Chinese Orthopedics

spurling’s test for neck injury

Microsystems
Auricular acupuncture therapy

Section and distribution-

Clinical Techniques

9 Needles

Techniques:

Moxabustion with Chinese herb “Ai Ye”

Cupping: use of negative pressure

Continuous needle stimulation with Electroacupuncture

Intradermal, Cutaneous, and Press Needling

Q: Can you Talk about Zhong ding?

A: Zhong ding is central equilibrium in Taijiquan. What are we centering with? We are centering with the ‘Taiji pole’ that runs through the body from the top of the head at ‘bai hui’, through ‘hui yin’, down to ‘yongquan’ point in the soles of feet. When I was in college I heard a teacher at a karate studio was teaching Wu style Taijiquan. From reading many books on Taijiquan, I had gotten to be familiar with stories that the Wu family got certain attributes and training from the Yang family that the Yang family no longer taught as much. Like I always felt Wu style was the small circle taiji of the Yangs they got from Yang Banhou. Wu Quanyu was said to have gotten the ‘Neutralizing skill” from Yang Luchan. The class had a very interesting warm-up that was very relaxing, developed qi sensitivity, and worked with “zhong ding” like no other I have learned from any other Taiji school. (And I’ve been around the block to several taiji schools up and down the east coast.) Online I called this “Zhong ding gong” and now I hear and see several people use this phrase online, without knowing the actual methods and skills I learned from this Wu style teacher Odessa Brooks. The only other method that comes close to Zhong Ding Gong, is a Crane set of qigong from Huashan another teacher of mine Wilson Pitts taught, but only two of the crane exercises is similar to the Wu set that has a half dozen or so exercises. So Zhong ding training is part of our basics or jibengong. Jibengong is a word I pulled from Wushu’s modern Taijiquan training. Every traditionalist hates the word “wushu” as it is associated by silk pajama acrobatic martial arts. However it is funny that since I mentioned Jibengong on forums, now the traditional taiji people use it in marketing.

Q: Lots of confusion online when people talk about Yi (Intention) Jin (force), Jing (Essence), Shen (spirit), and Qi (vital energy) which ones are talked about in Yang Taijiquan?

A: This is another problem in the Taijiquan community. Lot of buzz words being thrown around and people talking like high level experts cause they know some Chinese words. The trinity in Taijiquan is Jing-Qi-shen. Jing is essence we get from parents, seminal essence in men, and ovary essence in women. Jing is a building block of Yuan source qi of Kidneys. We can say this is our hormones, each cell in body needs hormones and nutrition, this helps maintain function, Qi we get from food and air, maintains our vitals in the body like heartbeat, respiration, blood pressure, nerve impulses, and more, shen is mind and spirit. Jing is like a foundation for a house, Qi is the framework, and Shen the roof. Jin is force, that which we cultivate from practice. There are many types of Jin, but primarily it is force guided through the entire body and structure by refined postures. Yi is intention or intelligence, it can lead and guide force. Another aspect not talked about is Zhi or will power. Another aspect not talked about in Taiji groups.

Q: Taiji Chin na, how is it trained or is Taiji more Anti-Chin na?

A: Well in some of the schools I attended Qin-na was trained as either application training or from push hands. Grappling and throws can be considered a kind of Qin-na as well. Each posture has strikes, elbows, shoulder bumps, peng, lu, ji, an, tsai, li, etc. in them. One drill I liked a few teachers taught is the wide array of joint manipulations you can do from Ji or press. Anti-qina is something one of my teachers mention. You have to be able to escape holds and know how to counter holds.

Q: Did you learn striking in Taijiquan?

A: Only from “Taiji boxers”… people who taught taijiquan with taiji san shou, could fight, and had fight records. There is a huge denial in many Taijiquan folks who do not believe in striking or short fajin power. They think too much in terms of Tui shou or ‘push hands” as a mean to an end. This is severely incorrect. Striking training as I have been taught consists of fist strikes, open palm strikes, hammer fists, and angular strikes. In 2010 when I was at United States Wushu Academy taking Yang Taijiquan and San Shou courses, coach Christopher Pei taught in the Yang Taijiquan class, “Da shou” striking. He says it came from Yang Zhenji who learned it from Yang Shouzhong. There were 5 partner sensitivity drills that look very similar to wing chun or Filipino arm trapping drills. The Da Shou is a buzz word now, you now see on youtube by many “experts” , but is not the right Da shou people have now been showing. Some do push hands and add striking, and others show striking with people flying backwards in a woo-woo way. I feel I helped revitalized Da Shou to the public as a lost art that was practiced before they made it simpler and safer for people as Tui shou, aka push hands. There is a group in Beijing that trains in the Da shou striking of Yang Taijiquan. My videos online however I must admit are pretty weak as I tried to show it as a demo with people just learning them so the flow is not excellent. Also when it comes to the world of fighting, Da shou will be a no nonsense quickly hurt your opponent type counter attack and not a flow drill. The “song of push hands” is really called “Song of the striking hands” in the Taiji classics.

5 hammer striking in Taijiquan

Q: The net force on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by the acceleration of the object.. How is this related to Taijiquan power?
A: Newton’s Second Law describes Taijiquan pretty well. People need to train with and be familiar with hard force, not just soft all the time. I don’t believe in this double soft approach to Taijiquan training that was simplified by Cheng Man Ching. I think it did real harm to Taijiquan and “defanged the snake” so-to-speak. It is really odd cause I know some really great Cheng Man ching Taijiquan push hands champions from NY and they clearly know and understand you have to work with real pressure. They were aware of hard forces used in competitive push hands competitions and were able to win events by neutralizing and countering the opponent. The non-competitive Taiji folks who criticize those event as “Sumo” really have no clue and are living in a fantasy taiji land.

Q: Where is the power coming from in Taijiquan? Is it from structure?

A: I honestly think it comes from the ground. The structure is just a conduit to the force coming at you and proper structure allows it to sink and rebound back. Of course the feet, legs, kua, yao, waist, spine, body, qi, and sensitivity play into all of it as well. I’m not a show boater video guy, I do honest videos where I get pushed, and of course I push back. Nobody is infallible no matter how much they BS with videos. Of course you have to be very well aware of the videos of guys who lightly control guys who are there students or non-taiji people. Videos can be edited to make someone look really good at power and structure. Often these guys do not compete, have an exclusive circle or clan, and don’t go out of their niche. Anytime someone wants to test them, it is nearly impossible to do so. I think it all has to do with income and not losing the “rice bowl”. Buyer beware.

Q: Conditioning: what are the methods you have learned to condition the body from incoming strikes?

A: Get used to getting hit in sparring is #1. I’ve been taught drills to get used to getting hit. You have to get comfortable with it. Of course you can empty a opponent strike by not letting it hit you first. Stepping out of range is one. Eventually you will get hit in the action “inside the pocket”. That is the connecting range. Also I’ve been taught by Yang style teachers that had hitting drills with partner and self. For example “Pai Dai gong” or self-hitting was used as a warm-down after practice to “pack” qi into the tendons, muscles, and bones. There were several two man hitting exercise we did that are similar to those used in other martial systems. Neigong is another critical and internal method that has to be carefully cultivated and employed.

Q: Tui shou/push hands: What is the purpose of Tui shou?

A: Know yourself and opponent. Stick-adhere-neutralize-follow is part of it but “da” and “fa” are as well. Learning to use soft and hard force at varying degrees: soft, soft with some hard, hard with some soft, hard all have to be dealt with. It is a sensitivity drill that has now been taught as the means to an end. Really you just have people really good at Tui shou and only able to beat other Tui shou people, but rarely can take it to another martial artist. A good reason why I respect guys who do Tui shou and test it against Brazilian jujitusu guys. Know your limits to Tui shou.

Tui shou image

Q: On fighting: How does a Taijiquan fighter “bridge the gap” with a truly resisting opponent?

A: Da Shou is a method, but some of the prerequisite drills to free sparring san shou help. For instance Da Lu is a way to “bridge that gap” as well as the Da shou training. Free sparring San Shou is the best way to employ both Da Lu and Da Shou. One of my fighting teachers taught strike-bridge-finish, but it is not always that simple especially with someone in a fight event trying to knock you out. That is a whole other ball game by the way. Fighting events are legal ways to test your ability and they go a long way in improving your skill. Being able to fight under adrenaline dump and fast paced situation is not easy. It is so easy to sit in a chair and critique a fighter if you never fought on stage, but there is nothing in the world like it, so their opinions are null.

Da Shou ‘striking hands’ training

Q: MMA (Mixed martial arts) now dominates the martial arts world since 1993 with the emergence of the UFC (Ultimate fighting championship). Can you mix other styles with Taijiquan?

A: Many fighting arts share the same movements. I call this ‘Universal fighting principles”. There is only so many ways a person can throw a punch, kick, grapple, etc. Taijiquan teaches striking in very unique way different from other arts as we pay close attention to detail on how we move inside. So a Taiji punch is not really a normal punch, but really it is has to be trained with real resistance and pressure. To be a good fighter you have to do fighter things. Top champions don’t do standing forms and rounds of Taijiquan form. They do sparring, bag hitting, mitt hitting, running, cardio, strength training, etc. Taijiquan fits in there as a recovery art to not over train and over tax the body. Boxing shares the most principles in regards to mixing styles. They just say things in a different way. They both say relax, and train to control breathing, use of foot, leg, waist in transfer of power. I’ve mentioned many similarities of both arts on forums in the past.

Q: Can you please talk about the qigong component in Taijiquan?

A: Taijiquan is a dynamic qigong that has martial arts applications, but not all qigongs have a martial arts component. Taijiquan and its neigong component are very profound in cultivating and circulating qi in the 8 extraordinary vessels and 12 channels talked about in Chinese Medicine. What they all have in common: Taijiquan, qigong, neigong is “Dan tien” which is a great starting point for anyone interesting in the health aspect of Taijiquan.

Work in progress 11/19/2016

Need Addiction Help? First seek professional treatment, counseling, and rehab. You can call the hotline here:
Drug Abuse Hotline
Suicidal? Call the National Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Acupuncture makes a great adjunct to professional rehabilitative treatment and detox plan. Find a acupuncturist here: My personal friends or Nation wide database

Some basic facts:

Stress

At the acupuncture school they say that stress first attacks the Lungs and Weiqi “Defensive Qi” or in the west, the respiratory system and Immune system of the body. Lungs in Chinese medicine touches the outside world, and is first organ vulnerable to external pathogens like wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, allergens, and viruses.

My first TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) doctor Amy says The number #1 cause of health issues is stress, and it is important to reduce it. There are several ways she says we can reduce stress:
1. Diet: a diet low in salt, low in fat, low in sugar, good carbohydrates, protein, and anti-oxidants.
2. Acupuncture: acupuncture to open blocked channels from the stress and dis-ease.
3. Nutrition and herbs: these repair the channels.
4. Healthy Lifestyle: exercise, including meditation, Qigong, Taijiquan (Tai chi), proper sleep, good bowel movement, etc.

Amy says to maintain your roads (acupuncture channels), reduce the stress that damage them. She compares disease as to a avalanche that blocks the road. Diseases like ulcers, cancer, and others affect different people in different ways. Certain types of food are more suitable to different body types.
So in order to help the different issues, a person needs to identify their body type and avoid certain foods.

Stimulants: Caffeine, Amphetamines, Speed, Meth, etc.

Alcohol

Tobacco Use

Marijuana
As of 11/19/2016 the movement is growing to legalize marijuana. In California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Colorado, Washington D.C., Nevada, and Maine, it is recreational. It is legal for medical use in 17 other states. Its uses should be cautioned. It is our view that taking one herb in excess continually builds toxins. It can create many unwanted symptoms and can make you lethargic. Please consult a herbalist on how to use other herbs to balance the side-effects if you decide to use for recreation. There is a fine line between use and abuse. Example product “Balance the Herbs”. for instance was designed for users of marijuana to counter the withdrawal symptoms of marijuana. Chinese formulas like Bu fei Tang can help tonify the lungs from the drying effect smoke does to the lungs, and Gui Pi Tang, a spleen formula can help the spleen and blood. Many folks who have Liver Yang feel relaxed from marijuana as they are highly productive, use movement, and action. Something like Xiao Yao San, or Liver formula can be used for stress and smooth out Qi stagnation in those with Liver Yang. Talk to a Chinese herbalist about it.

Hallucinogens and PCP

Heroin and Narcotic medications

_________________________________________________________________
Recovery:

Spirituality
As part of treatment, but let’s not forget, it can be addictive as well.

Drugs to Spirituality:

Coping with Stress

Other Addictions: Sex and Porn addictions, Gambling Addictions.

Chinese medicine and Marijuana

This is some notes I’ve gathered from school along with our text book and other special books of Traditional Chinese Medicine and helping infants. This is a very special topic as I have a infant son and find myself using massage as a useful mode to relieve problems. Acupuncture is not recommended for infants until the age of 5. the view is that the internal organs and elements of the body have not settles and are moving and active. Though I have also seen direct moxa and quick needling acupuncture used before. Most cases are for emergency as well like prick-bleeding Erjian on the ear to relieve fever.

Many of these points I was aware of from years as a massage therapist. Some are points specific children.

Infant Massage session should take 20 minutes to complete. While the method is called Tui-na (push and grasp), the actual way of doing the massage is more An-Mo in nature since it uses a more press/rubbing method.

Pediatric Tui-Na
Head and Neck Region

Tian Ma (Gate to Heaven) Technique: 30-60x massage UP ONLY from yintang to hairline with thumbs.
Indications: External invasion headache, fever, mental depression, anxiety, panic.

Kan Gong (Water palace) Technique: 20-30x Push with thumbs apart from medial eyebrow to lateral eyebrow.
Indications: Headache due to external invasion.

Tai Yang (Great yang) Technique: 30-50x kneading in circular motion at temples.
Indications: External invasion headache.

Standard: Above three must be done Reason: Calm spirit of infant to prep for other more specific points.

Shen Gen (Mountain Root) Technique: 3 to 5 taps with fingernail on bridge of nose below yin tang.
Indications: Infantile convulsions and spasms.

Ren zhong (Center of Man) Technique: Du 26, Not common point, only used for First aid.
Indications: Convulsions and Spasms.

Feng chi (wind Pond) Technique: 5-10x press GB 20 inferior to occiput.
Indications: Headache, Fever, neck rigidity.

Tian Zhu Gu (Heavenly pillar bone) Technique: 100-500x push with thumb massage down from C1 to C7
Indications: High fever, sore throat, vomiting.

___________________________________________________________________

Chest and Abdomen

Shan zhong (Penetrating Organ) Technique: Ren 17: On sternum between nipples: (3) 1. spread part 2. circular motion, or 3. pushing toward Xypoid process 50-100x
Indication: Asthma, infant phlegmy, stuffy chest, vomiting milk, bronchitis.

Zhong Wan (Middle of Abdomen) Technique: Ren 12: rubbing 100x or 5 minutes, between xyphoid process and umbilicus.
Indication: vomiting, diarrhea, invigorate SP/ST. (add Zusanli)

FU (abdomen) Technique: Rubbing 100-200x around abdomen counterclock wise (tonify) or clockwise (disperse).
Indication: Abdominal pain, Indigestion, vomiting. (add Zusanli).

Umblicius w/ ST25 Technique: 100-300x immediate area at navel, massage in circles around umblicus.
Indication: Abdomen pain, Diarrhea.

Dan tien (Elixer field) Technique: 50-100x or 5 minute circular kneading.
Indication: Abdominal pain, bedwetting, Yuan qi, diarrhea.

Du Jiao (corner of Abdomen) Technique: **Use if area feels Cold. 2 to 5 presses.
Indication: Abdominal pain, diarrhea.

Tian Tu (Heavenly Process) Technique: Ren 22: knead with middle finger 10x
Indication: Cough with difficult muscous, first aid to induce vomiting.

________________________________________________________________________

Back and Spine

Jain Jing (Shoulder Well) Technique: GB 21: 5-10x grasp/pinch or press
Indication: Improve Qi and Blood circulation.

Feng men (Wind gate) Technique: BL 12: 20-30x Kneading
Indication: Common cold, asthma, Repiratory disease.

Fei Shu (Lung shu) Technique: BL 13 at T-3: push apart 100-300x
Indication: Lung Deficiency, Cough, respiratory issues.

Pi shu (Spleen Shu) Technique: BL 20 at T-11: 50-100x Kneading
Indication: Vomit, diarrhea, infantile malnutrition, Spleen deficiency.

Shen Shu (Kidney shu) Technique: BL 23 at L2: 50-100x kneading
Indication: Enuresis, morning diarrhea, weak limbs.

Ji Zhu (spinal column) Technique: C-7 to Sacrum: Push down 100-300x, or pinch/roll up 3x
Indication: Fever, convulsions.

Qi Jie Gu (Sacrum) Technique: L-4 to sacrum: 100-300x push up: diarrhea or down: constipation
Indication: Diarrhea, constipation (see technique).

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Legs, Feet, other special points

Bai Hui (meeting of 100) Technique: Du 20 at vertex: 100x kneading
Indication: Restlessness, crying, irritability, insomnia.

Da Zhui Technique: First aid: emergency prick with high fever
Indication: see above.

Qu Chi Technique: LI 11: kneading 100x
Indication: Skin issues, reduce high fevers.

He gu Technique: LI 4: kneading 100x
Indication: Strengthen weiqi, headache, Qi and blood circulation, face: jaw, teeth, allergy.

Kwei Wei (turtle Tail) Technique: Tip of coccyx: 100x kneading
Indication: diarrhea.

Zu San Li Technique: ST 36: 100x kneading (tonifying) pushing increases perstalisis.
Indication: Diarrhea, vomiting, food stagnation, loss of appetite.

San Yin Jiao Technique: SP 6: 100x kneading
Indication: Convulsion and bed wetting.

Yong Quan Technique: KD 1: kneading 100x
Indication: Tonfigy Kidney, sore throat, Cooling body temperature.

________________________________________________________________________________

Infant hand: (Yin) Unilateral: Male: left hand, Female: right hand

Pi jing (Spleen) Technique: Palmar surface distal thumb. 100 to 500x distal to proximal pushing.
Indication: Reduce ST/LI fever, diarrhea, indigestion, constipation.

Gan jing (Liver) Technique: Palmar pad of distal index finger. 100 to 500x distal to proximal pushing.
Indication: Convulsion due to Liver wind, red eyes, sore thorat.

Xin jing (Heart) Technique: Palmar pad to distal middle finger: 100-500x distal to proximal pushing.
Indication: High fever, eruptions of mouth and tongue.

Fei Jing (Lung) Technique: Palmar pad distal ring finger. 100-500x distal to proximal pushing.
Indication: Asthma, cough, Cold, Fever, chest pain.

Shen Jing (Kidney) Technique: Palmar pad distal little finger. 100-500x distal to proximal pushing.
Indication: Euresis, KD def. diarrhea.

___________________________________________________________________

Other: Unilateral: Male: left hand, Female: right hand

Lao gong Technique: PC 8: center of palm 100-500x kneading.
Indication: Excess heat, heat in mouth.

Wei lao gong Technique: Finger knead 100-500x
Indication: Exogenous disease.

Er shan men (2 doors) Technique: 100-500x press/knead. Dorsal side of hand 1st knuckle middle finger.
Indication: Febrile disease without sweating, heat symptoms.

Wei Guan Technique: TB 5: 100-500x kneading massage
Indication: Headache, alternating fever and chills.

_____________________________________________________________________

Infant hand (Yang) Unilateral: Male: left hand, Female: right hand

Da Chang Jing (Large Intestine) Technique: 100-500x massage from radial side of index finger to webbing.
Indication: Diarrhea, constipation.

Xiao chang jing (Small intestine) Technique: 100-300x massage from Ulnar side of little finger to webbing.
Indication: Scanty urine, Anuria, Enuresis.

Wei jing (Stomach) Technique: 100-300x massage proximal phlange on ventral surface of thumb.
Indication: Vomiting, hiccup, thirst, poor appetite, Stomach fire.

Dan Jin (Gall Bladder) Technique: 100x Second phlangne on index finger
Indication: Ear ache, Shao yang syndrome.

Ban men (Wood Gate) Technique: Kneading greater thenar eminence.
Indication: Vomiting, indigestion, shortness of breath, diarrhea.

Shi Xuan Technique: Digging method with finger nail 3-5x each finger.
Indication: High Fever.

San guan (3 gates) Technique: 100-300x massage from ventral surface of forearm, radial side wrist to elbow.
Indication: Def. of Qi and Blood, weak constitution, weakness after illness, yang Def, cold limbs.

Liu fu (6 bowels) Technique: 100-300x ventral surface of forewarm, ulnar side from elbow to wrist.
Indication: High Fever, irritability, sore throat, constipation, dry stool.

Tian he Shui (Celestrial River) Technique: 100-300x midline of ventral surce from wrist to elbow.
Indication: Yin Def. heat.

Xiao Tian Xin (Small heaven heart) Technique: 100x kneading Root of palm
Indication: Restlessness, Anxious, teething, night crying, nightmares.

Yin yang (LU9 and HT7) Technique: 100x towards or away from each other LU9 HT7 at wrist
Indication: Towards: Fever. Away: Open chest.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Text books:
Foundations of Chinese Medicine: Giovanni Maciocia

Chinese Nutritional Therapy: Joerg Kastner

Turtle Tail and other Tender Mercies: Bob Flaws

Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Cheng Xinnong

_____

_____

_____

Books for this semester:

Disorders: Qi and Blood, Blood and Qi, Ying Qi, and Wei Qi.

Fractures, Dislocations, Sublaxations, Sprains, Strains

Neck: Cervical spine

Exercise, Qigong, and Health Maintenance.

spurling’s test for neck injury

Elbows, Wrists, Fingers Tests

Shoulder

Elbow, Wrist, Fingers: Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, etc.

Back and Spine: LBP, Herniated Disc, Spondylosis, Spinal Stenosis, etc.

Si Joint, Hip joint, knees, Feet

Systemic Orthopedics

Microsystems
Auricular acupuncture therapy

Section and distribution-

Auricular

Nogier’s system

Face and Nose

Foot and Hand Systems

Foot Acupuncture System

Chinese Hand System

Korean Hand Acupuncture

Scalp (also see clinical techniques section more detail)

Yamamoto’s scalp acupuncture

Zhu Ming Qing Scalp acupuncture

Bagua Scalp acupuncture

Clinical Techniques

9 Needles

Techniques:

Moxabustion with Chinese herb “Ai Ye”

Cupping: use of negative pressure

Continuous needle stimulation with Electroacupuncture

Intradermal, Cutaneous, and Press Needling

Scalp Acupuncture

Kinesio Tape: lymph enhancing taping

Wrist and Ankle acupuncture: Upper and Lower half of body. 6 sections of the body and limbs.

Guasha: scrape the skin to move qi and blood.

Penetrating Needle a strong treatment for Stubborn and Chronic issues

Attn: refresh web browser. last update: 4-11-2016

A Lighthouse for approved Cheng Man Ching’s Tai Chi Chuan instructors in USA*
Since I have lived in the Washington DC metro area, I have come across many folks who teach the “Yang Short form” that was designed by Cheng Man Ching. Robert W. Smith (RWS) is the main influence in this area. Mr. Smith taught a free Taiji class at the Bethesda YMCA parking lot on Saturday morning’s beginning in 1962.

He also offered a class near his home in Bethesda at Fleming Park where he started a group interested in Pa-kua Chang and Hsing-I Chuan . This group still meets to this day to practice every Sunday mornings at 8 am. Surprisingly, I recently re-read “Martial Musings” by RWS, his disdain for many folks he taught, whom either came to the YMCA a few times, or later became “teachers” without having spent significant time under his watchful eye. Nor had these folks have his permission to teach. This is completely understood in regards to developing real ‘kung fu’ since time, practice, and correction is needed for an art as sophisticated at Tai Chi Chuan (Grand Ultimate Boxing) to master in the early years of fundamental training. Often times students who are actually doing the work long term with a instructor are quite aware of who comes and who goes, who does the work and who doesnt. It is very much about who put in the time with teacher, who is progressing, and who is in the teachers inner circle. Practice‘Wu De’, “Martial virture”.

Here I will list some of the “approved” and well known students of Robert W. Smith, William CC Chen, T.T. Liang, “Abraham” Liu Chen Huan, Liu Hsi-heng, and Ben Lo as well as some others based on conversations with senior level students.

First lets talk about Cheng Man Ching’s early years Taiwan “Shr Jung” school and his students:
Some of these include: (no particular order)
Benjamin Lo,
Liu Hsi-heng,
Hsu I-chung,
Dr. Ping-Siang Tao,
Robert W. Smith,
T. T. Liang,
William C. C. Chen,
Huang Sheng Shyan,
“Abraham” Liu Chen Huan.
Wu Kou-Chong– Malaysia.
Hsu Fun Yuen,
Yi Chung Bo- Taiwan,
Cheng Hsing Yu- (deceased).
other Shr jung instructors list here at: 37Tai Chi.org’s Instructor List

In 1964, Cheng Man Ching taught in New York city. (In no particular order)
Tam Gibbs (deceased),
Lou Kleinsmith,
Ed Young,
Mort Raphael,
Maggie Newman,
Stanley Israel (deceased), his student is Mario Napoli
Herman Kauz,
Victor Chin,
Y Y Chin,
Jon Gaines,
Natasha Gorky,
Wolfe Lowenthal,also list of CMC student links on Wolfe’s page
Ken VanSickle,
Jane and Bataan Faigao (deceased), Rocky Mountain Tai Chi Center
Don Ahn,
Carol Yamasaki,
Saul Krotki,
Liam Comerford.
Sifu Bill Phillips: Patience Tai Chi instructors
Judyth Weaver,
Robert Ante,
Lawrence Galante,
Robert Chuckrow.
Patrick Watson– School of Tai Chi Chuan
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

William CC Chen (WCCC): Is one of the longest students of Cheng Man Ching and has competed in full contact fight events. He is one of the most Senior alive today. His children Tiffany and Max Chen were also groomed and have competed in many nationally and internationally representing the USA team in various countries. WCCC has his list public on his website of his approved teachers: Link is here, click.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
T.T. Liang’s known students:(unofficial)
Don Ethan Miller- Mastodon productions
Stuart Alve Olson
Gordon Muir
Paul Gallager
Jonathan Russell
Ray Hayward
Paul Abdella
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
List of Ben Lo’s approved disciples/students who teach:(No particular order)
Carol Yamasaki in Michigan
Pat Culotti in Wisconsin
Garret Chinn – Bay Area. SF Ca
Martin Inn
Bob Amacker
Dr. David Walls-Kaufman- Washington DC
Lenzie Williams- Berkeley CA
Kim Kanzelberger– Kansas
John Crouse- Richmond Va.
Julian Chu- Fairfax Va.
Scott Meredith- Tokyo Japan
Larry Mann (deceased),
Donald Davis- Tidewater Tai chi, Norfolk Va.
Bert Brown is teaching in Santa Cruz
Michael Hackshaw- Germany
Darin Henry- Phoenix AZ
Peter Kwok- San Francisco
Terry Li (deceased)- San Francisco
Kayo Robertson- Utah
Ed Chan – Los Altos, CA
Pak Chan – Cupertino, CA
Alan Kepner – S.F., CA
Don Gillaspie – Marin, CA
Cottie Morrison – Ukiah, CA
Tana Farnsworth – Las Vega, NV
Pamela Zilavy – S.F., CA
Nellie Donovan – Santa Cruz, CA
Lee Scheele– Coasta Mesa Ca.
Robert Davis
Wayne Abramson
Marvin Feldman
Michael Jang
Sam Edwards
Tricia Yu– Taos, NM
Arnold Lee– Rockville MD
Tom Krapu and Michael David- St. Louis MO (St. Louis Tai Chi Chuan Association)
David Chen (deceased), Joanne Chen (wife).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The top students of Robert W. Smith on the “list” to teach: (No particular order)
Note: There were originally 3 lists: one of students who teach Tai Chi Chuan, and a second of those who teach Pa-kua and Hsing-i, 3rd who teach all three.
Tai Chi Chuan
Warren Conner,
Len and Ellen Kennedy,
Michael Ward,
Pat Kenny
Rayned Wiles
Stephen J. Goodson 13postureboxing.com
___________________________
Pa-kua and Hsing-i
Bart Ingram,
Paul Cote,
Dainis Jergenson,
Kirk Talbott,
Stu Scantlebury,
Jay Falleson,
John Lang,
Stephen J. Goodson,
Jim Hill,
Billy Fox,
Russ Mason.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Huang Sheng Shyan (disciple of Cheng Man Ching)- Unofficial Link of instructors here.
(in no particular order)
Lau King, video
Patrick Kelly,
Choong Chi Pin,
Wee Kee Jin,
Yek Sing Ong,
Foong Choon Sang.
Master Henry Wang in Canada website and link to students
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Liu Hsi-heng: (Official list no particular order)

Bill Tucker– Canada
Jeff Herrod– Catonsville, MD.
Daniel Pfister– Davis, CA.
Mark Lord – Reno, NV (deceased)
Rick Halstead – San Francisco, CA
Mike Moran – Chicago, IL
Danny Emerick – Tallahassee, FL
Michael Schnapp – Taipei, Taiwan
Yuan Wei-ming – Taipei, Taiwan
Mark Hennessy – Taichung, Taiwan
Lin Farley – Vista, CA
Barbara Davis – Minneapolis, MN
Stephane Moreaux – Taipei, Taiwan
Alex Makapa – Taipei, Taiwan
Daniel Altschuler – Seattle, WA

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Abraham Liu- (Unofficial list)
Gene Walder
Bill Helm– San Diego, Ca.
Terry Dunn
Chris Luth
Ted Purpero
Jesse Tsao
Kip Leggett
Ted Kardash

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Future Section: Links to other 3rd and 4th generation teachers of Cheng’s Yang short form (starting from CMC as 1st generation).
Nigel Sutton– U.K. and Malaysia
Diosdado Santiago- student of Lou Kleinsmith.
Michael Pekor– student of Bill Phillips.
Avi Schneier- student of Bill Phillips.
Lee and Beth Fife- students of Jane and Bataan Faigao in Colorado. Rocky Mountain Tai Chi
Patrick Kelly’s students network: List of students of Huang’s style International.
Patrick Watson schools- Tai Chi foundations International
Alan Pittman (former student of Mr. Robert W. Smith who authored Pa-kua and Hsing-i books with him in 90’s ).
Wilson Pitts in Richmond Virginia Tai chi in the Park.

_________________________________________________________
Other Lineage tracing sites, points of interest:
Why so many Yang Styles? great list here from 1820 and on.
Thoughts on Ranking, testing, certificates, etc.– thoughts on Pros/cons by Sam Masich.
A CMC Family Tree- another listing attempt by someone else, cites emails, discussions.
Thoughts on Yang Family Lineage discussion on the Yang Sau-Chung 4th generation Yang Family.
Yang Jun accepts disciples
Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming discusses his lineage.
Yang Family online Temple
Northwest Tai Chi Chuan Association– Tchong Ta-tchen (Canada)- lineage from Yang Shao-hou to Hsiung Yang-ho
Guang Ping Tai Chi Association– Lineage info

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Links to other sites with Certified Instructors of Tai Chi Chuan

Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan
Yang Family Tai Chi Association International (Yang Zhen Dou and Yang Jun)
World Yongnian Tai Chi Association– Fu Zhong Wen/Fu Sheng Yuan/James Fu.
Dong Hu Ling– Honolulu, Hawaii, maintained by Dong Zhen Chen, Chip Ellis
Tung Family Taijiquan– Alex Dong’s list of instructors

Wu Family Tai Chi
Wu Family Tai Chi Chuan International (Wu Chien Chuan branch)

Wu/Hao Tai Chi chuan
Wu/Hao Taijiquan: Lineage in China and abroad.

Chen Tai Chi Chuan
The 4 Tigers are: Chen Xiao Wang, Chen Zhen Lei, Wang Xian and Zhu Tian Cai.
Chen Xiao Wong’s USA disciples- List of CXW cert. instructors.
Chen Zhen Lei– website here.
Wang Xian– website here
Zhu Tian Cai’s website here
other Chen, Xiaobao, Li, other:
Chen Yu’s Taijiquan– list of instructors

International Hunyuan association of Feng Zhiqiang. site in Chinese, English site not working last check.
Chen Practical method international– Chen Zhonghua

*sources: This list is as complete as I digged into research, it is to be a guide for new students. Be aware of who your teacher is and where they are coming from. Seek the right path. Some are disciples while others have “permission to teach”, buyer beware, based on conversations and emails with Danny Emerick, Bart Ingram, David Walls-Kaufmann, Scott Meredith, Daniel Pfister, Priscilla@WCCC.com, Paul Gallager, Terry Dunn, Tom Krapu, (sorry if I missed anyone), Lee Fife, and sources online CMC Wikipedia.
_____________________________________________________________________

Follow the principles to the letter, do the work, relax, and get back to your martial discipline with diligence!!

last update- Mar-12-2019

Acupuncturist and Herbalists

Virginia University of Oriental Medicine Clinic– we have some great doctors here: Dr. Choo, Dr. Beyong, Dr. Kim.

Hoyoon Chong is a acupuncturist and constitutional medicine practitioner. Has done work for MMA fighters and Sports athletes. He has taught at University, and lectures on Sa Sang Medicine. He has shared with me a lot of constitution medicine, Qigong, and acupuncture, Diet. Website, Annandale Va.

Dr. Marc Wasserman– in Kensington Maryland. Spent 10 years in Taiwan learning in a clinic environment and graduated there. He is also a Wing Chun practitioner.
http://chinesemedicineinsider.com/about/

James Leporati- teaches Tai Chi in NY and runs his clinic there. Other Link

Dr. Casey Corridan– graduate of PCOM in New York, is my current herbalist. Not so much a martial arts practitioner as much as a great consultant and mentor. www.acupuncture-alexandria.com

Dr. Eugene Zhang– his clinic is here in Fairfax Va. he is a doctor of TCM and is also a Tai Chi Chuan instructor. he is my current doctor and very good.

Dr. Hon Lee- is a Chinese doctor in Herndon Virginia. Link to clinic here. I first heard of him at Jow Ga Kung fu in Herndon Va.

Below: Alex, Brandon, Mike, Mario are all from Hsing-i.com:

Dr. Alex Shpigel– San Diego Ca. clinic link. A national champion of Lei Tai fighting using neijia- Taiji, Bagua, Xingyi (Hsing-i). Graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego. San Diego Hsing-i
Interview with Alex.

Brandon Drouillard practices in Hsing-I Chuan in Colorado. This included his practice of Acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, tuina massage therapy, herbal medicine, and kinesio-tapping are the modalities he integrates into his medical practice at Dr. Akers’ Natural Health Clinic, in Golden Colorado. he can be found at: http://coloradohsing-i.com/shrfu.html
Podcast: link here

Mike Corradino, Southern California (San Diego). He is acupuncturist and former full contact Lei Tai fighter. DMC acupuncture he specializes in Neuro-acupuncture. Please visit his website.

Mario Mancini is also a form champion level full contact fighter team mates with Alex Shpigel, Mike Corradino, and Brandon Drouillard. His acupuncture clinic can be found in San Diego, CA: Mancini Acupuncture
_______________________________________

Dr. Tom Bisio- New York. Tom has not only written many books on the subject of healing, Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, he is also a doctor of Chinese medicine. Zheng Gu Tui Na line of herbs at Kamwo.com.

Dr. John Kang– clinic in Richmond Va. link John is a acupuncturist as well as Wing chun disciple of Lo Man Kam. East-West Wing Chun RVA. John is a graduate of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in Berkeley Ca.

Dr. Dale Dugas– Doctor of Oriental Medicine(DOM) and an Acupuncture Physician. He has studied Southern Mantis, Bak mei, Iron body and palm skills, Taiji, Bagua, Xingyi.
Dale’s blog Graduate of New England School of Acupuncture. Resides in Tampa Florida. Dale on LinkedIn

Andrew Miles DOM, L.Ac in Albuquerque New Mexico, lived and studied in Chengdu China. He studies 8 step Mantis and Yang Tai Chi Kung Fu . His clinic is Khoo Wellness also specializes in Cardiology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66vTs1iJ_aI
Andrew has also launched a podcast here to educate people on health trends and information concerning healing therapies:
Podcast: Botanical Biohacking

Dan Regan LAc– Teaching in Canejo Valley ,California. Dan is a acupuncturist, but teaches the functional martial art styles like Kali, JKD, Silat, MMA, and Xingyi Dao. He comes highly recommended here. Website

Dr. Brian Allen– Oriental medicine and health services in Wilmington Delaware. Brian is a teacher and practitioner of Tai Chi Chuan.
Graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine

Dr. Celeste Wray– Yuen Accupuncture in Redlands Ca. studied Tai chi, Bagua, Xingyi in Richmond Va. went to 5 Branches in San Jose Ca.

Dr. Fernando Bernall– clinic in St. Augustine Florida teaches Tai Chi Chuan, strength training, and other martial arts. Website: http://fernandobernall.com/

Tom Bailey– Thomas Bailey, Florida Doctor of Oriental Medicine/Acupuncture Physician, Florida Licensed Massage Therapist and instructor in Chen Tai Chi. Provides house calls in Palm Beach County and northern Broward County. Please see web site for details

John Mini LAc in Northern California Bay area: John is the creator of “Balance the Herb” which targets users of Marijuana. He is a long time qigong practitioner under Dr. Yu and his wife, Madam Ou-Yang Min who did Yiquan. website: ” target=”_blank”>John Mini contact website

Ali Sherbiny, MAcOM, DiplOM (NCCAOM), L.Ac, in Arlington Virginia sudied Tui Na, acupuncture, herbs, and Qigong. His clinic is smilingacupuncture.com

Dr. Brian Wilson- Nashville Tennessee. Tai Chi practitioner, former fighter, and licensed acupuncture.http://www.integralacupuncturenashville.com/

Dr. Ben Ng- Sydney Australia clinic click here. Ben is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine down under in Australia. He is a very good push hands practitioner studied in the Yang Tai Chi chuan lineage of Fu Zhong Wen. other site here.

Dr. Christian Saint-Pierre- is a registered acupuncturist in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada who practices Taiwanese acupuncture. I also practice Yang Taijiquan and XiangShan Ziranmen. Accessacupuncture.ca

Justin Flinner, LAc. Justin has competed in Wushu and Taijiquan for many years as a student of Nick Gracenin. His clinic is in Washington DC.

Dr. Amy Tseng– Washington State. She can be found on Facebook if you search.

Dr.Gary Stier, O.M.D. A practitioner of Shen Men Tao system (Taiji, Bagua, Xingyi).
B.F.A in Music, M.S. & O.M.D.(H.K.) in Oriental Medicine, Reiki/Chi-Kung Master Master Instructor of Tai-Chi, Kung-Fu, Yoga
172 Augusta Drive. Wimberley/Woodcreek TX 78676. Phone 512-847-8188.

Stephen Tamaribuchi: Sacramento CA. https://www.yelp.com/biz/tamaribuchi-stephen-k-acupressurist-sacramento

Sifu Alexander Knight is a LAc in Bellinghave Washington who is a 4th degree black belt in Shuai Chiao and Tai Chi. His website is:
http://www.kungfuandtaichi.net/

Awais Mian: in London U.K. Www.sevenheavens.co.uk Trained in biochemistry and cell biology and then traditional Chinese medicine at Westminster university. He has taught Tcm and qigong at London college of traditional acupuncture. Eventually he became head of biomedicine at London south bank university on the acupuncture course. Also vice chairman of the Wu shi taiji and qigong assn in the U.K.
A disciple of Michael Acton from the line of Ma Yeuh Liang through Master Dr. Li Li Qun.

Marcus Brinkman DOM (in Taiwan), Marcus is a high level Neijia martial artist. Website here

Paul Rossignol M.S.O.M., Dipl. OM, D.O.M., B.A. in Philosophy with a minor in East Asian Studies from the University of New Mexico in 2000. Southwest Acupuncture college of Santa Fe. Dr. Rossignol holds black belt ranking in Aikido as well as master instructors certifications in Yang Tai Chi Chuan, Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi Chuan and Hsing I Chuan. He is a certified instructor in martial arts. Martial arts School website. Contact him for more into at: drpauldom@gmail.com

Boris Bernadsky LAc LMT Brooklyn NY in a Tai Chi practitioner and a licensed acupuncturist in Brooklyn New York. Contact: Borislmt@gmail.com Tui Na massage also available. www.361acupuncture.com website
Facebook for 361 Acupuncture.

Andrew Nugent-Head, of Traditional Studiesis a practitioner and teacher in Asheville North Carolina. He studied in China and is a practitioner of Dr. Pie Xie’s Yin Bagua system. He has many videos like these online:
Discussion on External and Internal Damp

Chris LaCava

Justin Meyer

Herbalist Alexander “Roots” King: is a Wudang Internal arts practitioner and has been involved in herbal medicine for many years. He can be found here:
dragongatedc.com

Dr. Mark Cheng- In Los Angelas CA. also known for his Beach Body series “Tai Cheng”, he is a kettlebell instructor, TCM doctor, Shuai chaio fighter. contact website: http://drmarkcheng.com/
Podcast here.

Damon Bramich– Better Health Naturally
Address is 2/8 Bluegum Rd Jesmond (Newcastle) N.S.W Australia ph 61249557272. 61412573233

Steve Sterling, LAc, ACN, San Diego, CA
https://www.WebLAc.com

Dr. Keith Cini, AP Jupiter, FL
https://www.agapehealingarts.com/team-biographies

Jonathan M. Fields AP, DOM – Acupuncture Physician, Doctor of Oriental Medicine & Martial Arts Instructor in South East Florida, USA (Coral Springs)
www.integrativemedicine.us

_________________________________________________________
Chiropractors
Dr. David Walls-Kaufmann– Capitol Hill Chiropractic. David is a long time student for Ben Lo. His Tai Chi website here. he is a graduate of Palmer College.

Dr. Troy Schott The Joint Chiropractic in L.A. 7121 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 martial arts site: grounddragonma.com
(323) 845-4688

________________________________________________________
Massage Therapists

Tim Darmetko- Tuscon Arizona. Martial artist and Korean Qi (or Chi) Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, Tao Shiatsu (Japanese Massage), Unwinding the Belly/Tibetan Massage, Tui Na(Chinese Massage), Asian Reflexology, Sports Massage,
Pre/Post Natal Massage

Richard Johnson: Master Massage Therapist (no longer publicly practicing); M. S. Exercise Science; Doctoral candidate – Sports Biomechanics; Owner, coach and trainer, http://trukinetix.wixsite.com/home

April Franklin, Falls Church, VA Massage Therapist, Cupping Massage, Reiki. April is a fellow student at VUOM, Tai Chi practitioner, and does excellent cupping massage as well.
therapeuticmassageoffallschurch.abmp.com

Katheryn Yasuoka: Was a student of Lou Kliensmith and does the Cheng Man Ching “Short form”. After Lou Kleinsmith she studied with Robert Smith and Ben Lo. She also practices Aikido at what is now called the Aikido Shobukan Dojo in Takoma Park. Well she is also a Massage therapist/Bodyworker. Styles include: deep tissue, craniosacral, reiki, cupping, pre-natal massage. She has some training in shiatsu and thai, but it is a modality not active for over 10 years. Her main work is through an integrative medical/wellness center where the only demand is sessions on a table. She has a private practice in Olney, MD. contact: kyasuoka1@gmail.com. She is at Aspenhillclub.com in Silver Spring Maryland. And teaches in Ashton Maryland at Blueberry Gardens
phone 301-924-0487.

Harry Klonizakis is a massage therapist and Touch for Health instructor in Greece that is also trained in Dong family taijiquan. His website: In the Flow link to http://www.intheflow.gr/

Aaron Green does Cranial Sacral and Tui Na work, he teaches Wu style Tai Chi from Bruce Frantzis. His website it Applied energy arts we recently did this interview here.

Ray Abeyeta- El Paso Texas. Ray is a Reiki healer besides Tai Chi instructor. Link here.

Matt Stampe LMT (2006-2013) combatsportsmassage.com While I do not practice massage much anymore and have let my license with Virginia Board of Nursing expire, I continued my education at VUOM.org as a student of TCM to be an acupuncturist. I sponsor and do bodywork on combat athletes and competitors in fight sports.

Diosodao Santiago- Greater New York area. He is an veteran instructor in Cheng Man Ching Tai chi and a massage therapist. Link here:

Paul Ramos: Is a long time practitioner of Wudang martial arts: Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan. His school is in the DC area. Paul has extensive training in Tui Na Chinese massage. Wu Shen Tao link

Joel Timmons LMT Lives in Jacksonville, Florida. He is on Facebook.


___________________________________________________________________
Rehabilitative, Sports Medicine, various manual therapies, physical therapist

Dr. Ujjwal Shakya, DPT, DMT, SCS is founder of MMA and Sports Rehab. He is also a practitioner of martial arts Muay Thai and trains and practices at Pentagon MMA. http://www.rehabmma.com/about/

Dr. Kenneth Fish in Gaithersburg Maryland, is a Osteopath/Chiropractor and a long time practitioner and teacher of Hsingyi, Tong Bei, Wing Chun, Boxing, and Taijiquan among other
rare styles and qigong. Clinic link in Maryland

Chris Jurak PT– Chris utilizes a unique combination of manual therapies. He is a long time student and teacher of Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong. LinkedIn here.

__________________________________________________________________
Hypnotherpists(click on name to get to website.)
Juan Maldonado– is a Tai Chi Chuan, qigong, and boxer/Muay Thai fighter. practitioner in Los Angelas Ca.
BA in Psychology from CSUN, Cert. in Hypnosis by ICBCH and American Hypnosis Association, Certified Taiji and Qigong instructor by Center for Holistic Arts. Twitter

Michael Pekor– Long Island NY, Mike is a push hands champion that does Tai chi chuan and Wing Chun.

Hypnotherapist/Massage:

Dr. John Painter is a clinically trained hypnotherapist. He teaches Tibetan Yoga, Daoist and Tibetan Dzogchen meditation, Zhan Zhuang for health, Daoist Qigong with a practical medical approach. He held classes in the Cancer center rehab unit at Duke University and more. His PhD is in Chinese Naturopathic medicine with thesis on Chinese massage.

This article was originally written in late 1998.

Xianhao Cheng

It is interesting to know that among the many practitioners of Taijiquan (Grand Ultimate boxing) Gong Fu (skill gained through time and hard effort) that have come to America from Mainland China, none have impressed me as much as Xianhao. Interested in the American practitioners, Xianhao is determined to help bring a higher understanding of the art to better clarify the meaning of the Taiji principles into our physical culture. Xianhao holds a Doctorate of Oceanography from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, (now resides in Philadelphia PA) Xianhao actively pursuits his scientific responsibilities while maintaining his passion inherited from his Taiji masters. Quality of teaching is preferred to quantity of students, giving Xianhao the ability to discern closely what is needed to improve the students’ needs for correct practice.

Born in 1955 in Hangzhou, mainland China, he began martial arts at the age of 20. His first teacher was Song Geng Yu. Song Geng Yu was a member of the first Zhejiang Wushu Team, after the cultural revolution. Xianhao learned from him the Shaolin Chang Chuan or long-fist.

Four years later, he began to study Taiji in the parks of Hangzhou surrounded by many practitioners and teachers of the art. There he became interested in the oldest style of Taiji, Chen Style, and the push-hands method, Tui Shou. From this base he was able to meet with the real Taiji people who were non-public about their Tui Shou. Being interested in deepening his skills, Xianhao was initiated by some of the rarest teachers available at the time.

There are many Taiji players in the parks of mainland China, but only a handful really have a passion for the higher level skills. Xianhao really doesn’t associate with the public level of teaching, but finds great interest in the “underground” practitioners, who rarely let themselves be known. He mentions these people do not want to be bothered, published, and will rarely be seen in the parks.
He learned many forms, among them: a 13 wudang taiji postures , 13 wudang form video Wudang partner sword, and Taiji stick. He has had the opportunity to have meet teachers who trace back to Yang Jian Hao and Yang Shao Hao. This is a smaller circle fast Taijiquan.

Sifu Xianhao Cheng on Yang Small Frame: “Small frame is significantly different from long form. The long form focus on stretching tendon and bone as well as stance training. Therefore, it is loose, slow, and clearly differentiates on yin/yang separation. Small frame is high and fast. When I was learning, it only took about 4 min. for the postures as much as long form. The step is agitative with high posture. You can find its shadow when you see the Wu form.”

It was through Master Zhu Liang Fang, a fifth generation practitioner of Yang’s Taijiquan, a disciple of Jiang Yu Kueng that Xianhao’s Taiji began to flourish. Jiang Yu Kueng (fourth generation) was quite fortunate to have been a part of Yang Chen Fu’s teaching in Nan Jin Chinese Central Martial arts Academy in 1930-34. Jiang Yu Kueng was given inner student teachings. Thus becoming famous in China for his abilities fighting placing in competition for his Lao shir (respectable master) Yang Chen Fu. He graduated from the academy, where the students were very eminent in martial arts. Most of them ended up becoming famous martial arts instructors in China.

Zhu Liang Feng with Jiang Yu Kueng

Jiang Yu Keung in action:

It is through this master that the foundation of Xianhao’s background was laid. With this base he was able to meet the non-public Tui Shou masters. Among his valued possession he keeps an original picture of Yang Chen Fu, given to him from his master, and an original copy of Yang Chen Fu’s book, “The Art of Tai Chi Chuan”. Xianhao also has Zhu Liang Fang’s book on Small Frame Fast Yang Taijiquan.

Zhu Liang Fang’s Taiji saber form #2
https://youtu.be/sanoCRQqgkk

The long form that Xianhao demonstrates is very alive and successfully unifies every teaching into his movements. Unlike the stiff and dead movements executed by many, his is very circular, organic, rounded, low, soft, and flexible. As he moves, his internal energy, or jin, is always calmly aware, while remaining hidden, much like a cat ready to pounce. I have studied with many Taiji masters in the past few years, who are licensed by the Chinese government. Their specialties include compulsory routines for competition. They teach in methods that require the student to fulfill the standards of that particular routine and the rules for competition. The flavor and appeal of competition forms is much different.

Xianhao’s routine’s combines different points of attention based on push hands and combat knowledge, containing coiling, pulsating spirals far from the robotic compulsory movements. His movements show the variety of circles inherent in the Yang, Chen, and Wu styles as if giving reverence for the families of Taiji. His form is full of Yang knowledge, chi, and it blends with Tao, in his own special way much like how we would each write our name in cursive uniquely. His genuine display can never be truly mimicked because it’s at a level of true understanding of the function and principles.

This is an excellent example for us to humble ourselves to be willing to progress, and seek the true meaning of gong fu. He has gone to great lengths and extreme depth in his research of chin-na (joint control), combat applications, push hands, throwing techniques or shuai jiao. Living Gong Fu is exemplified in the way Xianhao carries himself to his students in an open and compassionate way.

Links to teachings from Xianhao:
Translation of health functions of Taijiquan
Article on Peng Jing
Hangzhou version of Ba Duan Jin
Empty and full in Taijiquan
Yang Taijiquan applications
Taiji straight sword basics
Saber long form

Xianhao’s teaching style is not based on talk, but practice and competition results in form and push hands events.

He emphasizes that it’s up to the student whether they want to learn. A real gong fu is developed when there is a close and friendly relationship with sifu, a long term relationship is valued because it is relaxed and most suitable for learning. The seriousness of lessons received are worthy of informally establishing a sense of humbleness in the heart and mind towards Xianhao, his teacher, and the respected lineage. Becoming a close student will enable the student in modern times to gain deeper knowledge. For example, his lessons on the pressure points and herbal remedies for example: to help the “tonifying-nourishing” body aches and pains, while the martial art dispel the “toxic pathogens” that prevent recovery and can lead to further imbalances, these are only shared outside regular Taiji training. Xianhao is truly a teacher who can train you to calm oneself mentally and physically allowing the Taijiquan to function consistently and harmoniously with the will. Xianhao lastly endeavors for the higher skills that Taiji encompasses and mentions the importance of seeking Tao.

The Teachings-
Motto of Yongnian: Diligence, Perseverance, Respect, Sincerity.

Xianhao has a well-developed program covering all the essentials for progress.

The eight posture warm-ups Xianhao teaches was taught by Yang Chen Fu in Hangzhou for people as a gymnastic-like calisthenics which are strengthening.
Warm-up

Taiji Qigong is then introduced to allow the student to hone into chi feeling and then cultivate it further.

The next step is the 40 form compulsory of the Yang style. This is to prep newcomers for the long form.
40 yang

Advanced students then continue onto the 54 sword form ,then graduate up to the Long form.

Yang Straight Sword

Xianhao is one of the few masters in America that teaches the Yang style spear form and the long Yang broadsword form learned from his sifu in Hangzhou.

Matt with Xianhao and other teachers:

Push Hands drills are slowly introduced early to benefit form. Beginning with single, double hand techniques, fixed step, moving step, then fa jing lessons.
Push hands

Essential points of attention for push hands mentioned by Xianhao:
1. Don’t give up 30%
2. Be soft and Flexible
3. Empty, sink. turn
4. Apply jin to wrist and turn
5. Soft to hard, hard to soft, soft to emptiness interchangeably.

The three Jins:
Chang Jin– described as a long, silent and gentle energy. When applied the opponent is unaware, they’re off balanced. This energy is not designed to hurt people.
Duan Jin – a sudden and whip-like energy, it is relaxed and can hurt the opponent.
Ling Jin – cold energy, it is a hurting type of energy that is not easily noticed. It is sudden, shocking, and penetrates deep into the internal organs.

After the student grasps the previous concepts the introduction to Traditional Straight sword and the 108 Long form are taught, as well as other supplementary forms and Da Lu.

1994 I was in Shanghai China to visit the 50th anniversary of the Yongnian Taijiquan Association founded by Fu Zhong Wen (FZW). I have recently caught up with Paul Brown and Damon Bramich online and re-unite with the Yongnian Association head by FZW’s son Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan and grandson Master James Fu.

Image: Fu Sheng yuan teaching the finer points of push hands to Dr. Jonathan Shear and Matt Stampe in Shanghai China April 1994.

Image: Fu Zhong Wen and James Fu in USA July 1994

Name: Paul Brown

Where are you currently residing?
• Perth, Western Australia.

When did you start Yang Taijiquan?
• 1989

List any other styles you train and whom under?
• I have only trained under Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan.

Awards, certifications, titles, competition experience, etc.?
• Disciple of Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan since 1993, 6th Dan Chinese Wushu Federation, 3 Gold Medals and 1 Silver Medal in Tai Chi competitions in China, i.e., Shanghai, Yongnian and Xian.

Currently training under and how long?
• Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan for 25 years.

What do you see as the future of the Yongnian Association?
• The Yongnian Association was created by Grandmaster Fu Zhongwen in Shanghai, China in 1944 and has been synonymous with promoting the authentic Yang Style Tai Chi, as was taught to Fu Zhongwen by Yang Cheng Fu. Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan and Master Fu Qing Quan, plus their disciples, are all committed to preserving the Yongnian Association.

Any words of encouragement to fellow practitioners?
• Find out the history of your instructor, i.e., who they learnt from and for how long. This is to ensure you are receiving the best instruction possible. Tai Chi is very easy to be misinterpreted and altered, which is why we see so many versions of Yang Style Tai Chi today. Practice diligently daily because the more you practice the better you will understand this art yourself. Your instructor is for guidance, i.e., to keep you on the rails. If you want to harness your chi energy and develop jin power, you need to train diligently for many years. It will not come quickly or easily.

Please share your Views on ranking, certifications, teaching, etc.
• Tai Chi Kung Fu comes with time learning from an experienced teacher. It is not something that can be channelled into rankings or certifications. An experienced teacher is required to guide you through the jungle of misconceptions. They are important in fine tuning your movements and keep your mental state on the correct path.

What is your view of the current status of traditional martial art like tai chi with the explosion of MMA fight events?
• I don’t really have an opinion on the rise of MMA. I respect all people that train hard in their chosen martial art. I am appreciative that I have been able to learn the art of Tai Chi from a great master and am happy to concentrate my study on this art. I remember Fu Zhongwen saying to me one day that it was important to focus on one martial art if you want to master it.
Please feel free to share any videos and links. • I think there is a lot of videos of Grandmasters Fu Zhongwen and Fu Sheng Yuan, and Master Fu Qing Quan on YouTube. People can see these online. These are the videos I would recommend for people wanting to learn authentic Yang Style Tai Chi.

Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan answered the following:

How are things going with the Yongnian Association in China and abroad?
• The Yongnian Tai Chi Association in China is going very strong. There are also active memberships of Yongnian Associations in Australia, Malaysia, India, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. Myself and my son Fu Qing Quan have also taught in the USA, Canada, England, Chile, Thailand, Taiwan, Switzerland, Poland and Germany.

How many countries are now in the association? • As above.

What is your view of the current status of traditional martial art like tai chi with the explosion of MMA fight events?
• I enjoy watching the MMA on television. If students trained strongly and diligently in authentic tai chi for many years they could be competitive in an MMA competition.

Any words of encouragement to fellow practitioners?
• Follow my father’s motto, i.e., Diligence, Perseverance, Respect and Sincerity. Your training should be non-stop for many forms, with great effort. This will enable your body to become strong.

When will be the next gathering of all associations?
• Every year in Shanghai, China my son and I run a workshop for practitioners of the Yongnian Tai Chi. This event is usually held in May.

Yongnian county and Guang Ping is the Yang family hometown, can you talk about the memorial of Yang Chen Fu and Fu Zhong Wen there?
• My father and I were both born in Yongnian, China. This is our home village, so it is important that we return here as our final resting place. We built a memorial to my father in Yongnian that befitted his significance to tai chi and the village. My family dedicated a considerable amount of time, and negotiated with the Yongnian government officials, to build this memorial. Today my family, disciples, students and visitors regularly attend the memorial to pay their respects to my father. The memorial site to the Yang family members is also located just outside the town of Yongnian. This site was recently relocated due to industry building up around the former location. The bodies of Yang Lu Chan, Yang Ban Hou, Yang Jian Hou, Yang Cheng Fu, Yang Sao Hou and my mother are all buried at this location. The new Yang family memorial is an improvement on the former memorial, and is more befitting of the masters buried there.

Part 2 with master James Fu and Damon Bramich coming soon.

last edit 3/3/2015

5 hammers (punches) of Yang Taijiquan are:
1. Step, parry, deflect, and hammer strike (punch). 6x
2. Twist body hammer.3x
3. Unload, parry, deflect, and hammer.3x
4. Punch down hammer.1x
5. Punch crotch (bladder) hammer.1x

Put together, they are done approximately 14 times in the Long form.

The core sequence that includes the most hammers 3x are strung together in the classic long form is the #2 twist body hammer with the #3 unloading step, parry, deflect and hammer found in the Yang Long Form. Its significance is important as it is performed 3x in the Long form. First from “Flash Hands” or “Open Fan/Fan through the back”,and from the “Punch Down” hammer, and lastly from the second “Flash hands” in the latter half of form. It is a segment that starts with a series of fist and open palm strikes using the momentum of a 180 degree turn to the rear, followed by the classical ending sequence: ‘turn, chop with fist, step, parry, punch‘.

Yang Family website lists them as:
http://www.yangfamilytaichi.com/about/forms/hand-103
14. 进步搬拦捶 jin4 bu4 ban1 lan2 chui2 Step forward, Parry Block and Punch
28. 转身撇身捶 zhuan3 shen1 pie1 shen1 chui2 Turn Body and Chop with Fist
29. 进步搬拦捶 jin4 bu4 ban1 lan2 chui2 Step Forward, Parry Block and Punch
42. 进步栽锤 jin4 bu4 zai1 chui2 Step Forward and Punch Down
43. 转身撇身锤 zhuan3 shen1 pie1 shen1 chui2 Turn Body and Chop with Fist
44. 进步搬拦锤 jin4 bu4 ban1 lan2 chui2 Step Forward, Parry Block and Punch
52. 进步搬拦锤 jin4 bu4 ban1 lan2 chui2 Step Forward, Parry Block and Punch
81. 转身白蛇吐信 zhuan3 shen1 bai2 she2 tu4 xin4 Turn Bodyand White Snake Spits out Tongue
82. 进步搬拦捶 jin4 bu4 ban1 lan2 chui2 Step Forward, Parry Block and Punch
91. 进步指裆锤 jin4 bu4 zhi3 dang1 chui2 Step Forward and Punch Groin
99. 进步搬拦捶 jin4 bu4 ban1 lan2 chui2 Step Forward, Parry Block and Punch

In Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan by Fu Zhongwen he lists:

Postures containing the hammers/punches:
#12 Advance step, deflect, parry punch.
#24. Turn body and strike.
#25 Advance step, deflect, parry and punch.
#34: Advance step, plant punch.
#35: Turn body and strike.
#36: Advance step, deflect, parry punch.
#44: Advance step, deflect, parry punch.
#66: Turn body and strike with White Snake spits tongue.
#67: Advance step, deflect, parry punch.
#74: Punch Toward the groin.
#82: Advance step, deflect, parry punch.

From the book: p.34 Taijiquan Shi by Xu Yu-Sheng.

“People of the southern region [Guandong] use the written character “hammer” to refer to a fist that strikes like a hammer, pounding something downward. Therefore, the name of this posture should be ‘Step Forward, Parry, Deflect, and Strike with a Hammer”.

Xu Yu-sheng lists them in his book as:

#8- Advance, Parry (remove), Deflect (block, and hammer, (strike).
#23- Twisting body hammer.
#24- Unload step, Parry (remove), Deflect (block, and hammer, (strike).
#35- Forward step, plant hammer.
#42- Overturn body, and twist body hammer.
#60- Advance, Parry (remove), Deflect (block, and hammer, (strike).
#66- Brush knee and crotch hammer.
#72-conclusion contains- Advance, Parry (remove), Deflect (block, and hammer, (strike).

The Chinese words for this sequence are:
Twist body hammer- Lei Xia Hiao Cha shou– (Under rib Intersecting cross hand) into Bei Shen Chui- (Twist body hammer). Continuing into the unloading step series of hammers:
Guo ban shou– (wrapping parry hands), and Qian da chui– (forward striking hammer), and then the step-parry deflect hammer sequence containing a repeat of Guo ban shou, then Wei lan Shou– (outer stopping hand), and again Qian da chui.

Yang sequence showing several of the hammers, Da Jia “Large Frame” version in the Long form.

One thing, that I like about the ‘core section’ I’m talking about called:
[ Twist body hammer + Unload, parry, deflect, and hammer] or as Fu Zhongwen lists as:
#24. Turn body and strike,
#25 Advance step, deflect, parry and punch.

….is that when I first learned in back in 1994, the first thing I though of was “Well damn, now here is the lost pugilistic portion of Yang Taijiquan!!,” since it is a quick series of offensive punches and palm strikes not found in previous forms I had learned. It has a nice rotational action with consecutive rolling punches using whole body power. It feels much closer to pugilistic boxing than it does Chen’s Taiji fajin boxing.

The No-nonsense combative form of partner striking drilling called “Da Shou” or ‘hand striking skills’ is encoded in this specific sequence of hammer movements, before it was modified for more less contusion and bruising version called “Tui Shou” or “push hands”. It also encodes a vertical arm pung jin as a defensive whipping, rolling, and intercepting motion.

Later when Coach Pei taught more details of that Long form section, he taught along with it “Da Shou (Striking hands)” two-man drills, thus it all made sense to me. There are several types of two-man paired drilling and conditioning based on certain form sections. This is not to confuse you with the rare 88 “San shou” the 2-man choreographed fighting set which is something entirely different. The three main well know are the Single hand sets, Double hands “4 Square (Peng-Lu-Ji-An) Tui Shou” and “Da Lu (Big Rollback,Tsai-lieh-zhou-kao)”. The lesser known “Lan Chiao Wei (Grasp Bird tail) Qin-na set”, Forearm banging drills, and Da Shou (Strike hand) drills. There are several more I can elaborate on another time.

Da Shou in this Video sampler

This unique sequence of hammers uses a clever use of the waist when expressing fajin as an expansive force, concealing a simultaneous retraction quality at the 1st hammer to the Face, palm strike to chest, and 3rd hammer to the lower ribs to the Great Luo of the Spleen (SP21).

http://acupunctureschoolonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/SP-21-Great-Wrapping-DABAO-Acupuncture-Points-1.jpg

Every Tai Chi “short form” ever created and Wushu modified Long forms all have successfully failed to add this important and critical section into their sets. Most just include what I call the “standard step-parry-deflect punch” and “punch down” hammer.

Hammers on the bag with hand conditioning: as a clue to the usage in ‘da shou‘ hand striking.

There is a lot more in that section than just hammer strikes. Elbow is apparent, and the “open hand” version of 5 Hammers is called “White Snake Spits tongue” with the difference is the vertical shaped “pung jin” that expresses a fajin with a flick of the fingers to the opponents eyes.

Sources:
-Training in Shanghai China Fu Zhong Wen’s Yongnian Association 1994.
–Mastering Yang Taijiquan– Master Fu Zhong Wen, translated by Louis Swaim 1999.
-Yang family Taijiquan Association. 2004
-USWA (United States Wushu Academy) Coach Pei, a student of Yang Zhenjia, Yang Zhendou, and Fu Zhongwen 2011.
-Translation of Xu Yu-Sheng’s book Taijiquan Shu by Bradford Tyrey 2015.

Click here to get to Bradford Tyrey books on LuLu.com

In the 1980s I asked Madam Sun Jian-Yun (Sun Lu-T’ang’s daughter) and Wang Xi-Kui (Sun Lu-T’ang’s disciple) many questions over the years. Here are two explanations provided by Madam Sun, and further substantiated by Wang [unfortunately Wang passed away only a couple of years after studying with him]. The explanations below are the initial explanations that were given when entering into neijiaquan practices. Further detailed clarifications were given with each palm or fist set.

Q: Would you explain the true meaning of 三體式(san-t’ishi), according to the explanation of
your father [Sun Lu-T’ang] and his teacher, Master Guo Yun-Shen?

Compiler’s Notation: The Chinese character 體(t’i), according to period dictionaries during the lives of masters
Guo and Sun, means: the whole body; a frame consisting of many parts; substance; essentials; to embody; a solid; a
partition; completeness. The character (體) is composed of two radicals: bone [the human skeleton] and sacrificial
vessel. These meanings will help you to understand Madam Sun’s response. As she had been an art teacher of fine
painting methods, she explained this written character according to its two radical parts, and to the teachings of her
father and Master Guo. Therefore, 三體式 (san-t’ishi) can, in part, be translated as: Three Embodiments Posture;
Three Substances Posture; or Three Essentials Posture. It is safe to say that collectively, these three translations of
三體式 will bring you closer to understanding its inclusive meaning. I have chosen to use ‘embodiment’ as the fore
fronting translation based upon clarifications presented by both Madam Sun and Wang Xi-Kui (Sun Lu-T’ang’s
disciple).

A: There have been so many general explanations of this meaning, most falling far from its true
explanation and significance. Let me clarify this meaning as I was taught. First, are the san-
wait’i(three external embodiments): one’s head, hands and feet. The tip of the head [one’s
nose], the tips of the lead hand [fingertips], and tips of the lead foot [tips of the toes] must
point toward a central forward position. These are often referred to as san-duanshi(three
sections posture], and are but one part of the Three Embodiments.Second, are the san-neit’i
(three internal embodiments). These are the san tan-t’ien(three pill fields [cauldrons of qi]),
Located in the upper, middle, and lower regions. The outer three are paired with kai (to open
[extend]), while the inner three are paired with he’r(to unite [contract]. Thereby, outer and
inner conjoin to transform within the principle of kai-he’r(open-unite) within the three
neijiaquan arts: taijiquan, baguazhang and xingyquan. We can now form an overall
understanding of 三體(san-t’i). The character三(three) refers to three things: the outer three,
inner three, and the three neijiaquan arts. The character 體refers to the complete interior and
exterior structure of the human body as a vessel [sacrificial vessel], which is the embodiment,
unification and transformation of the 三. Three further represents: Heaven, Man, and Earth.

Q: Your father taught the 十六處練法Shiliu Chu Lian Fa (Sixteen Governing [Distinguishing] Training Methods). Would you explain the meaning of each of the governing skills and how each applies to neijiaquan practice?
1. A be an exact inch, but rather a step that is very, very small, near to that of an inch. My father taught that brutish force stems from large, aggressive stepping that relies upon muscular generation. The smallness of an inch in stepping requires that largeness [force] must come from the many parts of the body conjoining to produce ‘unified force’ that is issued through only a single inch of advancement or retreat. In this manner the other fifteen governing parts [developed skills] merge to become an overwhelming force and are carried by a single inch, thereby totaling the sixteen methods. When we practice taijiquan or any boxing art,the action of cunbu(inch stepping) can be used throughout the form or in specific movements. Such stepping is the governing foundation to practice cunji(inch striking) in which whole body strikes and can hit an adversary with great force from only an inch away. This is the union of the upper [hands] and lower [feet] regions. Both regions reflect and support the other. Fault in one shall result in fault in the other region. This is why I often remind all of you to adhere to the shiliu fa (sixteen methods), as they form the structure for correct inner and outer development and attainment. Do not forget!

Translation note on the character 寸 :Formed of the radicals: hand and one beneath it, to denote the pulse of the wrist, an inch from the hand. The Chinese inch or punto, which is regarded as equal to the middle joint of the finger; it measures one-tenth of a cubit or foot, thereby meaning ‘a very little.’

踐Jian(Trample on or over); from the radicals: foot and in a narrow, small place. 踐Jianrefers to your feet [including the legs] feeling as if they are like that of a wild horse’s hooves and are able to swiftly trample anything in their path. This feeling, as if to restrain a horse about to gallop, is kept abet by the tether of one’s spirit. Jian is the skill of moving with overwhelming force, yet without such force. It is the ability to initiate the impetus of movement within the cocoon of tranquility. This means that jian(trampling) can assume [take] any position that is desired, as nothing can stand against its force. One can step fully, half-step, obliquely step, withdraw or jump, each possess the method of jian. However, within jian it is essential to maintain one’s zhong din (central equilibrium), else improper leaning and loss of balance will cause one to fall, thereby the skill of ‘trampling’ instantly vanishes. Though correct stepping methods forefront jiangong(trampling development) it is zhangshen(long [the entire] body) that must be applied toward skill attainment. Students have further asked if the hands also follow the practice of jianfa(the trampling method)? My father told his students that the hands and feet are like the four hooves of a horse, all are the same; all adhere to 踐.: Yes, I will present the fundamental explanation according to how my father taught this within our family. You must remember that each governing skill must be so very carefully practiced and refined over the years. The mistake that most students make is that they learn of these skills though never pursue the secrets of each. Without unlocking these skills, the essential parts of true development within neijiaquan cannot be attained. The order of these skills is not so important, as some students must begin with the seventh, another with the thirteenth. It is the integration of all parts that is most important and most necessary.
Notation: Madam Sun’s explanations were presented to us while attending classes. However, I felt it important to explain each Chinese written character according to radicals and explanations from Chinese dictionaries that were period to the days of Master Sun Lu-T’ang and his teachers.This approach significantly helped me to understand Madam Sun’s meanings in a more comprehensive manner. In fact, she was impressed by this method that she asked the other members of the class do the same. For me, it was a matter to understand how to correctly practice the 十六處練法Shiliu Chu Lian Fa (Sixteen Governing [Distinguishing] Training Methods), as one misinterpretation, according to Madam Sun, would unravel the thread that binds the sixteen together.
2. 寸Cun (Inch) ~ refers to one’s foot taking a step that is near to that of a single inch. Whether the step is forward, to the rear, or to an angle the entire force of the body must be generated through and into an inch of stepping. This step is referred to as cunbu(inch step).

Bradford Tyrey Book at Lulu.com

A: As I have said before, exceptional boxing masters of the past generations had most carefully
and deliberately given exact names to each posture or set of movements as the basis of true
instruction. Each name taught a meaning or double meaning, method of practice, and often a
philosophical teaching. A good example for me to speak on is the taijiquan set of movements
called 金鷄獨立 Jinji Duli (Golden Rooster Stands Alone).

Gongji公鸡 (roosters) have the ability to sense the approach of evil in the form of demons.
When a rooster cries out it called gongming公鸣 (a crowing rooster), its crowing is able to
frighten demons, making them flee. According to the taijiquan posture Gongji Duli 公鸡独立
(Rooster Stands Alone), my father said that his taijiquan master, Hao Wei-Zhen, expounded
on the posture’s name which teaches the lesson of self-diligence and reliance in one’s own
courage to confront and overcome any hindrances encountered in life. A double meaning,
according to a play on words, is another reason the posture’s name was created. Duli 独立 (to
stand alone), has a similar enunciation as duli 独力 (individual effort). The inferred
connotation is that one can ‘stand alone’ at the very top of a summit, and through trusting his
own attentiveness in studies can be fruitful in passing the civil service examinations, thereby
attaining the rank of a high official or government minister.

Sun taijiquan’s three sequential postures composing
金鷄獨立Jinji Duli (Golden Rooster Stands Alone).

Master Sun also taught his students the double meanings of many postures. For example,
gongji 公鸡 (rooster) has the same pronunciation as ji 吉 (lucky, auspicious). The morning rooster that crows (gong ming 公鸣) sounds very similar to功名gong ming (merit and fame).
My father’s taijiquan teacher, Master Hao Wei-Zhen, had taught many further meanings of 独立(to stand alone), many are deeply philosophical, others are profound methods of internal practices. These are taught throughout the practice of neijiaquan.

Author’s Notation:
One of my classmates under Madam Sun was a professor of history at Bei Da (Beijing University). He had explained the following to us, as it had direct bearing on Jinji Duli (Golden Rooster Stands Alone).
[The expression 独立潮 duli chao (to stand alone before the tide) was well known during past generations. The character 潮 chao (tide) has the same pronunciation as the character 朝 (court [government]). In essence, 独立潮 duli chao (to stand alone before the tide) has a veiled meaning, that being a high ranked government officer ‘standing alone before the emperor.’

Temple of Heaven

In the 1980s Master Liu Xing-Han taught us that from 1911-1937 the Temple of Heaven in Beijing became a very special meeting place for both baguazhang and xingyiquan sects to practice and exchange information. His friend and one of his teachers Master Cheng You-Xin [Cheng Ting-Hua’s youngest son], regularly conducted classes there near the stairway to the upper platform. The photo here was taken in the early 1920s when these classes were flourishing. Masters Yin Fu, Liu Bin, Cheng You-Long, Sun Lu-Tang, Cheng You-Xin and others held classes there on a regular basis. I was given this photo (rather traded for it) by Master Liu Xing-Han. I hope that all of you will treasure it as part of the cultural heritage of neijiaquan.

This is a exercise, I’m not sure I want to call it qigong, and some branches call it Yang Taiji’s version of “Baduajin”, however I find it is more like Dao Yin.
Both teachers who have taught this to me were both from Taiwan. One did it as a warm-up before Taiji. The other used it at the end of class after Hsing-yi practice.

Lotus Qigong, or Tai Chi Lotus I’ve heard it called as well.
Tai Chi Lotus

image- Yang Jianhou, Tian Zhaolin, Jou Tsunghwa, Chen Yanlin.

It was written in both Chen Yanlin’s book. Also the book “Tao of Tai Chi Chuan” by Jou Tung Hwa wrote about calling it a Qigong. Danny Emerick says, “Paul Brennan translates Y. K. Chen’s section in the book on this set as “Taiji Quan’s Beginning Method for Invigorating the Body & Moving the Energy” (i.e. Ch’i), so apparently Tian taught this as a beginning Ch’i Kung set, and not as a super-secret Yang Family advanced Nei Kung Set!” https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2014/03/18/taiji-boxing-according-to-chen-yanlin/

Video samples of the exercises:

Author writes:

“This is a Tai Chi Qigong that I learned from Jou, Tsung Hwa and Shih, Tzu Guo. It was apparently first published in a book by Yearning K. Chen around 1930 and had been part of the Yang family secret teachings for many years. Currently available books by Jou, Tsung Hwa (Tai Chi Chuan: the Tao of Rejuvination) and by Stuart Olson (Cultivating the Ch’i) discuss this exercise in detail. This video is humbly offered to suppliment class work and provide a reference for students to review at home.
Inhale through the nose, exhale from the mouth. This set can be done with Natural Breathing or Reverse Breathing (when properly learned). When done with Reverse Breathing the sounds “Heng” and “Haa” can be added to inhaling and exhaling respectively.”

Lotus Qigong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdPtKlDEx8o&t=2s

Another person from Taiwan writes:

“I also learned it in a Yang style school in Taiwan, called neigong, with some clear differences to the the last vid. Stuart Olson’s translation I don’t like much, personal thing.
We stand on shoulder wide apart feet and breath from the dantian to the mingmen and back, with contraction while inhaling and big belly while exhaling (reverse breathing).
I like it very much, does engergize in a relaxed way, one of my 3 part warm-up for Yang style training days:
stretching, breathing, stepping (+ standing).”

Those expert advice, give us some clues to work with.

Two other video variations found on Youtube:

The first two videos closely resemble the version I have learned. This is one of my favorites:

Last update: 11/02/2015

Some authentic and recommended Taijiquan instructors.

If you do not see a particular instructor, it may be due to two reasons: 1) please see if a lineage teacher is there, otherwise we do not know or cannot account for people we have not heard of.

This list is comprised from networking, seminars, competition events, and interactions with well know masters in the Taijiquan martial arts community. It was done with the help of many teachers, competitors, push hands competitors, full contact fighters, interviews, private messages, and conversations. This is peer choice, the Taijiquan community’s choice to bring clarity and awareness. It is not my list but everyone who chimed in with knowing this is a much needed work.

Top : recommended Taijiquan teachers! (No particular order)
click on link to enter their website.

Tai Chi Symposium masters here

Chen style Taijiquan
4 Diamonds of Chen Taijiquan
Chen Xiao Wong– has done the most in getting Chen taijiquan out to the public.
Chen Zhen Lei- a very open teacher, very serious, excellent seminar experience.
Zhu Tien Cai- another very open and friendly teacher, great seminar experience.
Wang Xian- another top master of Chen taijiquan.

Yang Taijiquan’s Top representatives:
Fu Sheng Yuan- 5th generation, is son of Fu Zhongwen and heir of Authentic Yang style.
Yang Jun– is 6th generation and works tirelessly to bring about good Taijiquan, coordinates Tai Chi symposium with masters from Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao, and Sun style Taijiquan masters.
James Fu- is 6th generation master and son of Fu Sheng Yuan.
Dong/Tung Family: very close and long time practitioners of Yang Taijiquan. This family teaches internationally.
Dong Zhen Chen in Hawaii
Tung Kai Ying and Tung Chen Wei in California L.A. area.
Alex Dong is in New York city.

Wu style Taijiquan
Wu Kwong Yu- 6th generation representative of Wu Style Taijiquan.
Wu Chong Him- 1st Zhongson of Wu Kwong Yu.
Ma Hailong descendant from Wu QuanYu and top Wu style master.
Ma Jiangbo- Wu style master that is very well known and descendant from Wu family.

Wu/Hao style Taijiquan
Zhong Zhenshan leading instructor of Wu/Hao taijiquan world wide. Scroll down link to read more.
Wu Wenhan- top Wu/Hao teacher invited to first Tai Chi Symposium.

Sun Style Taijiquan
Sun YongtianHe is the leading representative of Sun Taijiquan. Invited to speak at Taijiquan Symposium. more info in the link.

Cheng Man Ching style Taijiquan:
William CC ChenWorld class instructor, fighter, teacher.
Ben Lo- one of Cheng Man Ching’s top disciples. no link available. Mostly retired these days.
Complete list of instructors of CMC Taijiquan here: Teachers with permission to teach.

Taijiquan officials
Many of these International and National officials have dedicated their lives to the promotion of Taijiquan and are involved in many of the Taijiquan forms, push hands, and San shou competition events. They are masters and experts Traditional, Modern Taijiquan, or both. Experts of form and function.

Chen Taijiquan
Here are more Chen Taijiquan masters and experts who have spread world-wide to give us Chen style Taijiquan.

Yang Taijiquan
A brief list of some masters and experts that teach Yang Taijiquan that we recommend. You may also find a more complete list with Yang family at:
Yang Family Website

Wu/Hao Taijiquan
A short list of some masters of the Wu/Hao style we are aware of.

Wu Taijiquan (Wu Chien Chuan)
Some Wu Taijiquan people teaching in USA and abroad, we hope to add more in the future when becoming aware of more teachers.

Northern Wu: Branch from Wu Quanyu to Wang Maozhai to Yang Yuting to Wang Peishan:

Masters include: Luo Shuhuan, Zhang Deshan, Zhao Zeren, Lu Shengli, Zhang Yun, Gu Yun
Links to Masters and instructors:
http://ycgf.org/YCGFA_Ass/ycgf_Ass_NAH.htm

http://ycgf.org/Masters_in_YCGF/masters.html

Sun Taijiquan
Here is a list of some teachers we are aware of who teach Sun Taijiquan. Sun Taijiquan is characterized by its active step footwork and containing elements of Baguazhang and Xingyiquan.

Cheng-Man-Ching Taijiquan (CMC)
While we are aware there are many teachers of this style, here is a list of folks who teach and have competed in push hands and san shou fighting events and are also teachers.
Complete list of instructors of CMC Taijiquan here: Teachers with permission to teach.

William CC Chen instructors
http://www.williamccchen.com/teachers.htm

Malaysia Taijiquan
There is a large group of teachers in Malaysia. Many more are listed in Nigel Sutton’s books. Malaysia was influenced by Huang Xian Xiong/Hwang Shen Shyan, a white crane master who became a disciple of Cheng Man Ching.

Fu Zheng Song Taijiquan
Fu Zheng Song was a master of the Neijiaquan which is Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan. His main influence was Chen Taiji, but he also knew Yang Chen Fu and Wudang sword master, General Li Jin Lin, as well as many other renowned masters. Fu Zheng Song was considered one of the “Tigers of Guandong”.

Wudang Temple PRC
Wudang teachers have emerged in the last few years as China has re-vamped training at the temple there. Here we list some people we have heard about.

Wudang Longmen USA
While there are other Wudang groups in USA, Some of these teachers are very present in the tournament scene and come from a tradition from Shanghai that practices Taijiquan, Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, and “water boxing”.
Link to teachers and students: http://wudanglongmen.com/studentshainan.html

Wudang Practical Taijiquan U.K.
The most dominant Taijiquan in England as far as i can tell with a large list of fighters and push hands competitiors. Dan Dockerty won full contact fight events in Asia and spread it to Europe. Many of his students became champion fighters.

list of instructors: http://www.taichichuan.co.uk/database/database.html

Chang Dong Sheng Taijiquan
Chang Dong Sheng style of Taijiquan is no joke. Grandmaster Chang was one of China’s most elite and well respected Shuai Chiao (Chinese Wrestling)adepts. His students produce quality level fighters. Grandmaster Chang learned Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan and modified them to suit how he understood fighting and throws. There was a “Combat Shuai Chiao” full contact fighting circuit at one time in the USA.

Chen Pan Ling Taijiquan
Chen Pan Ling learned from a host of masters including Yang Shouhou, Yang Chenfu, Wu Jian Chien, and took trips to Chen village. His style is unique in that it combines his knowledge on Baguazhang and Xingyiquan as well. This style is found mainly in Taiwan but there are some teachers abroad too. He was a direct at the ‘Central Koushu Academy’ in Nanjing China in the 1930’s.

Guang Ping Taijiquan
Guang Ping Taijiquan came to the USA in San Francisco by way of Grandmaster Kou Lien-Ying. He learned it from an old master who had trained with Yang Banhou, so it is considered a ‘Old Yang’ variation of Yang Taijiquan.

List of Teachers:
http://www.guangpingyang.org/find_certified_teach.htm

Other links to certified teachers:
San Shao Dao Association:
http://www.sanshoudao.com/affiliate_members.html

Liang Shouyu instructors:
http://www.shouyuliang.com/instructors/

YMAA instructors (Yang Jwing Ming’s school):
http://ymaa.com/training/instructors

Circle of Trust

Push Hands Competitors:
Let’s face it, without testing your Taijiquan vs. an opponent training to push and resist against you, you really don’t have much. You can have all kinds of videos of you pushing a friend, student, or girl, but if you can’t get out of your comfort zone, you’re just a ‘handsies pansie’. Many push hands people have gone farther than many who call themselves “Sifu” and we know that push hands can become looked down as a wrestling sumo match. That is a compliment because you still have to use skill against someone using strength and aggression. Competition training takes a lot of hard work non-compliantly.

Mario Napoli- American Top Push hands competitor who went to Taiwan and Mainland China to compete and test skills. Won the Heavy Weight division in push hands in Chen Village China. He is active in fight training with Tai Chi, Boxing, and Judo arts. Mario is from the Cheng Man Ching lineage via Stanley Israel in New York. Mario’s website.

Lenzie Williams is a disciple of Ben Lo and competed in early 1990’s in the “A Taste of China All-Taijiquan Championships.” Lenzie was forms and push hands National Champion for several years.

Dr. David Walls-Kaufman is a disciple of Ben Lo who has competed in many push hands events Nationally and Internationally.

Mike Pekor- Is a National Push hands Champion and Grand Champion. He is an instructor in Long Island New York, and now teaches push hands competitors. He is also an expert in Wing Chun. Mike is from the Cheng Man Ching Lineage from New York with mates Bill Phillips, Avi Schneier, and Fredric Mirer.

Josh Waitzkin- William CC Chen student, 13 time push hands champion, champion chess player, author of Art of learning. Also a Brazilian Juijitsu student under Marcelo Garcia.

Casey Payne at Black Horse Tai Chi has traveled and competed in push hands in USA and Taiwan and is a National and International Champion.
Avi Schneier- of Patience Tai Chi in New York is a champion level push hands player from the Cheng Man Ching style, he has won in many various tournaments in the USA, Italy, and France..

David Chen- DC push hands gathering, competed in Cheng Man Ching event in France. He passed unexpectedly. There is now a Tai Chi park in Washington DC dedicated to his group.

Lee Scheele- Lee is a student of Anthony Ho Nan Jie (http://youtu.be/d8HhLGqDXdo), Ben Lo, Sam Tam and a push hands player in California who has won several Super heavy weight push hands events.

Jeff Justice is another Super Heavy Weight Champion who has done very well in several push hands events from 2007-2009 world and International push hands events. He is from Atlanta Georgia area.

Elaine Waters is a National push hands champion 3x gold medalist in US and Taiwan.

Fernando Bernall- competed in many Taijiquan events including “A Taste of China” , Koushu and USAWKF event in the 90’s, he is also a Acupunturist and ketlebell instructor.

Stephen Watson is a 5x nation heavyweight push hands National Champion. He is from Connecticut.

Kim Kazelberger is a student of Ben Lo who has won light weight championship in push hands in late 80’s early 90’s including “A Taste of China” and several other events.

Don Ethan Miller- National Champion in Heavy Weight push hands. Has competed in USAWKF, AToC, and many other events.

Dr. Xianhao Cheng– Dr. Cheng has written several articles and translated many texts into English for Tai Chi magazine. he has competed in USAWKF push hands events and teaches in Philadelphia PA.

Chris Luth – is a two time national Push hands Champion and founder fo the Pacific school of Tai Chi in San Diego California. He is known for his Tai Chi in Paradise retreats.

Rick Barrett is another push hands champion from the late 80’s early 90’s who is a Cheng Man Ching practitioner.
Richard Anderson from Canada who won several time his weight division at Jiaozuo competitions in Mainland China.

Wu Shen Tao Tai Chi practitioners under Sifu Paul Ramos have won many form and push hands events including the US. Chinese Martial Arts Championships, ICMAC Finals, the Taste of China, USAWKF, and Koushu International Championships. His competition team consisting of George Harris, Charles Cashell, Lan Tran, Sylvia Robinson and Denise Lane dominated Tai Chi form and Push hands in the early and middle 1990’s while other competitors to include Damon Iacovelli, “Alexander Roots” King, Stephen Genus, and Michael Daryabeygi won various major events throughout the late 90’s through the early 2000’s. Paul Ramos won various push hands events at the US Chinese Martial Arts Championships back in 90 and 91, as well as several years at Kuoshu and other national events. Most of these people won yearly at the Taste of China events, NACMAF and or Kuoshu International Championships. Newer students like Stephen Genus, Kenny Chrzanowski, Christine Wells, and Daniel Nightingale won recent events like Kuoshu Internationals, ICMAC Nationals and other local and regional championships.

Bruce Schaub is a Chen, Wu style, and Yang style instructor who competed and won National and International fixed and moving step middle weight division in push hands events.

Tai Chi Full contact
While push hands competitions do not involve striking, San Shou/Sanda/Lei Tai fighting involves punch and kick striking, take-downs, throws, and a ton of courage. You are fighting against someone trained to hurt you and you are in a legal contract to fight and risk getting knocked out. It takes special kind of person to step in the ring. There is a generation of tai chi theory talkers, but these are the generation of tai chi combat walkers, aka the warriors elite. Training for a fight is very hard, getting in there and slugging it out is one of life’s most exciting things you can do. It validates your skill levels. Nervousness, adrenaline, pressure, resistance, attack, and defense….it’s all in there!

Patrick Brady– fought Infinite Class on Lei Tai and is a Tai Chi, Bagua, and Xingyi fighter. He is 2 X National champion in full contact and 3x National Push hands Champion.

Alex Shpigel- now a Doctor of TCM, he won Heavy weight 1st place in Nationals and Taiwan consecutively, fought over 20 times.

Mario Mancini- 1st place in 2000, 1999, 1998 also a Doctor of Chinese Medicine.

Steve Cotter- a famous kettlebell instructor now, won many Lei Tai events.

Bob Reynolds- won heavy weight division. Other members of Mike Patterson’s who had accomplishments- Step Taylor, Ali Cheng (f), Cathy Reddy (f), Steven Zamariar, Michael Corriadino, J.P. Hickman, Doug Gargaro, Robert Marzo, Anna Lagios, Tony Acaldo, Jaime Morgan, Rocky Valentine, William Revak, Louie Addeo, James Lynch, John Butcher, Paul Smith.

San Shou Ireland: Niall Keane, Declan Gannon, Karl Kidd, Daren Lowry, Wayne Marshall, Vytautas Vysniauskas are a Tai Chi team from Dan Docherty’s Wudang Tai Chi Association that fights out of Ireland and is very active in competition.

Robert Ruby- Richmond Va. Wu Tai Chi Richmond Va. Wu Tai Chi Chuan instructor won heavy weight in late 90s and another Wu style team mate won in the middle weight division at the Koushu Lei Tai same year.

Juan Maldonado- is a Taijiquan student from the lineage of William CC Chen in L.A., he has trained at the Muay Thai Academy and with Professional boxers before taking a career of amateur fighting, but maintains the importance of Taijiquan principles.Juan fight clip.

Vasile Ciocoiu– I have known Vasile for many years he has competed in San Shou, MMA, and is currently a purple belt in Brazilian Jujitsu. He is certified in Beijing under Chen Taijiquan and Yiquan associations.

Jonathan Weizhang Wang- Jonathan is a multi-time forms and push hands champion in the L.A. area who is also a Doctor of Chinese Medicine. Jonathan is a student of Jiang Hao-quan.

Dr. Mark Cheng- is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine who in his early training and competitions competed in Lei Tai and San Shou. He is also a Combat Shuai Chiao practitioner. Mark has a kettlebell system that he teaches and certifies students.

Wim Demeere Belgian national champion four times and held the bronze medal at the 1993 Wushu world championships in Malaysia. He retired from full-contact competitions in 2000 when he became national trainer for the sanda team of the Belgian Wushu Federation.

Troy Roy Tai Chi Chuan: competed in Lei Tai and Full contact fighting in USA. Was a member of Tang Shou Tao 2002-2007. Won 2 full contact fight events at “East Bay Rats” Biker smokers.

Matt Stampe Primarily Yang Tai Chi who has fought in Sanda, Lei Tai fight events, and street, coached and cornered fighters in Lei Tai/San shou, amateur Boxing, and Muay Thai events. Matt has competed in IMA forms, push hands, weapons, and fighting in: A Taste of China, USAWKF, US Koushu, IMAC, and Taiji Legacy/Chin Woo Championships.

18 Taiji Qigong
Consciousness training
1. Raising hands- heart smiling, breathing rises and falls like a fountain
2. Expanding chest- opening arms, looking far in distance from a mountaintop
3. Waving Rainbow- free will with rainbow between palms
4. Dividing clouds- dividing the clouds with joy
5. Circling Arms- (repulse monkey)- arms lubricating at joints
6. Rowing on a Lake- rowing with joy
7. Raise the ball- play with ball like a child
8. Turn to view moon- Moon of mid autumn festival with family reunion happiness
9. Push the palm- inhale health air for inner energy
10. Wave the cloud hands-carelessly watching the clouds
11. Scoop sea view the sky- scooping water to sprinkle on the body
12. Pushing the wave- rush forward like a wave
13. Open doves winds- feel like a flying dove in fresh air
14. Punching fists- breaking thru barriers
15. Flying wild Geese- fly freely
16. Flying wheel- body turning a giant wheel
17. Stepping and slap ball- happy, relaxed, feel childish like bouncing ball
18. Settling breath- end well adjusted.

TCM and Allergies:
Allergies is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system.
Body releases histamine- inflammation response: phlegm, red eyes, sneezing, etc.

Symptoms include:
Nose swelling,
sinus infection,
eyes red and itchy,
airways- sneeze, cough, bronchoconstriction, asthma.
Ears- full or pain.
Skin- rash, eczema, hives.
G.I. tract- abdominal pain, vomit, diarrhea.

Western drugs- hide symptoms, histamine is body way of telling you something.
Alternative to drugs: herbs, acupuncture, tea, qigong.

Common allergic reactions:
Foods: milk, shellfish, peanuts.
Skin- poisonous plants, animals, pollen, latex.
Injection: bee sting, medication.
Medication: various drugs, nuts-shellfish.
Inhalation: pollen, dust, mold, mildew, animal dander.

Risk:
1. Host factor: age, gender, hereditary etc.
2. Environment: pollen, diet, ect.

Allergic Rhinitis: symptoms of nose: dust, pollen, dander.

Treatments:
1. Lifestyle: avoid allergens
2. Medications: anti-histamines, corticosteroids, decongestants.
3. Herbal: “Jade wind screen”- immunity boosting herbal formula.
4. Prognosis- is good with patient willing to try alternatives.
5. Acupuncture- strengthen the “defensive Qi” immune system.
6. Herbs: list of herbs provided.
7. Teas- sample various teas. Common teas: green tea, astragalus tea, flower tea (chrysanthemum).
8. Qigong: 8 piece brocade/”ba dua jin” is a basic set to try.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________