen Yu.

His teaching stands in the tradition of Chen Fake, Chen Zhaokui, and Chen Yu, combining detailed traditional instruction with a clear and accessible approach to learning.

Join us and discover the foundations of Chen-Style Taijiquan, one movement at a time!