Contributors to James Cravens

Many people contributed to my development in the martial arts from 12 years old to 70 years old now in 2023. The list would be quite long and I have done some of these list in my books and other places. Everyone is a product of all of their experiences and I am very thankful for all great people that I have met and interacted with through the years.

I have put some of the teachers that have had a significant influence on my thinking. The mind and how it sees the big picture is crucial.

Mr. Casey is the main contributor through James Cravens to CBII, in particular the Chinese Boxing Synthesis philosophy. This relates primarily to the martial studies in CBII. Mr. Casey taught a focus on boxing principles while respecting the individual arts as taught to him by several teachers primarily in Taiwan. The mind technique of Mr. Casey was his strength as his art was very practical. If ever there is such a thing as "smart boxing", Mr. Casey would undoubtedly be a contributor. He died early and his thinking is surely missed by all of us at CBII.

Dr. Tao Ping Siang taught Mr. Casey for many years. Mr. Casey died in 1986, and Mr. Cravens was able to begin hosting Master Tao in Florida and at other locations starting in 1990. Joe Rea Phillips, a CBII instructor, also hosted Master Tao in Nashville for several years. CBII also derived many things about Master Tao's technique through Nathan Menaged, Master Tao's senior student of Water Boxing and Taijiquan. Nathan gave himself to come with Master Tao and help us in the seminars on several occasions.

Yan Gaofei began teaching Mr. Cravens Chen Taiji in 1995. He brought his master Chen Quanzhong from Xian, China, over to the states on three occasions. He would stay for a month and teach privately and seminars. Master Chen is a 19th generation master of Chen Taiji. Master Chen is known for his older Large Frame Chen Taiji. Now in his 90’s he certainly represents the health benefits of studying Tai Chi.

Chen Xiaowang is a 19th-generation Master of Chen Taiji and is probably the best well know Chen Master who spreads the art internationally. Mr. Cravens began hosting him in 2003. In 2006 Master Chen took Mr. Cravens as an indoor student and others at a Chen Village ceremony. We have a particular area on our site with more on Chen Xiaowang.

Chen Xiaoxing is the brother of Chen Xiaowang and CBII hosted him for the first time in the US this year (2007). We list him as a contributor as he continued the teaching and message that his brother does twice a year for CBII. He continues to run the school in Chen Village.

Chen Bing is the nephew of Chen Xiaowang and Chen Xiaoxing. He was trained by both of these men and is a rising star in the 20th Generation Chen Family Style Taiji Chuan. He travels worldwide and has been coming to South Florida since 2008. CBII hosted him in Atlanta and Chattanooga in 2010 as well.