Chen Fake

Life and work

The story behind the role.

Chinese martial artist.

Chen Fake (Chinese: 陳發科; Wade–Giles: Ch'en Fa-k'e; 1887–1957), courtesy name Chen Fusheng (福生), was a Chinese martial artist who taught Chen-style tai chi. He was born and raised in Chen Family Village (Chenjiagou, 陳家溝) in Henan province. In 1928, Chen Fake relocated to Beijing to teach his family's heritage, Chen-style tai chi. After successfully defeating numerous challengers, Chen garnered a following of students, including several renowned martial artists. As a martial artist rather than a scholar, Chen Fake did not leave behind a written record of his accomplishments. His life story was recounted and preserved by his sons and students, most notably Hong Junsheng. By the time of his death in 1957, Chen had firmly established the global practice of Chen-style tai chi, creating a martial arts tradition that continues to thrive.

Encyclopaedic excerpts from Chen Fake; shortened for length and available under CC BY-SA 4.0.