After successfully defeating numerous challengers, Chen garnered a following of students, including several renowned martial artists.

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.

– ), worked as an armed escort, which necessitated his mastery of martial arts as he traveled across the country protecting convoys.

Since this assignment required Chen Yanxi to be away for an extended period, he entrusted the care of his family to relatives.

One evening, Chen Fake overheard his relatives criticizing his weakness and suggesting that he had failed to live up to the expectations of his ancestors.

[2][3] At this time Chen Fake moved from a small village in Henan Province to the thriving metropolis of Beijing.

Chen Fake showed a different type of training that at times can include fast vigorous actions and explosive moves.

So in the beginning, many within the Beijing martial arts community doubt the authenticity of Chen Fake's tai chi.

Chen not only established an unparalleled martial arts reputation but earned the public's respect for his morality and integrity.

[citation needed] According to his student, Hong Junsheng, Chen Fake never criticized other martial artists either publicly or privately.

Chen was quoted as saying: “The pillar of socialization is loyalty and the method of dealing with people should be based on modesty and cooperation.

Each subsequent instructor after Chen Fake may present and teach the forms with slight differences, leading to debates regarding their authenticity.

Everything was carefully designed for a purpose.”[b] Hong believed that this principle could be derived from “The Tai Chi Treatise” (太极拳论) by Wang Zongyue (王宗岳).

Despite the challenges posed by the Cultural Revolution and the subsequent global spread of the art, this select group, along with their own students, has steadfastly adhered to their master's teachings.

Their unwavering dedication has laid a solid foundation for a thriving and sustainable Chen-style tai chi community, which can now be found across the world.

[36] As depicted in the tree, Gengyun shared the same generation as other tai chi practitioners, including Yang Luchan and Chen Qingping.