Zhao Zhu Ji / Chiu Chuk Kai / Chiu Mon Sui /Chao Chu Chi / Chou Chu Hsi / Chiu Tsu Tse.

Nicknamed Bamboo Creek.
Born in Loo Wan Village, Sha Ho Town, Yick County, Shantung Province in 1900. Shifu Chiu Chuk Kai started his martial art training in a Buddhist temple in Shantung at the age of 10, studying Tai Zu Quan (Great ancestor Boxing). After his master died he came across the training sessions of the Tai Ji Tang Lang masters shifu Yam Fung Sui and his gong fu brother shifu Chi Shou Jin who ran a security Service. Having no money to afford lessons shifu Chiu Chuk Kai would watch the training class daily in all kinds of weather never missing a day. After a while the two masters noticed him and invited him to join the class. After explaining he was unable to pay, the masters who were so impressed with his dedication offered to instruct him anyway. Shifu Chiu Chuk Kai grateful for the opportunity said that he would work for the Service as a guard in exchange for his classes where he worked, studied and lived for around seven years until he was 18. His job was to help guard gold shipments against the bandits in his native Shantung during the 1920's. During this time 100 bandits ambushed shifu Chiu Chuk Kai caravan and he encountered one of the most notorious bandits of the time. After a fierce battle, which almost became a draw shifu Chiu Chuk Kai killed the bandit. Thereby gaining a wide spread reputation a great fighter, and became known by the nickname of Chuk Kai, which means Bamboo Creek (the place the famous battle took place). In the '30s shifu Chiu Chuk Kai started his own business with three partners exporting silk to Guang Zhou. Therefore, he left Shantung province and he moved to the south of China where he kept teaching his boxing style. Shifu Chiu Chuk Kai set up schools in Macao and Guang Zhou until World War II. After the World War II shifu Chiu Chuk Kai moved to Vietnam (first to North Vietnam and later to South Vietnam). He introduced the Tai Ji Tang Lang Quan style to military officers in South Vietnam, where he sent one of his personally taught students to be the bodyguard for the South Vietnamese President. While teaching in Vietnam in the 50's shifu Chiu Chuk Kai had over 60.000 students distributed in 32 schools. American soldiers learned most of the Tai Ji Tang Lang presently seen in the US in these schools during the Vietnam War. Shifu Chiu Chuk Kai lived in Vietnam (Saigon and Choloon) more than 20 years. There are some rumors spread in the USA that mention that shifu Chiu Chuk Kai and shifu Li Kun Shan (Hua Lin Tang Lang Quan) met in Vietnam and were good friends. This is incorrect because shifu Chiu Chuk Kai moved to Saigon (Vietnam) from Macau after 1945 and could not meet shifu Li Kun Shan in Vietnam because the later had already left Vietnam long time ago (early '30s). In the late 60's shifu Chiu Chuk Kai moved to Hong Kong. When living in Hong Kong, shifu Chiu Chuk Kai remained active even in his later years teaching Tai Ji Tang Lang Quan. Shifu Chiu Chuk Kai used to live in Hong Kong in the apartment flat above his Tai Ji Tang Lang School with his daughter Zhao Han Ping and his grandson Stephen Tsang (an acupuncturist currently living in Canada). One of the things that is not listed in any of shifu Chiu Chuk Kai's bios is that he was also a brilliant acupuncturist and healer. Shifu Chiu Chuk Kai developed his own brand of massage oil and herbal plaster; and he run a clinic practicing acupuncture, acupressure and bone/joint adjustment side by side in his martial art school. His grandson Stephen Tsang still teaches some of shifu Chiu Chuk Kai techniques to his acupressure students in Canada. Shifu Chiu Chuk Kai passed away in 1991 at the age of 91.

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Grandmaster Liang Kam Yuen

Student of Seven Star - Qi Xing Tang Lang under shifu Chen Zhen Yi in Hong Kong and Tai Ji Tang Lang under shifu Chi Chuk Kai in Hong Kong. The youngest of eight brothers and sisters, shifu Liang Kam Yuen was born in Hong Kong, where he spent his formative years. Shifu Liang Kam Yuen moved to the USA with his parents and furthered his studies under shifu Mon Wong in New York. Over the years he returned to refine his style with help from his teacher in Hong Kong. Liang Kam Yuen studied the Northern Shaolin from Shifu Wong Jack Man in San Francisco. Learning the Hsing Yi and Baguazhang arts too from Shifu Wong Jack Man. After receiving his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1965, he moved to the San Francisco area. It was while he was employed at Lockheed Aircraft near San Jose that he opened his first kung fu guan with a friend, shifu Paul Eng. In 1969, after a brief stay in Los Angeles, shifu Liang Kam Yuen visited Hong Kong to further his study in the Tai Ji Tang Lang style of gong fu under shifu Chi Chuk Kai. Shifu Liang Kam Yuen trained day and night for several months, then returned to the United States, hoping to share his newly acquired knowledge with other gong fu practitioners. Settling back in Los Angeles, he held numerous classes at local YMCAs, the Chinatown Recreation Hall, UCLA, USC, Cal State. Shifu Liang Kam Yuen was founder of the "Shaolin West Healing Center" and co-founder of the "Tai Mantis Kung Fu Assoc". Shifu Liang Kam Yuen has been instructor of David Carradine, Jackson Five and some other celebrities. Early in 1972, shifu Liang Kam Yuen was called by Warner Brothers Studio to act in the ABC Kung-Fu series. Shifu Liang Kam Yuen was the man chosen to be David Carradine's double in the famous "Kung-Fu" television series.
Shifu Liang Kam Yuen currently lives in Canoga Park, California (USA), he trains in the martial arts and travels extensively teaching Chinese Energetic Medicine.
If interested in learning Chinese Energetic Healing please contact Dr. Kam Yuen.

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Lo Kwan Yu / Law Kwong Yuk / Lo Gwohng Yuhk / Lo Kwang Yo / Lo Kwon Yuk / Low Kwan Yu

Born in Penglai county (Shantung Province) in 1888, shifu Lo Kwon Yuk started training under shifu Fan Xu Dong around 1908. Shifu Lo Kwon Yuk used to make and repair shoes for a living. The Shang Hai Central Jing Wu Sports Association wanted shifu Fan Xu Dong as instructor because of all the endearing stories of how he was trouncing all comers. Shifu Fan Xu Dong turned down the offer, partially due to the fact that he was by this time in his eighties. Instead he sent shifu Lo Kwon Yuk in his place, which arrived to Shang Hai (Jian Su Province) in 1919. Shifu Lo then had to beat the sort out of a lot of people in order to gain the same or at least comparable respect to his master. For example, in 1919 he won the Grand Championship in a fighting competition held in Shanghai. It is said to have practiced every form in the praying mantis system daily, shifu Lo's skill level in praying mantis was developed to a high degree. He taught for ten years within the Shang Hai Jing Wu Association, and Lo's reputation was further enhanced when one of his students (Ma Cheng Xin) won in 1929 a fighting in Nanjing. Because of his fighting ability, shifu Lo Kwon Yuk was called one of the three "Three major boxers of Jing Wu" (Shang Hai) and he became one of the "Four Super Lords" of the Jing Wu Association (in Hong Kong). Around the early 1930's, shifu Lo was requested by the Hong Kong Jing Wu Association to come to Hong Kong and teach, and from then on Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung fu was then propagated to other parts of China besides Shan Dong Province. He was also the Chief Instructor of the Executive Committee of the Man Keung Athletic Association set up by his students in Hong Kong. After which he returned to Shan Dong Province. Shifu Lo had six children, 4 sons and 2 daughters and he mentioned that none of them have involvement with martial arts. However, according to shifu Zhao Zhi Min, shifu Lo Kwon Yuk had 5 sons and 1 daughter and one of his sons learned the mantis system, but he never took interest in teaching and did not follow in his father's footsteps. Shifu Lo Kwon Yuk's favorite fist set was Tang Lang Tou Tao (Praying Mantis Steals the Peach). This a hand set that is performed with quickness, and is excellent for developing fighting skills. Shifu Lo was also known for his ability with iron palm, and would only spar with his student using defensive actions. He feared his iron palm ability might accidentally injure someone. Northern praying mantis kung fu, as taught by shifu Lo Kwon Yuk, is made up of the following branches of praying mantis: Qi Xing (Seven Star style), Mei Hua (Plum Flower style), Guang Bang (Shinny Board style) Chang Chuan (Long Fist style), and Fan Che (Chariot style). The style, as Lo Kwon Yuk taught it, is made up of 50% Qi Xing (Seven Star style), 30% Mei Hua (Plum Flower style), and 20% Guang Bang (Shinny Board style). The Shiny Board branch is the root of both the Long fist and Chariot branches. Each form teaches a different aspect and offers a different perspective to the Northern Praying Mantis System. Forms from each branch of praying mantis were adopted into the northern praying mantis system as taught by Lo Kwon Yuk. Each form teaches a somewhat different aspect of northern praying mantis. If we compare the PRC forms against shifu Lo ones, part of the reasoning why shifu Lo changed the Mantis he was taught, may have been to make it more functional, more adaptable to actual combat and to combat against more current fighting systems that existed at that point in time. Shifu Fan Xu Dong was a big guy and did not depend upon lightening quick movements but rather upon the overwhelming strength he had in comparison to many of his opponents. Shifu Lo shortened the movements, raised the stances and made the forms match more of his personal fighting style. Other opinions say that shifu Lo Kwon Yuk changed his Northern Praying Mantis because the other teachers at the Jing Wu Association influenced him. In fact, even today the Jing Wu form Gong Li Quan is taught as a basic mantis set in many schools and in some of the fist forms you will find some eagle claw techniques what would prove there was some cross training done while shifu Lo Kwon Yuk was at Jing Wu. Additionally, other Jing Wu forms were adopted and added a mantis flavor, but the exact number of additions remains in debate. Not many people know that shifu Lo was partially crippled in one leg and he did not favor low stances. Amongst his gong fu brothers he was not known as a forms man, rather he is regarded as a sanda specialist. Some masters claim this is the justification of the changes. But for whatever reason, it is acknowledged that shifu Lo did install some changes to the Mantis he had been taught. Shifu Lo Kwon Yuk is arguably the most well known master in the Qi Xing Tang Lang history, the major reason he is so famous is because of his role in the Jing Wu association and the southern dissemination, and from there onto the rest of the world, of Tang Lang Quan. In 1944, shifu Lo Kwon Yuk was going back to his home county in China to retire (with his two sons). While in this trip to Peng Lai he got sick and passed away being 56 years old.

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Chun Chun Yee / Chan Yin Yee

Chen Zhen Yi began his studies under Luo Guang Yu in Shanghai at the Jing Wu school. Chen graduated under Luo in Shanghai and became Luo's room-mate for many years. He moved to the south with Luo and helped him set up his Kowloon school. Chen Zhenyi was actually the first person to teach such people as Huang Han Xun (Wong Hon Fun) and Zhao Zhi Ming (Chiu Chi Man). This makes Chen Zhen Yi the senior brother to all of Luo's students from the south. This places Chen as a Luo Guang Yu's senior disciple.
Chen set up a small class in Kowloon and taught Seven Stars Praying Mantis in an old-fashioned way. He was frequented by his Shifu, Luo Guang Yu, until Luo moved back to Shangdong.
Also, people from Chen's lineage still practice sets that were not taught to later students of Luo -- including a Spring and Autumn Kwan Dao form not known to other branches of Seven Stars (different from the Da Kwan Dao set).
There is little difference between Chen Zhen Yi's students and Huang Han Xun's in the way of forms. For example, forms like Beng Bu, Shi Ba Sou, Cha Chui, Bai Yuan Tou Tao, and others appear to be nearly identical except for the pacing of the forms. Huang Han Xun's forms phase each movement very distinctly in each expression of Jing where it seems that Chun Chin Yee's students do not space them quite as far apart.

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Lee Kam Wing was born in Hong Kong, in 1947 and his father Lee Chau was a practitioner of the Pak Mei style of Kung Fu. As a young child he would often watch his father practise with his Kung fu brothers but being a merchant he never taught the art of Pak Mei and only practised for his own health and self defence benefits. Lee Kam Wing was introduced to master Zhao Zhi Min by his maternal uncle while he was fifteen years old. He had spend ten years for learning the Seven-Star Mantis Style from Zhao Zhi Min. In 1972, Lee was encouraged by Master Zhao Zhi Min to set up his own Martial Art Association in Hong Kong in order to enhance and glorify The Seven-Star Mantis Style all over the world, Master Zhao Zhi Min also passed 4 sets of the Seven-Star Mantis Style practicing series and the practical medical prescription for treatment in osteopathy to Lee as a close door disciple. Lee Kam Wing is now giving lessons of the Seven-Star Mantis Style to his students in Hong Kong and giving treatment in osteopathy for wounded people. With a View to achieve an advanced medical experience in Chinese osteopathy, he had been completed a Chinese medical course in Acupuncture at the Zhaoqing Medical School in Zhaoqing City in China, and also, he had been finished an advanced course in studying the Chinese osteopathy from Doctor Ng Chung Lung who is a graduate from the most famous Fat Shan Orthopaedics Hospital in Fat Shan City in China. Beside Master Lee is a sincere Buddhist. Since 1981, he had been studying the Buddhism under Master Kwong who is now the principle of the Hong Kong Buddhism Association. In November 1985, Master Lee Kam Wing was invited as an instructor of the Hong Kong Ching Wu Athletic Association for giving lessons on Seven-Star Mantis Style. In 1999, while visiting the USA shifu Lee Kam Wing produced three instructional video tapes: * Dai Fan Che (Big Tumbling Chariot), Beng Bu (Crush Step) and Tao Hua San (Peach Flower Umbrella).

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Brendan Lai / Lai Dat Chung (c) / Lai Tat Chong (c) / Li Da Chong
Shifu Brendan Lai learned at Grandmaster Wong Hon Fun or Huang Han Xun own school (not through the Ching Mo).
Shifu Brendan Lai was certified by shifu Wong Hon Fun while the latter was still alive. He received the following two items :
1. A graduation certificate from shifu Wong Hon Fun school
2. A calligraphy scroll handwritten by shifu Wong Hon Fun.
Shifu Lai moved to the USA in the early 60's and is considered to many to be one of the most knowledgeable praying mantis instructors in North America.
Residing in San Francisco, California (USA), shifu Brendan Lai owns a martial arts supply shop and holds instructional seminars around the country on praying mantis and it's applications. Shifu Brendan Lai was named "1984 Kung Fu Artist of the Year" by the American Magazine "Black Belt".

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Grandmaster Wong Jack Man came over from China to advance the skillls from the Jing Wu school's. He was appointed to spread the Jing Wu theroy to the United States. He was the first to give this position to come and teach here in the States. Grandmaster Wong teaches advanced instruction in the arts of Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing-I Chuan, and Northern Shaolin. He has taught many well-known martial artists. All of his students have the highest regard for his abilities. Grandmaster Wong is a true martial arts master, and his skill is legendary. He has dedicated his life to the teaching of Chinese martial arts and has taught all people regardless of their race, creed, or color.
Shifu Wong Jack Man was the teacher that received the fame for fighting with Bruce Lee. This fight was a close door event that changed and keeps the traditional ways of martial arts code. This fight went down in history for such a great fighter shifu Wong Jack Man was. The Chinese community gave total respect to shifu Wong.

Many of his students have martial arts schools of their own. They are highly regarded as good teachers of Shaolin. Some of them have gotten to be very famous from the skills of shifu Wong Jack Man. He encompass the whole arts of internal and external martial arts.

Grandmaster Wong himself teaches a great variety of forms, which cover a wide spectrum in the Chinese martial arts, such as the Northern Shaolin system from Hunan China. Yang Style Tai Chi Two Man Sparring Set, Pushing Hands, Two Man Tan Tui, Hsing-I Eagle Bear Sparring Set, various weapons.

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Grandmaster Ku Yu Cheung is widely regarded as one of the most famous and accomplished masters of the late 20th century, he was especially famous for his iron palm/iron body mastery.
Aside from learning Henan Shaolin Temple kung fu , Ku Yu Cheung also learned the Moslem Tan Tui (springing thigh line forms), as well as Cha Kuen, Wah Kuen, Fa Kuen, and Pao Kuen Northern systems. He eventually combined his knowledge of these systems to create the ten empty hand forms that make up the core curriculum of his Northern Shaolin style. These forms are Shaolin 1 - 10 the bak sil lum fist or Young Forrest monastery style.

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Of the multitude of martial arts authorities in Southern California was Grandmaster Ark Yuey Wong. Had Kung Fu schools since 1921 in the States. He was born in the large village of Toysun Tien Sum Chien, Canton, China, in the year 1900 into a moderately wealthy family. Early on he was exposed to the ancient fighting arts for reasons not unlike those, which have lured many Americans to the martial arts; as need to defend one from articulated or actual threats of harm. A younger jealous brother in order to weaken the older man and obtain his wealth attacked his great-grandfather. Upon recovering from the attack, the old man required all his male descendants were obligated, by degree of their great-grandfather, to learn Kung Fu when they started school at the age of seven. It was at the age that Ark Wong began his training. His first Shifu was the well-respected master, Lam Ark Fun. Master Lam was rather old at this time but still highly revered as a great teacher of the art. At the age of twelve, Ark Wong was taught the art of Chinese Herbal Medicine a skill that he would employ extensively later in life from Master Lam. Ark Wong studied under another well-respected master, Ho Ark Yeng from whom he learned Mawk Gar Kung Fu. Both Master Lam and Master Ho were hired by a representative of the great-grandfather to teach the Wong family exclusively. In his later teens, Ark Wong went to school in Canton. It was during this time that he met Pung, the chief monk of the Canton area. He studied under this master for a year and a half. Previously, all of Wong's training was of the external aspects of Kung Fu. It was from Pung that he began to learn the internal aspects. When civil unrest occurred in Canton, Grandmaster Wong went back to his village. Here in Lin Chuan Yuan in Putien County he opened a Kung Fu school for his family and the younger children of the area. One New Year's, as was the custom for New Year's, all the Kung Fu schools gathered to put on the "Lion Dancing" demonstration. On the basis of these demonstrations by the different schools the masters were chosen. Only the best demonstrators would receive the title "Master." At the remarkable age of nineteen Wong Ark Yuey was made Master. In 1921 Wong came to the U.S. and opened up a school in San Francisco and later in Oakland. This was the birth of Ng Ga Kin and Ng Ying Ga in the United States.

Grand Master Chen Fake 1887 to 1957. Shifu Chen Fake is 17th generation of Chen style Tai ji, Chen Pu developed it over six centuries ago from the Chen village in Wen county, Huh Nan province. Chen Fu Shen, also known as Chen Fake, was seventeenth generation Chen family. His father, Chen Ian Xi and his great grand father, Chen Chang Xien, were the famous Tai ji masters. The sets taught are the original forms perfected by his great grand father, Chen Chang Xien, over 200 years ago. He was a big man, but gentle and refined. He was very humble whenever he talked about martial arts even though he was a master. He was a very demanding but also very patient teacher. He was satisfied with a student's performance only when every detail of a move was done correctly. In the autumn of 1928, Shifu Fake was invited to Peking by "Huh Nan Peking Tueng Xiang association." His nephew Chen Zhao Pei was in Peking also. Chen Zhao Pei left Peking to work for the Nanking city government in 1930. Fake's second son, Xiao Chu other name Zhao Xu, were with him in Peking. They lived in "Luo Ma Da Jie Tan Huai Huei Guan". At first he taught only a few student privately, but his reputation spread, many asked for his teaching. The most famous of his students included Shu U Sheng the president of Peking Wu Shu Institute and Yang Xiao Lou, a Chinese Opera celebrity. Master Chen was a close friend of this master from Wu Si, Jiang Su province, Liu Mo San, who was he an expert in Wu style Tai ji. When my teacher first arrived in Peking, Tai ji was very popular and arguments over the merits of different styles were common. Many challenged master Chen Fake, but he did not want to be involved. He said he would go back to his hometown rather than be involved in these arguments. But the challenges kept coming so he finally decided to accept. A contest was arranged at Chun San Park Lai Jien U Xuan. Master Fake and his opponent met and touched hands. Shifu Fake "listened" and neutralized his opponent's attack, moving backward. His opponent kept approaching until shifu Chen was almost backed against the wall. Just then, he changed positions with his opponent and lightly pressed him to the ground. Just as quickly, to save his opponent's honor, he pulled him back up. His opponent showed his appreciation and called a truce. Shifu Chen's skill was so complete, but it was his gentleness in using it that won everyone's respect. Another time, shifu Fake was explaining how to handle a spear thrust with the agile step and turn of the "Wild Horse Shakes Its Mane" movement. His listener would not believe him. To prove the applicability of Tai ji, shifu proposed a test against a renowned spear master. On the day of the test, at the Zh Men Square of Xi Men, a crowd gathered. At the first thrust, my teacher stood relaxed and still with his hands at his side. He could sense the move was a fake. The spear master then made a real thrust to the teacher's chest. Instantly shifu turned aside, his hands already on the spear shaft, his leg raised to kick his opponent to the ground. The crowd burst into applause, amazed to see such speed and coordination. He had used no secret moves or tricks. The above events were widely discussed through out the martial arts community and brought recognition and legitimacy to Chen Style Tai ji. In 1933, the teacher was invited to the Chinese National Martial Arts conference in Nanking as one of the great masters in the Chinese martial arts community. He was very honest and sincere in his teaching. He used different examples to help his students learn and inspired all of us to do our very best. His death in 1957 and his birth in 1887 and was 71 at his death. His first son, Zhao Ho died young. His second son, Zhao Xu stayed with him and inherited all his art, but unfortunately he died only three years after his father in 1960 at the age of 46. His death was a great loss. Chen Fakes third and fourth sons, Zhao Xiang and Xao Kuei both learned his art and continue the family tradition.

Dr. Shien-Pu Tang (Tang Xian Pu), born in Hunan, China, is an amateur martial artist. He is a student of the Grand Master Feng Zhiqiang, the only surviving disciple of the late legendary Great Grand Master Chen Fake. Before training under Feng, Dr. Tang studied martial arts, sequentially, with nine different masters for a period of over 30 years.

He started his training at the age of nine on Shaolin Kung fu. Over the years, his interest gradually shifted to the internal school with primary focus on Chen style, Yang style, Ba-Qua Zhang, and a number of short weapons. Currently, Dr. Tang is dedicated to the celebrated Mind-Will Hunyuan Taijiquan, a masterpiece created by Grand Master Feng.

Academically, Dr. Tang earned a Ph.D. degree from Princeton University in Aerospace Science. He lives in Palos Verdes and teaches and practices Taijiquan in the South Bay area, suburb of Los Angeles. He also enjoys gardening and reading and is fond of the classic Yi-Ching, Lao Tze, and Zhuang Tze. He maintains a very simple life with little ego in seeking fame through martial arts activities. His other strong interest, in addition to Taijiquan, is meditation. He performs a scientific meditation program diligently on a daily basis. In a casual manner, he calls himself "HsiaoYao Lao Ren," meaning a Loitering Caveman.

Effective Methods for Improving Taijiquan Quality

By Dr. Shienpu Tang

Taijiquan is an important part of the internal school within the Chinese martial art systems. Although it was created with a combative perspective for the purpose of self-defense, its popularity has evolved into health enhancement. This trend, as noted in recent years, has been progressing strongly with an amazing speed. I intend to discuss some general issues in Taijiquan practice, without any particular styles in mind.

This article tends to serve two purposes. First, it is meant to help those practitioners who do not yet have a clear overall perspective of Taijiquan. Secondly, it serves to encourage further discussions from the community. Hopefully, a consolidated knowledge base will be built by multiple contributions and it will benefit us all in the future. The Chinese say, "For a journey of one thousand miles, you get to start one step from the tip of your toes." Hopefully, this article can serve as a first tiny step toward our long-term goal.

Roughly, there are three phases in Taijiquan advancement: the form (physical movement), the qi (vital energy), and the yi (mind). During the study of forms, emphasis is on continuity, smoothness, and coordination in executing the forms in a routine. The key is to understand the implication of each form.

In the case of qi, the emphasis is on sung (loosen up). Sung is relative. It is necessary for Sung to reach a certain degree before one can realize the manifestation of the existence and movement of qi. A good teacher would be helpful for providing needed guidance. It is not an easy matter for yourself to realize your level of Sung. Cheng Man-ching reported that Yang Chen-Pu used to repetitively calling for "Sung, Sung, and Sung" to students many times a day in his Taijiquan class. Sung and correct postures are essential for cultivating the strength of internal qi.

For the phase of yi, the emphasis is on mind control. It is the mind that leads the physical movements. Moreover, the mind guides the interval energy throughout the routine execution. This is the so-called "yi dau qi dau, qi dau jing dau," literally it means as the mind arrives at a point, the qi arrives there as well and when the qi gets there, the jing also gets there.

Although the above three phases are different in nature, they are closely related and they do influence each other in a synergistic manner. In our contemporary society, people tend to learn a routine, practice the forms, and may think that's all what they need in Taijiquan. This is partially true. By simply practicing a routine, regardless of the quality, one would gain some health benefit. However, after a while, they find their progress is getting slower and slower. And it becomes hard to maintain persistency in practice. Furthermore, most of them, being unaware of the inner secrets in Taijiquan advancement, are not convinced about the fact that there is virtually no limitation in Taijiquan progress.

If they are indeed in this particular situation, then any excuse in daily life may trigger a stoppage of their Taijiquan practice. Once practice is stopped for a while, it becomes extremely difficult to pick up again. Of course, there are various resolutions. I would like to offer, as illustrated in the following discussions, two elements in helping resolve the above problems. These two elements are (1) to learn a good breathing technique and (2) to incorporate Zhan Zhuang (standing postures) as a daily program. Why? It is because these two features would offer you an opportunity to have a good taste of qi. In addition, Taijiquan becomes full of fun to practice and, most likely, you would never want to stop it again.

Breathing technique is a very important part in Taijiquan training. However, due to its subtlety and sophistication, breathing, in general has not been sufficiently emphasized. There are two major types of breathing techniques. The basic type is the ell known reverse abdomen breathing (RAB). The more advanced technique is the so-called chakra breathing, which requires activating some energy ports in the body. RAB is relatively easy to practice. Basically, one would combine inhale and exhale with the movement of forms. In other words, during the routine execution, one synchronize inhale and exhale, respectively, with the open and close of the form for each form. For some long form such as Single Whip, one may want to insert a "small inhale and exhale" intermittently to avoid choking. This may be quite necessary since some beginners do not have enough capacity in the lung to accommodate the synchronization requirement.

A major goal of RAB is to convert our breathing style from natural to reverse abdomen. Effectiveness of RAB for health enhancement is two-fold. One is to promote inner organ massage with the extended movement of the diaphragm. The other is to activate vital energy flow in the internal channel system. When RAB has become spontaneous or automatic, one can then pay no attention to inhale and exhale. This means you are ready to bridge over to chakra breathing.

Totally different from conventional breathing, chakra breathing (CB) requires one to "breath" internally between chakras. Here one does not breathe with air. Instead one would "breath" with vital energy (qi) at the command of mind (yi). Two important CB patterns are manifested at Laugong (located at the palm center of both hands) and Dantian (vital energy reservoir located behind the belly button). Advantages of CB are numerous. For example, one can generate instant explosive power, in the form of "fa jing" in a combat engagement. In addition, CB would strengthen the level of qi in the body and, in turn, significantly improves the health conditions.

I would like to introduce part of my experience in CB practice. This is called Laugong breathing. Basically, we want to "activate" the Laugong chakras, allowing them to interact synergistically each other. The method is simple: take a relaxed standing position as if you are preparing to perform a routine. Calm down yourself and repel random thoughts. Raise both hands to the chest level, palms face each other, fingertips point upward, sink down the elbows, and bend slightly both knees. Initially keep the palms at a distance approximately equal to that between two eyes. Slowly open the hands apart sideways to shoulders. At the same time, raise slightly both elbows and inhale. Then, return to the initial position with exhales. This open-and-close action is quite similar to pulling and releasing of a rubber band. Keep your attention at the center between the palms. Repetitively perform this cycle many times for at least three minutes for each practice. A checkpoint is that you would feel the interaction effects as if both hands behave like magnets. This exercise is, in a way, appears to be similar to a form in the Sun-style Taijiquan. But it is not exactly the same in practice.

Now I would like to discuss the importance of the basic building blocks, the Zhan Zhuang (standing posture). In my observation, Zhan Zhuang (ZZ) has been ignored by a great majority of Taijiquan lovers. It is not too hard for the readers to figure out the reasons behind this unfortunate situation. Here I just would like to point out that without a solid foundation in ZZ, the presentation from a practitioner resembles a walking robot without a soul. Realistically, his movements are supported by force rather than by vital energy. Let me make a crucial emphasis here that ZZ is a particular form of meditation, which causes relaxation and produces internal power, qi. Routine execution, including movement and breathing exercises as discussed previously, activates the qi. In theory, ZZ is pre-heaven and routine execution is post-heaven. Daily practice of ZZ is highly recommended.

There are many types of standing postures for meditation. The most basic one is known as Wuji Zhan Zhuang (WZZ). Wuji literally means no ultimate since Taiji means grand ultimate. The state of Wuji is an emptiness or void and is a critical prerequisite for qi development. Chinese philosopher Laotze proclaimed some 2500 years ago, in his celebrated DaoDeJing the basis for Taijiquan theory. In Chapter 16, it says that "Empty the self completely; Embrace perfect peace." Translated in another way, it would be like "Attain the utmost passivity; Hold firm to the basis of quietude." As you can tell, this quotation is exactly what has been prescribed in Wuji Zhan Zhuang.

Although there may be slight difference in WZZ practice among masters, major requirements are the same. Start WZZ with your feet parallel at shoulder width. Bend your knees slightly. Press your feet evenly and firmly on the ground with toes grasping the ground naturally. Keep your head and torso upright with your chin unexposed. Bend your tongue upward to lightly touch the "ceiling." Look straight ahead. Maintain your chest slightly concave. Loosen up chakras such as hui yin (in front of anus) and ming meng (at lower back opposite to the belly button). Drop your shoulders and sink your elbows. Let both arms hang naturally at your sides. Relax the entire body system.

Now glaze at some point far away to expel random thoughts and to promote calmness. Then bring your attention back to a point located on the forehead between the two eyes. Lightly close your eyes. Using your mind to move your concentration from the eye center down to the Dantian and continue down to the yong quan chakras located at the base of each foot pad (about one third foot-length from the toes). Now you gradually try to enter the so-called Wuji State or empty region as described by Laotze. Stand in this position for five to ten minutes initially. Then try to work up to 30 minutes each day.

In addition, many other Zhan Zhuang systems are needed for further advancement. I take the liberty to recommend a comprehensive program named Hun Yuan Nei Gong promoted by the Grand Master Feng Zhi Qiang. Master Feng, being a student of the late legendary Great Master Chen Fa-ke, has gained a profound knowledge of the internal secrets in Taijiquan.

In closing, I sincerely hope this article would invite comments and criticism. After all, I consider myself a life-long humble student in Taijiquan learning. A final word: I have excluded Push Hand discussion in this article. Push Hand is another important and unique area in Taijiquan training. It should be discussed separately.

Dr. Shienpu Tang practices and teaches Taijiquan in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Master Yu's Education & Training

Master Wen Mei Yu is a Master Instructor of Chinese Internal Arts of Qigong and Taijiquan. Master Yu began Qigong training in 1953 in Shanghai when, at age 17, her bleeding ulcer was not treatable by Eastern or Western medicines. Her life has since been devoted to studying and teaching the healing methods and practice of Qigong and Taijiquan.
Master Yu trained with the following top Masters in China:

Taijiquan:

• Gu Liu Xin, student of Great Grandmaster Chen Fake, the first Chen family member to publicly teach the Chen system of Taijiquan.
  
• Fu Zhong Wen, husband of Yang Cheng Fu's grandniece. Yang Cheng Fu's teacher is Yang Jianhou, son of theYang style's creator, Yang Luchan.
• Wu Ying Hua, daughter of Wu style Taijiquan's creator, Wu Jian Quan.
  
• Ma Yueh Liang, son-in-law (husband of Wu Ying Hua) of Wu style Taijiquan's creator, Wu Jian Quan.
  
• Zhou Yuan Long, teacher of the government sets, Simplified Taijiquan, Taijiquan 88, 48, and 42, and Chen style Taijiquan.

Qigong:

• Guo Ling, creator of Guo Ling Qigong, a system designed to overcome cancer.
  
• Yang Mei Jun, considered one of the greatest exponents of the Taoist Dunlun School.
  
• Zhao Jin Xiang, Creator of the Soaring Crane System of Qigong.

Professional Accomplishments

• Professor; Jing Wu Athletic College
• General Secretary; Shanghai Physical Culture Association for the Elderly
  
• Judge and Coach; International Chinese Internal Martial Arts Championships, San Francisco
  
• Judge and Coach; U.S. Kuoshou Championships, Maryland
  
• National Advisor, Coach, and Judge; Chinese Martial Arts Division of the Amateur Athletic Union
  
• Instructor; Feminist International Summer Training, Netherlands
  
• Instructor; National Women's Martial Arts Federation Special Training
  
• Instructor; Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists Annual West Coast Women's Training Weekend
  
• Instructor; Public seminars across North America
  
• Private instruction for individuals with terminal illness and injuries from job stress and car accidents
  

Awards

• 1983 Top Taijiquan Instructor in China
  
• 1986 1st Place, Traditional Tournament, Shanghai
  
• 1989 1st Place, 2nd American Tai Chi Championships, San Francisco
  
• 1989 1st Place, World Cup, Los Angeles
  
• 1992 Honorary Lifetime Member, Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists
  
• 1993 Award of Excellence, National Women's Martial Arts Federation
  
• 1994 Writer of the Year, Inside Kung Fu Magazine
  
• 1997 Woman of the Year, Inside Kung Fu Magazine
  

Grand Master Chen Xiao Wang is both the heir and head of the original style of Chen Taiji Quan, being the 19th generation successor to the oldest school in the world. He is one of the current top masters in the world today.
From a very young age his ancestors and grandfather Chen Fake, who is considered to have been the greatest Taiji Master inspired him. He undertook a rigorous training discipline to master and be the standard bearer of the family art. He subsequently won China's National Tournament three times consecutively, in 1980, '81 and '82. He was crowned All China Grand Champion at the first International Open Tournament in Xian in 1985. He is a member of the National Umpiring Commission and is technical advisor to the National Federation of Taiji Quan since 1985. He is also the national coach of China since his appointment in 1988. He has trained over thousands of students, many of whom have won at national and international levels.

18th generation of Chen style Taijiquan, Grand master Feng Zhiqiang is the president of "Beijing Chen Style Taijiquan Research Institute" and the president of "Zhiqiang Martial Arts Academy"; he is an advisor for many martial arts associations in China. Born 1928 in Shu Lu County, Hebei province, he has over 66 years of martial arts experience. At a young age moved to Beijing and became a disciple of the legendary Grand master Hu Yaozhen. There after became a disciple of the, 17th Chen family generation, grand master Chen Fake.
In 1986 grand master Feng Zhiqiang created "Chen style Xinyi Hunyuan Taijiquan", and since than wrote numerous works and teaching materials about it.
Grand master Feng is one of the biggest promoters of Chen style Taijiquan in this century, and is well revered all across China and in the whole world.
At the age of 12 Feng was sent to relatives in Beiping (today's Beijing) to learn repairing electric appliances. One of his neighbors there was a Tongbei expert (also skillful in point striking and "Light Skill" - Qinggong) from famous Cangzhou County in Hebei Province, Han Xiaofeng. Feng studied under Han's guidance for four years, not only learning Tongbeiquan, but also Red Sand Palm skill (hands hardening method), kicking wooden posts and striking sand bags. Feng was able to break five bricks with one hand strike.
At the end of 40s there were two martial artists very famous in Beijing - Xinyiquan (Xingyiquan) master Hu Yaozhen from Shanxi Province, called "One Finger Shakes Heaven and Earth" (Dan Zhi Zhen Qiankun), expert not only in martial arts, but also traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist meditation methods; the second was Chen Fake, 17th generation inheritor of Chen style Taijiquan. At the age of 20 Feng Zhiqiang through introduction of one of his gongfu brothers (who was from the same town as Hu Yaozhen) met Hu Yaozhen. Hu criticized Feng's practice methods saying they were "ruining his body". To make Feng understand better what he was talking about, Hu asked Feng to hit him. In spite of using whole strength Feng was easily defeated by Hu who only used one finger against him. As the result Feng knelt in front of Hu Yaozhen and started his Neijia boxing studies. Feng studied Liuhe Xinyi Quan under Hu's guidance for two years first learning Qi gathering methods, nourishing Qi, practicing Intention and Qi, Santi standing, Dantian Methods, Wuxingquan (Five Elements Fists), Twelve Shapes, 24 Hands .

Place of Birth: Pei County, Jiang Su Last Degree: Mater of Wushu

Titles: Professor of Wushu, One of the "Contemporary Grand Masters of Wushu in China", Rank (dan) Eight, Committee Member of Chinese Wushu, Vice Chairman of Wushu Research Committee, Chairman of the Wushu Association of Gansu Province, Reporter of Contemporary Sports, Chief Editor of Science and Sports.

Brief Biography: Mr. Hao started practicing Wushu when he was a child. He has studied under Luo Kegong, the grand master of attacking skills, and Wang Tianyu, the greatest contemporary martial artist, and Zhang Wenguang, the nationally known martial artist. He has learned the true essence from all of them. He studied and graduated first from the Art College of Lanzhou and then from graduate school of The Sports University of Beijing (originally The Sports College of Beijing). He specializes in xingyi, bagua, tai ji, tanglang, bamen, baji, tongbei, paizi gun, pipa gun, niusi gun, simen gun, biangan, chun yang sword, tipao sword, qinglong sword, bashi sword, wusong broad sword, taibao broad sword, gaojia spear, liuhe spear, hunyuan broad sword and so on. He is especially good at attacking forms. His martial art is pure and original, and his skills are so spectacular that all his fellow martial artists and students cannot help holding him in esteem. He is also a calligrapher who can carve, paint and write poems. He really lives up to the title of "Talented in Both Martial Art and Belles-lettres".

Published books:

Practical Encyclopedia of Chinese Martial Artists,
The Art of Bamen Chuan,
Attacking Skills of Ganfengchi,
Pao Chuan and Jiu Huan Chui,
The Essence of Bagua Zhang,
Practical Encyclopedia of Chinese Martial Art,
A History of the Development of Chinese Wushu,
A Survey of the Development of Wushu in New China,
A Scientific Approach to Wushu,
The Compulsory Series of Bagua Zhang Form (collaborated),
A History of Chinese Wushu (collaborated).

Articles Published at Home and Abroad:

"A Study of the Source of Xingyi Quan"
"A Study of the Clinic Value of Taiji Quan"
"A Study of the Essentials of Attacking Skills"
"Attacking Skills and Bagua Zhang"
"The Physical Features of Wushu Exercises"

Mr. Hao has taught and trained extensively. He has trained many masters of Wushu in China as well as abroad. He has been invited many times to Europe, America and Southeast Asia to lecture and teach. He has also taken part in many major championships both at home and abroad at which he won many prizes. In addition to that, he organized many large-scale tournaments. He has been awarded the Life Achievement Prize for the "Leading Master of Wushu in the World". His life story and achievements have been reported many times in newspaper and journals. An article in the People's Daily calls him "the Wonderful Man in the World of Wushu"; Wulin Magazine calls him "the Extraordinary Talent in the World of Wushu", "A Xiucai in Wushu" and so on. He is very serious about teaching, scientific verification. He lays special emphasis on knowing the martial art thoroughly and having respect for morals; one should know one's goal and keep away from the worldly. His profound knowledge, excellent skills in Wushu, his noble and moral character have won him high esteem in the world of Wushu. His motto in practicing Wushu is: you emphasize morals in practicing Wushu, if you emphasizes morals, you must be reasonable; if you are reasonable, you must respect the skills.
Address: Gansu Sports Research Institute, Qilihe Stadium, Lanzhou, China

Traveling on foot for months with this monk, the young Share K. Lew was brought to the monastery which would become his home on the top of the sacred Luo Fu Shan mountains, a special ecological niche where a variety of rare herbs and animals flourished. There were a total of five monasteries in the mountains, four Taoist and one Buddhist, Wah Sha Toi, where southern Dragon Style kung fu originated.

Wong Lung Kwan, at the top of the mountains, was built of massive stone, including a pavilion where people in need of healing could petition the monks of Wong Lung for help. Also unusual was a sister cloister, a convent where women learned and practiced their healing arts.

After an apprenticeship of several years of menial work, he was accepted, initiated, and taught a full range of Taoist skills, including exercises for health and longevity such as internal chi gung (which Sifu prefers to call by its older title, nui gung), kung fu, herbal medicine, Gee Liao (the ability to project ones chi), Tui Na massage, and his specialty: thorough and rapid healing of tendons, joints, muscles, and bones, as well as injuries caused by trauma. His monastery style, Tao Ahn Pai (Taoist Elixir Style) is traced in unbroken lineage back over 1,300 years to its founder, Lui Don Bin, one of the eight Taoist immortals.

Sifu lived and studied at Wong Lung Kwan for 13 years. He left the monastery in 1948, shortly before the Communist revolution and moved to San Francisco, where he remained inside the Chinese community for several years and studied kung fu with his uncle Lew Ben, the 6th grandmaster of the Hung Sing style of Choy Li Fut.

In 1959, Sifu Lew accepted his first non-Chinese student, and in 1970, broke with tradition and became the first to openly teach the internal cultivation (chi gung) to non-Chinese. In that year, he and the late Khiegh Dhigh, a television actor and I Ching scholar, formed the Taoist Sanctuary in Los Angeles, the first Taoist religious organization founded in the United States to receive federal status as a church. During this time, he switched from teaching Choy Li Fut and began to teach Tao Ahn Pai kung fu which he had learned in the monastery.

In 1979, Sifu Lew moved to San Diego, seeing people for health appointments, teaching small or private classes, and traveling to teach students in workshops around the United States, in places like New York, Florida, Philadelphia, Esalen, Honolulu, San Francisco, Ojai, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Florida, Philadelphia, New York, as well as Tokyo, Japan and Tijuana, Mexico.

In the United States is an unpublicized treasure, a treasure in every sense of the word. Living simply and quietly in the San Diego area is an authentic, temple-trained Taoist priest (formerly a monk) from the famous Luo Fu Shan mountains in Guangdong Province, north of Guangzhou (Canton). His name is Share K. Lew.

Grandmaster Share K. Lew, who prefers the simpler title of Sifu. Gathering to honor him at a restaurant in San Diego will be a panoply of people who are teachers in their own right, students, and students of students, movie and television stars, medical doctors, psychologists, acupuncturists, and others whose lives Sifu Lew has touched in some way. Five years ago, Sifu celebrated his 80th birthday in a similar manner. Among those attending were honored guests Sifu Doo Wai, Tai Chi teachers Wen-Mei Yu of Los Angeles and Hai-min Shen of Monterey Park, and actors Chao-Li Chi and Eric Lee. Notable among the students attending were Sifu Frank Primicias, Sifu Carl Totten, Sifu Doug Wong, Sifu Carrie Wong, Bruce Baptie, Sifu Steve Grody, Sifu Manuel Marquez anthropologist Dimitri Kostynick and Sifu Jason Lee. Our Shaolin Temple had the honors to open the show with the lion dance team for Sifu Lew.

Shi De Qian was born in Henan, China, at the foothill of the Shaolin Temple. His given name was Sun In Wong, and also named Evergreen.

He became a disciple of Shaolin as a child, were he learned Kung-fu from Master Shaun-Shu Siashi. Also Shi De Qian learned the Chinese Martial Arts, Acupuncture, Chi-Kung bone treatment, and also excels in Lo-Han Chuan's eighteen style, Hei-Hu Chuan, Yi-Yin Ching, and Chinese herbalist.

In the last twenty years Shi De Qian has done an enormous amount of research on martial arts, and has searched over 17 Chinese states and South East countries collecting data. In 1992 Shi De Qian finished his two books: "Shao-Lin Wu-Shu Encyclopedia" and "The Secrets of Shao-Lin Healing". To date Shi De Qian has written over 57 books on martial arts. Now considered a professor of martial arts Shi De Qian writes for the Kung Fu Society, and has been a guest speaker to the United States, Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand. Shi De Qian is also the 31st generation heir of the master.

· "About Shi De Qian: He was in the Shao Lin Temple when he was 15 age of years, and stayed there to be a shaolin protection monk for 31 years, till 1992. Then He lived outside of the temple, as a Shaolin layman monk.
Shaolin layman monks compare with the temple monks (who still live in the temple) the only different thing is that they can eat meat or drink beer, and other foods and beverages, but the rest about them is the same. So All shaolin temple monks who live in outside the temple are shaolin layman monks too. They have a certificate, which issued by their sifu from shaolin temple, as I had. Because we all trained some time in the Shaolin temple in previous years and everybody is still permitted (and proud to say) they are shaolin temple Wu Seng (fighting monks, or protection monks).

Shi De Qian sifu is very highest skills in the shaolin temple and he still writes many shaolin kung fu books and his sifu Shi Shu Xi and also himself just do not mean to let some highest secret kung fu lose for it not easy to get and they don't want to see these secrets lost with the years going, as he did with recorder of kung fu forms not only for profit, but also in this meaning.

Shi De Qian was the one who appointed Sifu Manuel Marquez as 32 generation Shaolin monk, and gave him his Buddhist name Shi Xeng Peng. This happened in the Shaolin Temple in China then he did the ceremonies here in the USA. This was done in Lomita's school in 1996 when Shi De Qian taught the original Yi Yin Ching from the Shaolin Temple from China.

SHI DE QIAN ---Vice President, Henan Martial Arts Association: Secretary Chief, China Shaolin Chuan Research Center: President, China Shaolin Wushu University .
Chief Shaolin/President China Academy Shaolin Arts

Our teacher, Master Zhu Tian Cai is the 19th disciple of Chen Style Taijiquan from Chenjiagou (Chen village). This is where Taijiquan first originated, and gave birth to the many styles of Taiji we see today, such as the Yang, Wu and so on. The village is well known for its unique brand of martial arts, which later became known as Taijiquan -- Chen Style Taijiquan. And almost everyone, young and old, in the village knows Taiji - Chen style of course!
The Chen Style has always been taught within the Chen family clan. However, this rule has since been relaxed somewhat, although the highest secrets of the art are still only imparted to direct kin. So, lucky for us, we do still get some martial application know-how as and when Teacher sees fit! Since young, Teacher Zhu has learnt the art under the 18th disciple, Chen Zhao Ku and Chen Zhao Pi, who were his uncles.
Due to his love of the art, Master Zhu has won many gold medals in China, at the National and District levels, as well as in many international competitions. Together with his fellow disciples in the Chen village, he and another three have made a deep impression in the world of Taiji, and are known collectively as The 4 Golden Arhats.

Teacher Zhu's golden maxim to us is "Practice 10 sets everyday of Lao Jia Yi Lu, 5 in the morning and another 5 at night!" Mind you, 1 set is about 15 to 20 minutes on average.
He has a long-standing reputation as a top, international Taiji instructor within the Taiji arena. He has taught students from Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, USA, Italy, Germany, and even Czechoslovakia. My personal opinion is that he has perfected his style of Taiji to a level of artistry. Extremely fluid and circular movements throughout characterize his style, and each routine is completed as if in one long, deep continuous flow.

The one lesson that Zhu Tian Cai cherishes most from his master Chen Zhao Pi is that taiji quan (tai chi chuan) is lively ("ling huo"). If you are accustomed to the fast kungfu pace, you wonder what is "lively" about taiji. You have seen taiji presentations during the "Masters Demonstration" at many wushu championship meets or festivals. In contrast, the audience is always more delighted at the rapid-fire moves, the high-flying kicks and the low-to-the-ground stances of wushu, from the sound of its applause. Yet, you are aware that taiji quan enjoys a high regard in the Chinese martial arts world. So you hang on to the recitation of the taiji master's lineage and legacy preceding the demonstration, look forward to a revelation of something about art. More than what you see in parks.

In front of the wushu curtain, the taiji master in a silk uniform looks impressive, in the slow motion flow of movements. Still, the audience soon shifts with a mild restlessness, and feels that it is long. Although you may not be more enlightened or convinced of the efficacy of the art, you join in the polite applause. However, the crowd appears a little more receptive to a Chen taiji demonstration. The pace quickens sometimes and the stances are more martial. Interspersed in the slow motion are some explosive movements and some foot-stamping to break the monotony. Is this the liveliness referred to here?

This is only the obvious aspect, which is not surprising, as Chen taiji is not practiced slowly for the sake of slowness. The slow-motion practice is a means to an end, to discern and to experience the motion in detail, body and mind. This method of training "softens" the body so that it becomes sensitive. When the practice pace is slow, you must not be tense ("jiang"), and when it is fast, the movements must not be confused or scattered ("luan" or "san"). You can then execute movements fast like kungfu moves without tenseness but with a relaxed body and a clear, sharp mind. Chen taiji does recognize practice in speed and power. The "soft" practice is misleading, but is a way to build power (internal) or "hardness." The taiji movements appear soft, but they are not weak.

Ling Huo
The not so obvious aspect of this idea of liveliness is to be found in what resides in the taiji motion. The basis to Chen taiji motion is the "silk-reeling energy" ("chan si jin") that drives it. This energy is fundamental to Chen taiji practice, and it is behind the spiraling and coiling motion that defines the character of this taiji style. This energy expresses itself more and more as "qi" develops, when the practitioner rids the body of tension and works to calm the mind. The motion then is driven by qi, which is stirred by the mind-intent ("yi"). In this way the coiling motion becomes lively, charged with silk-reeling energy. With this energy moving internally, Master Zhu's form exudes power with "peng jin" as he flows from posture to posture, like water running in a brook. Without this internal energy the form will look dull and wooden. Without silk-reeling energy there is no Chen Taiji. Without peng jin there is no taiji quan.

Hidden Aspect
The least obvious aspect of "ling huo" deals with taiji's application, and this is what makes taiji such an effective martial art. Because it is hidden from the naked eye, it is a source of mystery and wonderment. Can this slow motion taiji practice stack up against the quick and powerful kicks and punches?

This hidden aspect manifests in three ways. Firstly, the ling huo enables a sharp mind-intent ("yi") to command the obedience of the body and the internal energy ("nei jin"). The arduous taiji training tempers the body, like steel, so that it becomes malleable. The body will then move with no tenseness or stiffness. This soft and silky motion is achieved only when the body is full of "qi," inducing the motion. (This motion is not the same as that powered by the immediate muscles of the limbs.)

To demonstrate this yi, Master Zhu throws a "fajin" punch and the fist flies out like the crack of whip. He does more to show how he summons his body into action, by doing one fajin after another, with his elbows, shoulders and hands. Each is as stunningly powerful as the last. Devastating though the power is, it is more important to note that this explosive release of collected internal energy from the body can be called upon in any situation as needed in a martial application.

The premise of taiji quan's application is that whatever the intended use of a form or posture may be, it is ling huo; that is, it is not restricted or "dead." The coiling "jin" has two orientations and three degrees of motion in space. Take the simplest point affecting a martial use - the distance between yourself and the opponent. The common upper rollback movement in the form, where the arms move in an upper arc, is intended to intercept an opponent's attacking arm, deflecting and throwing him/her off. At a closer range, this intended use may not apply, but the internal energy can be directed to the elbow to strike out, or closer still, to the shoulder for a shoulder-fajin to damage. There is yet another category besides fajin. There are many small subtle movements that require a short hidden burst of force, or "an jin" to execute in martial use. The liveliness of nei jin is at play here too.

Master Zhu stands five-eight, and weighs 180, average for a northern Chinese. You have pushed and lifted furniture a lot bigger and heavier than that. However, push at him as hard as you like, it will be to no avail. His body's "peng jin" simply directs your force to the feet, so that you are pushing against the ground. On the outside, his stance is stationary but internally, it is very lively. This hidden aspect of ling huo is manifested thus in what is often referred to as "rooting."

Mysterious Flying Students
In Dec 1999, Master Zhu was in Los Angeles teaching a class, and arrived at the move called "Xiao Qin Da" (Small Grapple Counter), which is a combination of movements. Lao Chen, a student, asked him about the use of the move. This move has small and subtle movements that are not apparent. The master detailed the motions. Firstly, the small rotation of the wrist frees an attacker's grappling hold ("qinna") on the arm. The attacker senses that he is losing his hold, and notices the defender's advancing foot coming in to step on his shin. So he retreats. The defender follows, and steps into the opponent's domain, with the arms pushing him off. He resists the push, but the move allows for this with an upper rollback and a counter offensive thrust. Thus Master Zhu expounded as he showed the intricacies of the movements. He then gestured to Lao Chen to assist in a demonstration. Lao Chen grabbed and held the master's wrist. He was bigger and his grip was strong. Master Zhu proceeded to free the hold by a screw-like motion with the wrist, as he had done many times before. But instead of the sequence of advancing steps, as seen and explained earlier, the class was surprised to see Lao Chen flying off, knocking down a fellow student ten feet away.

The class was stunned and awed at the same time. The students wanted to know what mysterious hidden power the master used. He replied that it was Lao Chen's own force that threw him off. As he uttered those words, he was hearing almost the same words spoken by his own master in chiding a fellow student in the early training years in Chenjiagou (the Chen Village).

Zhu Tian Cai was practicing push-hands with this student who was five years older than the average teenagers then, and so was bigger and stronger. Young Zhu had learned not to be intimidated by size and strength. His master had taught them to keep working on "peng, lu, ji, an," and that they were not to be discouraged if a physically stronger and bigger person prevailed, as it did not mean that the latter had better skill. The young students, heeding the Master's words, would usually yield by backing away when this older student pushed hard at them. So it appeared that he was chasing the lanky kids around during the push-hand sessions.

One day, this older student pushed hard at Zhu, as he always did before. Zhu found his ground this time. So instead of backing away, he stayed and absorbed the incoming force by a large rollback. Unfortunately, the charging student's index finger was caught in Zhu's hand and broke like a brittle twig. The pain was excruciating and the next day the finger swelled. He complained to the master that Zhu used force on him to break his finger. The master said it was his own physical force that caused it, and not little Zhu's.

As Master Zhu attempted to free his wrist from Lao Chen's powerful grip, the latter pressed harder still. Master Zhu relaxed and reversed his coiling motion. His hand could "hear" that Lao Chen slipped, and instantly, he let out a shoulder fajin striking him and sent him flying. The body's sensitivity to "listen" to the opponent's force, and to respond accordingly to the changes, is the third manifestation of the hidden liveliness inherent in the body's peng jin. This hidden element of ling huo is paramount in the martial application of taiji quan. This very element is also the cause of amazement that continues to astound fans and wushu aficionados alike, and feeds into the mystery of the art.

MASTER ZHU'S CREDENTIALS

In China:

• Deputy Secretary for the National Chen Style Taiji
  
• Deputy Secretary for the Chen Style Taiji Annual Association (Henan)
  
• Director of the Chen Village Taiji Training Center
• Deputy Director and Senior Instructor of Wenxian Province taiji Training Institute

In Singapore:

• Singapore Wushu Federation Overseas Instructor ·
• Chen Style Association's Honorary Consultant

In Japan:

• Chen Style Association's Honorary Consultant

In Malaysia:

• Jingwu Chen Style Association's Honorary Consultant

In Italy:

• Wudang Chen Style Association's Honorary Consultant

In USA: Our Shaolin Temple - Lomita

• Qi Xing Tang Lang (literally 7-star Praying Mantis!!) Martial Arts School Honorary Consultant

In Britain:

• Zhong Ding's International Martial Arts School Technical Consultant