Chen Fake

Chen Fake or Ch'en Fa-k'e (陳發科; 1887–1957) was a Chinese martial artist par excellence and a dedicated teacher of his family art of Chen-style t'ai chi ch'uan. He was born and raised in Chen Family Village (Chenjiagou, 陳家溝) in Henan province. Through hard work and dedication, Chen earned a reputation as a martial artists like his father and grandfather before him. In 1928, Chen Fake moved to Beijing to teach his family’s inheritance. After defeating all challengers, Chen attracted a group of students that included many already well known martial artists. Chen Fake was a martial artist and not a scholar and so he did not leave a written record of his achievements. His life story was recorded and told by his sons or students, notably Hong Junsheng. By the time of his death in 1957, Chen had established a martial arts tradition of Chen-style t'ai chi ch'uan that is practiced around the world.

Real Kung Fu requires hard work (1887 – 1927)

Chen Fake (陳發科), courtesy name Fusheng (福生), was born in 1887, in the village known as Chen Jia Gou (陳家溝), Wen County (溫县), Henan Province (河南). This area was known for their martial arts expertise since the establishment of the village in 1374.