ABOUT THE FOUNDER

In October 2026, Ovanes Budakyan participated in the first intensive instructor training and certification programme held at Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang's school in Chenjiagou, China.

The programme was designed to prepare instructors to study, preserve and pass on Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang's traditional teaching method in countries around the world.

The training covered the fundamental principles of Chen Style Taijiquan (陈式太极拳), including body structure, internal strength, Chan Si Gong (Silk Reeling Exercises), qigong, fajin (issuing power) and the correct integration of movements throughout the body.

During the programme, he received direct instruction and practical corrections from Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang.

After successfully completing the training, he received a certificate confirming his participation in and completion of the instructor training programme. On 5 October 2026, he also underwent and passed an individual assessment in Chen Style Taijiquan before Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang, documented by a separate certificate.

This represents an important milestone in his longstanding journey of studying and teaching this traditional art, as well as a responsibility to preserve and pass on its principles correctly. 

Read more about the training in Chenjiagou → 

One of the most significant moments in my journey in traditional Chen Style Taijiquan came in 2006, when I had my first opportunity to study with Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang (陈小旺), a 19th-generation member of the Chen family.

Experiencing his teaching deepened my interest in the principles of traditional Chen Style Taijiquan and helped me look beyond the external form of the movements.

Over the following years, I continued attending his seminars in Bulgaria and abroad. Alongside group training, I also had numerous opportunities to receive private lessons and direct instruction from Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang.

These individual sessions were particularly valuable to me. His personal corrections and the opportunity to work directly with him helped me develop a deeper understanding of body structure, movement originating from the centre, and the internal principles of traditional Chen Style Taijiquan.

One of my most recent private lessons took place in July 2026 in London, just a few months before my training in Chenjiagou, China.

Twenty years after our first meeting, my journey brought me to his school in Chenjiagou, China. 

For me, this is a reminder that traditional Taijiquan is not knowledge that can be acquired once and for all. It is developed and deepened through years of consistent practice, guidance and refinement.

Master Chen Yingjun (陈英俊)

An important part of my development in traditional Chen Style Taijiquan has been my training with Master Chen Yingjun, the son of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang and a member of the Chen family.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to attend his seminars in Europe, as well as to receive private lessons and direct corrections to my own practice.

These individual sessions have been particularly valuable to me, allowing for more detailed work on correct body structure, precision of movement and a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of Chen Style Taijiquan.

This training has contributed to the continued refinement of my practice and my understanding of the traditional teaching method.

Master Chen Ziqiang (陈自强)

Another important part of my training in traditional Chen Style Taijiquan has been attending seminars with Master Chen Ziqiang (陈自强), a member of the Chen family and one of the teachers who have contributed to the development of my practice.

In 2016, in London, I had the opportunity to study with him and receive direct practical corrections.

I particularly value his approach to the practical application of Taijiquan principles, correct body structure and the relationship between movement, balance and internal strength.

These training sessions helped me deepen my understanding of the martial aspects of traditional Chen Style Taijiquan.

Grandmaster Chen Bing (陈炳)

An important part of my development in traditional Chen Style Taijiquan has been my training with Grandmaster Chen Bing (陈炳), a member of the Chen family and a respected teacher of this traditional martial art.

In 2023, 2024 and 2026, I had the opportunity to attend three of his seminars, during which I deepened my knowledge of the traditional forms, body structure and principles of movement.

Particularly significant to me are the three examinations I successfully passed in traditional Chen Style Taijiquan forms:

• Laojia Yilu (老架一路) – Old Frame, First Routine.
• Laojia Erlu (老架二路) – Old Frame, Second Routine.
• Xinjia Yilu (新架一路) – New Frame, First Routine.

The examination results are recorded in my personal training and assessment booklet, bearing the signature of Grandmaster Chen Bing.

During the seminar in September 2026, I also received valuable individual corrections to my practice, which contributed to a deeper understanding of the traditional method.

For me, these training experiences and assessments form an important part of the ongoing process of studying, refining and correctly passing on Chen Style Taijiquan.

Master Jan Silberstorff

Training and attending seminars with Master Jan Silberstorff have also played an important role in my development in traditional Chen Style Taijiquan. He is a long-standing student of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang and one of the established teachers of traditional Chen Style Taijiquan in Europe.

During his seminars, I had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the principles of movement, correct body structure and the relationship between external movement and internal strength.

I particularly value his approach to teaching – his ability to explain the complex principles of Taijiquan clearly, systematically and with careful attention to their practical application.

Training with him has contributed not only to the development of my own practice, but also to the way I approach explaining and passing on the traditional principles of Taijiquan to my students.