The late Master Chen Chang-Lin was a “Wu” (1st) generation disciple of Liu Yun Qiao 刘云樵.
Early on his teaching experience, Master Chen sought to further hide anxian Bajiquan to only select trusted students. Xiaobaji was also kept secret as the foundation is more important than the fancier forms for collectors.
Name[]
Dr. Chen Chang-Lin 陳長霖
Charles Chen
Biography[]
Early Training[]
Starting at a young age, Chen learned his martial arts from Liu Yun Qiao and after 15 years, he had mastered the MiTzung, Baji, Pigua, Bagua systems from Liu's curriculum. He was a member of the "Wu" or first generation of Liu's students. [1]
Wu Tan[]
While living in Taiwan and studying with Liu, Chen played an active role in the establishment of the original Wu Tan Martial Arts Center in Jingmei, Taipei during the 1970s. He ran the Wu Tan Chinese Martial Arts Center for many years before eventually travelling to the United States[2].
WuTan New York[]
Chen travelled to New York in 1981 to pursue his PhD degree in Computer Science. It was at this time that he established New York Wu Tan Chinese Martial Arts Center with younger martial arts brother now Grandmaster Marlon Ma on Northern Boulevard in Queens, New York.
WuTan New Jersey[]
In 1993, Chen moved to Millburn, New Jersey in 1993 where he established WuTan NJ. During his time at the school, he worked diligently to both maintained the original spirit and lineage of the martial arts he had learned as well as to developing and integrating training programs, standardizing form materials, and establishing the Wu Tan ranking system.
WuTan Ohio[]
Also a Wu disciple and Grand Master of WuTan Ohio, Tony Yang.
Death[]
Master Chen passed away due to a sudden aneurysm in April of 2005. His disciples continued to carry on the torch of Wu Tan NJ's teachings. In 2015, disciple and head coach Vincent Mei moved to New York City and is currently running Wu Tan NJ in lower Manhattan.
Legacy[]
A focal point of Chen's teaching was the importance of weaving “martial ethics” 武德 and traditional Chinese cultural ideologies along with Martial arts themselves.
Notable Students[]
Though he took in many students during his 24 years running Wu Tan NJ, only thirteen of Chen's students were chosen as part of his "Tan" (2nd) generation indoor disciples. Continuing his legacy at Wu Tan NJ is head coach Vincent Mei. Other students include William Feng in Queens, NY; Paul Yang in ShenZen, China; Ted Yuan in Henan, China; and Alvin Kong in Laos.
Additionally, his eldest son, Yi-Chung Chen, a fitness-science expert who draws from his martial arts training to incorporate the Basic-Eight principal alongside Western sports science methodologies.
Wu-Tan New Jersey[]
Vincent Mei Head NJ WuTan Coach[]
Head Coach Vincent Mei
Traditional Chinese Martial Arts (TCMA) was evolved and tested over thousands of years through countless warfare and practical reasons. TCMA is one of the rare martial arts in the world that goes beyond just the physical combat aspect. It trains practitioners primarily in the minds to experience and understand the relationship among nature, universe, medicine, astrology, warfare strategy, philosophy, arts, and science with the body.
Vincent is an entrepreneur, runs a digital marketing agency in New York. He started learning Muay Thai during his high school years. He was first introduced to TCMA by his kung fu brother Paul Yang, and learned under Master Chen in 1996. Vincent is currently managing and teaching at Wu Tan NJ in lower Manhattan.
Vincent also runs a ongoing Bajiquan, and Wutang series video channel on YouTube. Filled with deep knowledge and insight on the basics for dedicated students and accessible to learners around the world.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_9wlnLytN4PLwkSEjLx3mw
Coach William Feng
Coach William Feng[]
William was a former NYPD, had several honorary achievements during his service in the police force. William had over 30 years of martial arts experience, and is a strong believer of modernizing TCMA’s combat capability. He is currently teaching at Kissena Park in Queens NY on Sundays.
Coach Paul Yang[]
Coach Paul Yang
Paul started learning authentic Seven-Star Praying Mantis in high school. Paul came to Brooklyn, NY to pursue his Master Degree in Computer Science. He is currently residing in ShenZhen, China, and is coaching the Beijing University’s, Qing Hua University’s, Harbin University’s Martial Arts Clubs.