Chen Bing Taiji Academy

This is the most authentic Taiji (Tai Chi) I have found, and I have checked out a lot of martial art schools in the LA area (over 40). In fact, when I first came to check out the school I wasn’t really thinking about signing up, just wanted to see what kind of Chen style Taiji there was out there. When it comes to martial art schools, I am a real skeptic.
I have been studying martial arts off and on since I was 6, but after one class, my legs were shaking, I was sweating, and I wasn’t sure I could go on. And I hadn’t done much but stand in one place and be adjusted by the teacher. Needless to say, this intrigued me. Funny enough, the following day, my legs were not sore at all. Nor the day after that.
In my opinion, the three most important things to look into when deciding to start training at a martial art school is whether the style is right for you, the lineage is genuine, and the teacher and other students are right for you.
I was looking for a practice that would help invigorate me and support healing rather than deplete me, so Chen style worked for me.
Secondly, the lineage of this school is as legitimate as you will find in Los Angeles. The teacher, Laoshi Bosco Baek, learned directly from Chen Bing, 20^th generation representative of the Chen family. I am not one for teacher worship, but the lineage was legitimate in my view.
The most important, is the teacher and school environment. Laoshi Bosco is very patient, and thorough. He clearly has studied this to the level of mastery for himself, and is supportive without watering down the essence of his teachings. He teaches individually in a group setting, so your needs are met and your progress is at your pace. His adjustments make the difference between doing a posture externally, and feeling it internally. It’s pretty cool to experience actually.
He speaks English, Korean and Mandarin (which he learned so that he could learn Taiji). He is both a martial artist and a scholar, and his understanding of the body is pretty amazing. Many martial art students idealize their teachers, but let me assure you, this is not that. The man is quietly living his truth, to the highest level, and it permeates in his Taiji, his students, and the community around him.
The other students of the school are welcoming and supportive. With very little ego and competition, it is a great environment to learn and practice in. As a new student, you will first learn the basics from student-​teachers, as is traditional in many Chinese martial art systems. Each of the teachers have a great understanding of the basics, and are able to guide you through those first couple months to solidify the foundation of the practice.
On a side note, I ultimately decided to join the school due to some health issues, and I have seen a drastic improvement in my overall health and well being. I have seen many students walk in the door moving stiffly either due to age or illness, who become noticeably healthier after continued practice. This is not a magic pill however. It takes hard work and dedication, and for that reason, it seems it is not for most people. I was looking for a practice that would let me physically practice the healing I was intending within me, and this fit the bill beyond what I could have hoped for. Lest the description of leg pain scare you, know that it does get better after consistent practice.
This is authentic Chen village Taiji, offered openly to anyone who is willing to consistently practice, without added BS or gimmicks. If you are looking for real Taiji, whether for health or martial reasons, this is a great place to check out.

A greedy place w little etiquette. They are unwelcoming and care little for others. Paid $ 70 for a 4hr workshop and the information was not anywhere more significant than what you would get for free in a park in Chinatown. Their superior attitude and over charged price with their mean attitude is a no no for me or anyone caring for a genuine learning exp

Bosco is so good and rare, I felt compelled to create a Unilocal account just so I could write a review.
If you want to learn the real taijiquan, this guy is the man. It is extremely rare to find someone in the states that not only knows the original chen style taijiquan (not the modern wushu style) but also someone who legitmately learned from a chen family member at chenjiagou as a disciple.
Bosco will teach you everything from standing meditation (zhan zhuang), using your dantian, silk reeling, forms, push hands, and applications. Most importantly he puts his heart and soul into the art and his students. He will take the time and effort to correct your movements.
Coming from a wushu background, I will say that Bosco’s classes are not a joke. It is defintely not a taiji class for some relaxing exercise. This is real «gong fu». Your legs will die, but you will feel healthier and stronger after every class.
This class is only for people who really want to learn and take the martial art seriously.

Chen Bing Taiji Academy, Los Angeles, is the only west coast school that I know of that represents the Chen Jai Gou (Chen Village) system. Master Baek is also one of the very few martial artists with «real gongfu» (as opposed to «Newtonian Physics» martial arts)
As a teacher, Baek Laoshi (teacher) is one of the most detail-​oriented and methodical teachers I’ve met in Asia or US. His classes will challenge even the most athletic sportsman, while at the same time benefit the most feeble beginner, no matter the age. Baek Laoshi is extremely attentive and polite. When your legs are burning and you don’t think you can hold the posture anymore, he will gently say «Try not to move, please,» while correcting you. And you will get a renewed sense of focus to try and not disappoint a teacher who is clearly trying to impart real skill to you.
Baek Laoshi’s class is no joke in every sense of the word. I have seen tough guys that come in boasting their X number of years studying with Y teacher, only to give up after one class and slink away, panting and covered in sweat, because they can’t even handle the most basic high stance after slight correction. I have also seen 70 year old women who, despite obvious physical impediment (and also covered in sweat), sustain and persevere through many classes.
Why do they do it? Clearly there’s a health benefit, a side effect to the martial prowess that any dedicated student will develop. I brought my parents to learn alongside, and my dad’s decades of insomnia disappeared the same night.
One of my favorite part of the class is when Baek Teacher talks about how nobody will teach the old school way anymore. «Who wants to teach like this? Nobody. Who wants to put in the effort to learn real gongfu? Very few.» And he is correct.
I’m from out of state. After about 3 weeks of classes throughout two years, I have accelerated my own taijiquan development. And this is in part due to Baek Laoshi’s focus on my fundamentals in standing post and silk reeling.
This class will strengthen your body and train your willpower. Let me give you one example of the benefits you will reap. Physically, (among other things) your hip joints will become resilient and strong, which is perfect for older folks trying to avoid disease and injury. Hip joint power is also perfect for warrior wannabes looking to throw down. Mentally, the heat and energy circulation will renew your focus and vigor. Baek Laoshi will make sure this happens.
Last advice: Do not ask Baek Laoshi «Why my legs hurt?» He will answer all questions except that one.

If you want real authentic Taiji training then this is the only place to go. It is not easy, your legs will burn, but the benefit is just amazing. Bosco is the main disciple of Master Chen Bing who is ridiculously good and the Chen Village lineage holder. He offers complete training including push hands, cannonfist, weapons, fighting applications, everything. He teaches to the same standard as Chen Village with constant hands on correction and theory teaching as well. Look on youtube if you have any questions. It just doesn’t get any better than this.

This academy is probably the one that only exists in the states. Master Baek’s instruction is authentic as same as Chen Village. I have understood the real Taijiquan must have hardness and fastness including slowness and softness.
If you are looking for real Tai Chi practice, this is the school you have to go attend.
I have done modern and health Tai Chi, but this school is different totally.
Master Bosco Baek’s Cannon Fist is fantastic to watch so is his push-​hands.