We first travelled to Chenjiagou in the mid-1990s. Back then, it was a quiet farming village that was hard to reach. There were no modern toilets or showers, and staying there meant living very simply. But it was also a special place — the birthplace of Chen Taijiquan.

After a few more visits, we were ready to bring our first British group to train in Chenjiagou. That happened in the winter of 2003. For 19 days, our group trained under the close eye of Master Chen Xiaoxing. We slowly went through the Laojia Yilu form, learning directly from his deep knowledge and traditional way of teaching.

Since then, we’ve gone back almost every year — sometimes twice a year. With each visit, we’ve continued to learn from his old-school training methods.

Over time, the village has grown and become more modern. Still, each trip brings new experiences and memories. One year, training was interrupted again and again by tourist groups passing through. Master Chen Xiaoxing had enough. He said, “Follow me,” and led us out of the school and into an old house once owned by Chen Dehu.

We walked through the house into a quiet garden. This was the place where Yang Luchan — the founder of Yang style Taijiquan — had trained with Chen Changxing in the 1800s. Training there, you could really feel the history all around you. A sharpening stone still lay on the ground — said to be used by Chen Changxing for his weapons. Another heavy stone had been used for strength training. Perhaps this was where the routines we practise today began!

In one corner of the garden was an old well. We were told it was the one Chen Zhaopi threw himself into during the Cultural Revolution, a time when he suffered greatly. He later helped bring Taijiquan back to life in the village after many years of hardship.

These stories, and many more like them, have become part of our own journey. Over time, they stopped feeling like someone else’s history. We were no longer visitors. We had become a part of the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School.

We’ve watched young students there grow into strong and skilled instructors. Now, when we return, we’re welcomed as friends.

On July 1st, 2013, our school was officially recognised as the UK branch of the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School. The agreement was signed by Master Chen Ziqiang — Chief Instructor of the Chenjiagou School — and by us, David Gaffney and Davidine Sim, founders of Chenjiagou Taijiquan GB (CTGB). A few months later, in October, Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing presented us with a plaque to mark the occasion.

This recognition came after almost twenty years of building trust, respect, and shared training. It is a connection we are proud to honour and continue.