Renowned as the personal Tai Chi instructor of rock legend Lou Reed, and for teaching Hollywood stars like Hugh Jackman and Bette Midler, Master Ren Guangyi 任广义 has spent his life promoting the art of Tai Chi or Taijiquan.
After spending more than a decade under the direct guidance of Master Chen Xiaowang, the 19th generation standard bearer of the original Chen style Taijiquan, Master Ren has travelled the world spreading the love of authentic Tai Chi.
Renowned as the personal Tai Chi instructor of rock legend Lou Reed, and for teaching Hollywood stars like Hugh Jackman and Bette Midler, Master Ren Guangyi 任广义 has spent his life promoting the art of Tai Chi or Taijiquan.
After spending more than a decade under the direct guidance of Master Chen Xiao Wang, the 19th generation standard bearer of the original Chen style Taijiquan, Master Ren has travelled the world spreading the love of authentic Tai Chi.
Born in the town of Hei Long Jiang in Tongbei province, China, Ren Guangyi’s journey to becoming a Tai Chi master began at the tender age of 14. Under the guidance of Liu Yu Jun, a Shaolin disciple, Ren’s passion for martial arts was ignited. This early training would eventually lead him to Henan province at the age of 16, seeking to further his studies at the renowned Shaolin Temple.
Upon arriving in Henan, Ren’s life took an unexpected turn when his teacher recommended that he learn Tai Chi from the legendary master Chen Xiao Wang. Despite his initial hesitation, Ren’s perception of Tai Chi was forever changed when he witnessed Chen Xiao Wang’s awe-inspiring demonstration of the art’s explosive power and techniques. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Ren’s journey as Chen Xiao Wang’s disciple, a path that would shape his destiny.
Ren’s commitment to mastering Tai Chi led him to spend several months in Chen Jia Gou, the very village where the art originated. There, he immersed himself in his training, studying under Chen Xiao Wang’s younger brother, Chen Xiao Xing. Despite the challenging living conditions, Ren’s unwavering dedication allowed him to persevere and continue his studies under Chen Xiao Wang’s direct tutelage.
For the next ten years, Ren Guangyi devoted himself entirely to the practice of Tai Chi, training for an astonishing 6-14 hours every day. His life revolved around eating, sleeping, and practicing martial arts, a testament to his unbreakable focus and discipline. Ren’s unwavering commitment to his craft enabled him to overcome numerous obstacles and make remarkable progress in his mastery of Tai Chi.
Determined to prove his worth and gain recognition for his skills, Ren Guangyi embarked on a journey to the United States in 1991. There, he quickly made a name for himself by winning championships and captivating the martial arts community with his prowess. However, Ren’s ultimate dream remained: to win a prestigious title in his homeland and bring honor to his lineage.
In 1998, Ren returned to China to participate in the esteemed China Wenxian International Taijiquan event. There he faced the country’s elite Tai Chi practitioners and emerged victorious, cementing his status as a true master of the art and fulfilling his long-cherished dream.
Master Ren Guangyi’s extraordinary skills and profound understanding of Tai Chi have attracted a wide array of serious students, including several high-profile celebrities. Among his most notable pupils are the legendary rockstar Lou Reed, co-founder of the influential band The Velvet Underground, and Tony Visconti, the renowned music producer behind countless hit records.
Master Ren’s ability to inspire and guide individuals from all walks of life has earned him the well-deserved reputation as “the Tai Chi teacher to the stars.” His innovative approach to teaching has allowed him to bridge the gap between traditional Chinese martial arts and Western culture, as exemplified by his groundbreaking collaboration with Lou Reed. Master Ren traveled with the iconic musician on tour, seamlessly blending the ancient art of Tai Chi with modern music, creating a unique and captivating experience for audiences worldwide.
Master Ren’s ability to inspire and guide individuals from all walks of life has earned him the well-deserved reputation as “the Tai Chi teacher to the stars.” His innovative approach to teaching has allowed him to bridge the gap between traditional Chinese martial arts and Western culture, as exemplified by his groundbreaking collaboration with Lou Reed. Master Ren traveled with the iconic musician on tour, seamlessly blending the ancient art of Tai Chi with modern music, creating a unique and captivating experience for audiences worldwide.
Master Ren’s influence extends far beyond the realm of music. He has been a pioneering force in bringing Tai Chi to the global stage, showcasing his mastery at prestigious events such as the Turin Winter Olympics, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Sydney Opera House. His appearances on popular television programs, including NBC’s David Letterman Show and BBC’s Top of the Pops, and even developing a form called Compact Cannon Fist for Hugh Jackman in the movie, The Fountain, have further contributed to the widespread recognition and appreciation of Tai Chi.
Master Ren’s influence extends far beyond the realm of music. He has been a pioneering force in bringing Tai Chi to the global stage, showcasing his mastery at prestigious events such as the Turin Winter Olympics, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Sydney Opera House. His appearances on popular television programs, including NBC’s David Letterman Show and BBC’s Top of the Pops, and even developing a form called Compact Cannon Fist for Hugh Jackman in the movie, The Fountain, have further contributed to the widespread recognition and appreciation of Tai Chi.
The impact of Master Ren’s teachings is beautifully captured in the posthumous book The Art of the Straight Line: My Tai Chi, which documents his time training Lou Reed. This book serves as a testament to Master Ren’s ability to transform lives through the power of Tai Chi and highlights the deep, meaningful connections he forges with his students.
The impact of Master Ren’s teachings is beautifully captured in the posthumous book The Art of the Straight Line: My Tai Chi, which documents his time training Lou Reed. This book serves as a testament to Master Ren’s ability to transform lives through the power of Tai Chi and highlights the deep, meaningful connections he forges with his students.
Today, Master Ren Guangyi stands as a beacon of inspiration, sharing his profound knowledge and expertise with dedicated students around the globe.
Master Ren’s contributions to the martial arts community have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his “Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community,” and the Lifetime Achievement award by Kungfu Tai Chi Magazine at the Tiger Claw Elite Championship.
Today, Master Ren Guangyi stands as a beacon of inspiration, sharing his profound knowledge and expertise with dedicated students around the globe.
Master Ren’s contributions to the martial arts community have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his “Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community,” and the Lifetime Achievement award by Kungfu Tai Chi Magazine at the Tiger Claw Elite Championship
Through his classes, seminars, and worldwide demonstrations, Master Ren Guangyi continues to spread the art of Tai Chi, inspiring countless individuals to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. His unwavering dedication, mastery, and passion for Tai Chi have firmly established him as a living legend in the world of martial arts.
