Chen Youben (陳有本; 1780–1858) was a 14th-generation descendant and 6th-generation master of the famed Chen family and is considered to be an influential martial artist and teacher of Chen-style tai chi.
Chen Youben was the main teacher of Chen Qingping (1795-1868) and taught Chen Youlun, Chen Fengzhang, Chen Sande, Chen Tingdong, and his late, older brother’s sons, Chen Zhongshen (1809-1891) and Chen Jishen (b. 1809).[1] He also helped prepare Chen Gengyun to have sufficient martial skills to travel with Chen Changxing’s, his father's caravan escort service.[2]
Chen Youben is credited by some with the creation of what Chen Ziming (1932) called the "xinjia" (new frame) as opposed to the "laojia" (old frame) referring to the traditional, seven-form system of Chen Wanting.[1] This "new frame" is now equated with the "Xiaojia" (small frame) within the modern Chen Family routines.
Additionally, a tai chi evolution theory points to Chen Gengyun who learned enlarged movements and emphasized explosive power (Bao Fa Li) in order to be prepared to accompany Chen Changxing's caravan escort service.[2] If the theory is correct, as Gengyun's teacher, Chen Youben was also the creator of the "Dajia" (Large Frame) within the modern Chen Family routines.
This lineage tree is not comprehensive, but depicts those considered the 'gate-keepers' & most recognised individuals in each generation of Chen-style.
Although many styles were passed down to respective descendants of the same family, the lineage focused on is that of the Chen style & not necessarily that of the family.
Names denoted by an asterisk are legendary or semi-legendary figures in the lineage; while their involvement in the lineage is accepted by most of the major schools, it is not independently verifiable from known historical records.
