Chen studied under two experts of the eighteenth generation of Chen-style tai chi, Hong Junsheng and Feng Zhiqiang (冯志强, 1928–2012).

[1] In 1985, Chen and his family emigrated to Canada, where he began to promote Hong's version of Chen-style tai chi to a western audience.

Chen sought training from several local martial arts masters and delved into various traditional styles, including Tongbeiquan, Bajiquan and Chaquan.

[8] After completing his degree, Chen became a Social Studies teacher within the Canadian secondary school system in Edmonton, Alberta where he continued to teach tai chi on a part-time basis.

During this period, Chen combined his exposure to the Western interpretation of taijiquan[9] with his training under Hong Junsheng to develop his own martial arts ideas.

[10] To ensure his own continued training and to foster connections with his teacher and fellow tai chi practitioners, he regularly returned to China with his new students.

[14] Three years later, in 2005, it was collectively agreed upon within the group that Joseph Chen would serve as the ‘International Standard Bearer’ responsible for all activities related to the Practical Method outside of China.

[17] In addition to his written contributions, Chen has produced a comprehensive series of instructional DVDs[18] that introduce the fundamental principles of the Practical Method in Chen-style tai chi.

[23] Moreover, his ideas and teachings have reached Europe, where he has delivered seminars and workshops in Austria, England, Germany,[24] Ireland, Italy [25] Netherlands, and Prague, Czechoslovakia.

[26] Chen's impact has also been felt in regions like Australia,[27] Brazil,[28] China, India, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong [29] and Singapore,[30] where he has disciples dedicated to the Practical Method.

This school serves as a training hub where tai chi enthusiasts from China and around the world can engage in full-time instruction with Chen and other disciples of Hong, delving into all aspects of the Practical Method.