Tai Chi is known to the modern world as a soft and calm exercise which brings many benefits to the body, and more and more medical researches indicates that practicing Tai Chi is beneficial to heart functions, sense of balance, and physical coordination, therefore it became almost a perfect exercise to elderly people.But very few people know, that 300 years ago, Tai Chi didn’t make it’s name in the royal court of China by promoting health benefits. But instead it was known as a very profound martial art system which uses Daoist practices and theories as it’s core philosophy (just like Traditional Chinese Medicine and “The Art of War”).By practicing Tai Chi, the Ancestor of the Famous Yang Family - Yang Lu Chan achieved the highest level of martial art, not only defeated all the martial artist from other traditions in Beijing, but what’s more, he defeated all the opponents without hurting single one of them. He simply “bounced the opponents away” when the opponents attack him, demonstrating his high mastery of the art. Therefore after the competition, he was respected by aristocrat and won the nickname “The Invincible Yang”.**In Chinese Culture, we believe winning is only temporary. Winning doesn’t make a person invincible. But if one can defeat opponents without harming them, this clearly demonstrates true mastery. **It was then that Taichi became the most popular style of Martial art in Beijing. Yang was later hired by the Ching Dynasty Royal Court to train their infantry camp, and also as a Special Martial Art Instructor to the Royals.So we can see, in the earlier days, Taichi is not only considered an exercise for the elderly people. “Taichi is for old people” is in fact somewhat misleading.
Nowadays, it seems that Taichi is everywhere. We can easily find information online, from a nearby wellness studio, or maybe at a local community college. But when we dig into “what do we really know about taichi”, the answer might vary quite dramatically.In the western culture, if we seek for a Taichi teacher with credibility, we would probably search for one who was certified by certain associations or organization, or the ones who won competitions.But in the Chinese society, we have different ideas. I myself have been certified and won many competitions several years before I met my Shifu, but it didn’t stop me from doubting myself.The reason is, I know Taichi is more than just “ doing forms and styles”. When we read the most important Taichi Guidelines such as the Taichi Treatises, it clearly stated that the cultivation and master of internal force (Nei Jin) is the essence of Taichi. And when we search for videos of great masters such as Master Mah Yueh Liang or GM Cheng Man Ching, we can see that they do possess the unique physical and mental qualities that the treatises states, and they are capable in controlling their own body as well as the opponents’ body in unbelievable ways. But in the real world, it’s almost impossible to find a genuine teacher of that level willing to share his knowledge. And the reason is somewhat complicated.It’s not that these masters don’t exist, but it is very difficult for ordinary people to access them. And there are some historical reasons behind it.Firstly, we have to remember that Taichi was originally a family heirloom. Meaning it is their family business to teach Taichi. It would be naïve to think that they would openly share their most precious secrets to anyone who wishes to learn Taichi. So during the time when the Yang family is teaching Taichi, they already divide the student into two groups. One is “General Students”, whose relationship to them is based on simple monthly fee. For these students, due to the nature of their relationship, Masters only teaches the basic level of the art to general student. It has some health benefits, but nothing too deep. While the other group is “In-door Disciples”, meaning these Disciples are trained inside the master’s home.This is a more traditional form of master-apprentice relationship. The fee or demands disciples need to meet is much higher, but it also means that the disciple will be more devoted to learn, and if the master accepts the disciple, he will train and guide the disciple like he trains his own sons.During Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), Traditional Martial Artist was severely persecuted because Traditional Martial Art was considered “The Four Olds” by Chinese communist. Many were sent to labor camps and died, while some fled to other countries. The Master-Disciple Tradition in Mainland China is basically destroyed and prohibited during that time.But luckily, many of martial artist and Chinese culture elites such as TCM doctors and traditional architects fled to Taiwan and so the traditions were kept free from disruption.Like our lineage master Cheng Man Ching was a disciple of the Yang Family master Yang Chengfu, and he was one of the martial artists who fled to Taiwan before Cultural Revolution. Also, when Cheng started to teach Taichi in Taiwan, he also had different groups of students: General Students and In-door Disciples. In-door Disciples are given the deeper teaching on the works of Internal energy and martial art.So I was lucky enough to meet my Shifu Lin Tsai Hsien, who was a in-door disciple of this unbroken lineage. And he like many other renown masters, doesn’t bother to make any advertisement, nor does he have any wish to teach students. In fact, when I met him the first time, he thought I was too young and simply wanted to turn me down. I had to beg him and prove that I was worthy of his instruction for 6 months, so he is convinced that I can be taught, and finally agreed to accept me as his disciple. I didn’t really know why back then, but I understood now.Because he knows exactly how much self-discipline and devotion was needed to achieve a high level, and how little effort most people are willing to put in to practice.It’s a bit sad to say, in the modern time, certification and prizes in competitions are mainly given and received for marketing purpose. As for the genuine Teachings that truly is able to transform our body and mind, we often have to seek elsewhere. And it is very much depending on our aspiration and karma, whether we meet a good shifu or not.So I wish to offer an advice for anyone who wishes to learn from a genuine Taichi teacher. Just remember this: Anyone can talk about the profound knowledge of Taichi, but a true master can demonstrate it.
13.12.2023, Wednesday. Shifu Erik
Gan Lineage Wu Qin Xi (Five Animal Qigong): Monkey Tapping Liver and Golden Rooster Hatching Eggs
https://youtu.be/qRXgHMtBqf8?feature=shared
“Since I started learning the Five Animal Qigong and the Nei Song Fa with Shifu Erik, my body has gradually become more relaxed.Recently, I have found that my mind has become much calmer and more stable. Things that used to bother me and linger in my mind are now being let go of at will. I am able to handle and face them. I understand that emotions and thoughts can affect the body, and the tension in my body comes from emotional and mental activities.So, when I started to release the knots in my body, it also allowed the knots in my consciousness to gradually loosen. At least, what I feel is that my mind is not as confused as before. Suddenly, many emotions and situations that I couldn't handle for years are now being released, and I have a clearer awareness to re-evaluate everything about myself.Then, many things naturally fall into place without much effort.”
My journey to learn Tai Chi has been a profound experience under the patient guidance of Shifu Erik.A series of serendipitous events led me to a fortuitous path, intersecting with Erik, a direct descendant of the Gan lineage.Beyond the external grace of the forms and movements, Erik imparts an authentic lineage wisdom that transcends the visible—he teaches the intricate art of moving Qi within the body, which leads to the effortlessness of the form —a lesson impossible to glean from mere demonstration of movements.The Wuqinxi, a quintessential practice of the Gan lineage, serves as a powerful tool for facing life's challenges. Executed at night, I find that it corrects the day's acquired postural misalignments.The pushing hands practice, a cornerstone of Erik's teachings, has equipped me with the profound ability to respond to the energies of others, whether physical or emotional.The Tai Chi forms gift me an unyielding serenity in the face of adversity. Under Erik's tutelage, I've not just learned Tai Chi; I've discovered a way of living as well as an invaluable sanctuary and resilience in the ancient art.