Superman versus Iron Man

Of the "Four Tigers" that represent the 19th generation of Chen Taiji, the two most well known are Chen Xiaowang and Chen Zhenglei. Both come from Chen village, both learnt from Chen Zhaopi and Chen Zhaokui and only three year separate their age. But their Taiji is noticeably different. Chen Xiaowang has an explosive style marked with frequent fajin and impressive jumps. In contrast, Chen Zhenglei's form is more relaxed and fluid. This difference is easy to see in the new frame erlu.





In seeing the difference it is tempting to judge the two against each other, like speculating which of two comic book heros would win a fight. I would suggest that this would easily miss the point that these are two highly skilled masters.
Having never trained under or seen Chen Xiaowang in person, I cannot go beyond the above observations. But having attended several seminars with Chen Zhenglei, I have come to greatly appreciate his flowing style. Before fajin can be properly done, you must have the body relaxed and co-ordinated. Chen Zhenglei's presentations underscore this fact. Seen in person, even at sixty, he is surprisingly solid in build and supple in movements. In demonstrating movements, it is clear that fajin is possible with every movement. But he asks his students to look more broadly at the full requirements of Taiji. Explosive power is possible when Taiji is properly trained, but it is not the point to training.