DOCSLIB.ORG

Class Leaflet Web.Pdf

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Class Leaflet Web.Pdf Master Michael Tse Xie Wei & the Tse Qigong Centre Jing Master Michael Tse has spent over 30 years training with some of the most famous and venerated teachers in Hong Kong and China. At the age of 14, he began studying Wing Chun with his uncle. In exchange for his studies he agreed to help his uncle gather herbs and prepare herbal medicines. After his uncle passed away, he knew he wanted to continue to develop his Wing Chun skill. Then, one day, while reading the Hong Kong newspaper, he saw an ad for ‘Wing Chun studies with Grandmaster Ip Chun.” He called and began to study with him in classes and private lessons. He knew that this was the real thing and he was proud to be a student of Grandmaster Ip Man’s son as everyone knew that his father was the best for Wing Chun skill. Master Tse found that the more he practised, the more he became aware of his bones becoming stronger and his Qi improving, especially Simple & natural is my when doing the Siu Lim Tao form for a long time. He method.“ True & sincere is came to realise that Qigong was the essence of Chinese medicine and also of martial arts. He knew my principle. that this was the next step for his development. First he began studying Hard Qigong, a way of training Master Michael Tse ” the body to withstand strong blows and develop 1 power using special breathing techniques and movements. His Hard Qigong teacher knew of his interest in soft Qigong and so he said that he should study with Grandmaster Yang Meijun, a Qigong master in China and made the introductions. When he met Grandmaster Yang Meijun, she was already over 80 years old and she was famous not only in China but throughout Hong Kong and other parts of Asia who were waking up to the Qigong ‘heat’ emanating from China. This was the early 1980’s, a time when China had just begun to open its doors to the rest of the world, having secluded themselves during the Cultural Revolution. Family skill that had never been opened to the public was now being revealed and so it was an exciting time. Having been accepted by Grandmaster Yang Meijun, Master Tse travelled to China several times a year where he often stayed with her, learning her family skill of Kunlun Dayan Qigong, a complete system of The more Qigong that was over 1800 years old. Even when he moved to England, people“ who he would return to visit and learn from her, reaching a very high level. Eventually, his Sifu (his teacher) asked him to start teaching the skill as join in, the she wanted to see her family’s Dayan Qigong skill pass on to the world. In 1989, whilst visiting his Qigong teacher, he met Master Wu Chun happier I am Yuen in a Beijing park while he was teaching students Northern Shaolin skill. He was very impressed with the lightness and flexibility of Master because it Wu who was already in his 60’s. He then began to study with him and learn what he now calls, Chun Yuen Quan, in honour of Master Wu means more who passed away in 2003. people are Chen Taijiquan was also becoming more known during the 80’s and Master Tse began studying with his Sifu in Hong Kong. However, growing when his Sifu retired, Master Tse later began studying with Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang, thus completing the five skills offered by the Tse healthier. Qigong Centre:- Qigong, Wing Chun, Chun Yuen Quan, Hard Qigong, Master Michael Tse Chen Taijiquan. He also studied Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui ” and uses these to help people have a more balanced life. In 1990, already living and teaching in England, Master Tse founded the Tse Qigong Centre and Qi Magazine as a way of helping people to gain better health using the traditional Chinese skill he had learned from his teachers. Master Tse is also author of several books, including Qigong for Health & Vitality, Qigong for Healing and Relaxation, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Qi Journeys, Wild Goose Qigong 1st 64 and 2nd 64, and Chen Taijiquan for Beginners. He has also produced several DVDs. In addition he has been the feature of many TV and radio programmes including the BBC, ITV, Hong Kong Peal TV, Komo TV, Cable Martial Arts TV and numerous national newspapers. Tse Qigong Centre Instructors 2 Dayan Qigong Qigong is a Chinese health exercise made up of gentle movements that connect with the acupuncture points and meridians of our body. The word Qigong literally means “energy work”. Using relaxation and breathing along with these special movements, we have Qigong. Qigong will help you to relax and become more aware of your body. As we practise more, we will begin to notice changes in our body including more flexibility, energy and stamina. This is because the Qi is working to heal any old illnesses or injuries and to open the channels so that the Qi can flow naturally, making us feel younger and more alive. There are many types and styles of Qigong, but the style which you will learn is called the Kunlun Dayan Qigong system. Kunlun Dayan Qigong System There are several forms in the Kunlun Dayan Qigong system, not only Wild Goose Qigong. Each form has its own special I have felt such emphasis. For instance, Dayan (Wild Goose) Qigong is good for overall health and flexibility of the body. Balancing Gong is good for a “difference in the beginners, helping them to learn the right posture and relaxation. Jade Pillar Gong is good for the spine and Dayan Palm is a very way I handle my vigorous form which combines soft, gentle movements with jumping and kicking to make the body stronger and lighter. Also included in stress - really clear the system are several meditation and healing methods which are & relaxed. used for cultivating the body and mind. In the past, there were 72 forms and methods in the system and, today, just over half of these ”Hiang Lim have survived. 3 History Qigong is Nearly two thousand years ago during the Jin Dynasty (265-420AD), Kunlun Shan, which is a mountain range near Tibet, was home to many wonderful.“ I am Daoists. The monks living there would spend their days studying Daoist teachings, hoping to eventually receive enlightenment and immortality. 76 and I have Kunlun Shan was also home to many wild geese called Da Yan (Big been amazed by Wild Goose). They were not normal geese, as these birds, believed to be the Bar Headed Goose, live twice as long and fly higher than any other what Qigong has geese in the world. The Da Yan became a longevity symbol to the monks who observed these special birds closely. They began to imitate their done for me in movements and combine this with Chinese medicine knowledge, eventually forming sets of health exercises known as Dayan Qigong. three short The Jin Dynasty saw the rapid expansion of both Buddhism and Daoism. One Buddhist monk named Dao An was the translator of many months. Buddhist texts and connected with the Pure Land (Amitabha) Buddhism Pauline Wickham particularly. This type of Buddhism concentrated only on chanting the ” name of Amitabha Buddha so that they might be reborn in his Western Pure Land. The idea of letting go of the mind and body so that enlightenment will happen naturally follows the principles of the Kunlun Dayan Qigong skill. Hence, Dao An was considered the spiritual founder of the skill. Grandmaster Yang Meijun It is because of this special lady that all of us have the opportunity to learn the Kunlun Dayan Qigong. When she was 13 years old, her grandfather began to teach her secretly, making her promise not to teach anyone until she was 70 years old as this was the promise he had made to the Daoist monk who had taught him. Although she was only supposed to pass on the skill to one other person, she had survived the Japan War and Cultural Revolution where many others did not. She did not want to see the skill lost so she decided to slowly open her skill to the public after the finish of the Cultural Revolution. I feel my mind and body are more relaxed “and strengthened and that I am able slowly to progress, how encouraging! ” Juliet Sebastian 4 What will I learn in class? Qigong is When you come to class, you will see people at many different levels, some so“ good for beginners, some seniors, as everyone learns individually following a health of mind syllabus from beginning, foundation movements to more advanced. and body. Balancing Gong When I do it These movements form the basis of our learning, helping us to find the right posture, breathing and relaxation. Balancing Gong is good for regularly, it circulation, flexibility and balance as well as helping arthritis, backache, joint problems and coordination. These movements are based upon the relaxes me principles of the Dayan Qigong and were created by Master Tse to help and I don’t get beginners. ill. Healthy Living Gong Parts I, II, III ” Frances Eales Healthy Living Gong is a set of exercises also created by Master Michael Tse, based upon all his years of Qigong and martial art experience. Each of the three sets of movements strengthen the body and increase vital energy, which we call Qi. Part I focuses on relaxation, Part II works on improving fitness and coordination and Part III cultivates power and physical strength.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Portfolio Investment Opportunities in China Democratic Revolution in China, Was Launched There
    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Investment Strategy The Great Wall of China In c. 220 BC, under Qin Shihuangdi (first emperor of the Qin dynasty), sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united system to repel invasions from the north. Construction of the Great Wall continued for more than 16 centuries, up to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), National Emblem of China creating the world's largest defense structure. Source: About.com, travelchinaguide.com. The design of the national emblem of the People's Republic of China shows Tiananmen under the light of five stars, and is framed with ears of grain and a cogwheel. Tiananmen is the symbol of modern China because the May 4th Movement of 1919, which marked the beginning of the new- Portfolio Investment Opportunities in China democratic revolution in China, was launched there. The meaning of the word David M. Darst, CFA Tiananmen is “Gate of Heavenly Succession.” On the emblem, the cogwheel and the ears of grain represent the working June 2011 class and the peasantry, respectively, and the five stars symbolize the solidarity of the various nationalities of China. The Han nationality makes up 92 percent of China’s total population, while the remaining eight percent are represented by over 50 nationalities, including: Mongol, Hui, Tibetan, Uygur, Miao, Yi, Zhuang, Bouyei, Korean, Manchu, Kazak, and Dai. Source: About.com, travelchinaguide.com. Please refer to important information, disclosures, and qualifications at the end of this material. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Investment Strategy Table of Contents The Chinese Dynasties Section 1 Background Page 3 Length of Period Dynasty (or period) Extent of Period (Years) Section 2 Issues for Consideration Page 65 Xia c.
    [Show full text]
  • Chen Village (陈家沟 Chén Jiā Gōu) This Is the Birthplace of All Taijiquan
    Chen Village (陈家沟 Chén Jiā Gōu) This is the birthplace of all Taijiquan (Tai Chi) as we know it today. If Chen Wangting is the 9th generation founder of Taijiquan, it is astounding and noteworthy to know that direct descendants of the 11th generation still live and teach in the same village. This historical place has many legendary Taijiquan masters such as Yang Luchan and Chen Fake. Chen Village is located in central China-- Henan Province, Wenxian County. Taijiquan Schools in Chenjiagou 1.Chen Bing Taiji Academy Headquarters Established in 2008 by Master Chen Bing after he became independent from the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School. He was a former vice president and headcoach at the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School. Due to Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing’s careful consideration, Master Chen Bing was able to take over an original property passed on to an eldest son. It used to be Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing’s house right next to the graveyard of 18th generation Chen Zhaopi. [email protected] www.ChenBing.org 323 – 735 – 0672 2.Chenjiagou Taijiquan School Chenjiagou Taijiquan School is located in Chenjiagou, Wenxian, Henan Province, China. Since 1979, the school has developed and grown to become a world famous martial arts school. These changes were by masters from the original Chen family. These include Honorary President Chen Xiaowang, President Chen Xiaoxing and Vice President Chen Ziqiang. Master Chen Bing was a former vice president and head coach of this school from 1991 – 2007 before he independently opened his school in 2008. [email protected] www.ChenBing.org 323 – 735 – 0672 3.
    [Show full text]
  • A Complete Tai Chi Weapon System
    LIFE / HEALTH & FITNESS / FITNESS & EXERCISE Recommended: a complete Tai Chi weapon system December 7, 2014 7:35 PM MST There are five major Tai Chi (Taiji) styles; Chen style is the origin. Chen Style Tai Chi has the most complete weapon system, which includes Single Straight Sword, Double Straight Sword, Single Broad Sword (Saber), Double Broad Sword, Spear, Guan Dao (Halberd), Long Pole, and Double Mace (Baton). Recently Master Jack Yan translated and published Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei’s detailed instructions on all eight different weapons plus Push Hands to English in two different volumes. View all 19 photos Chen Zhenglei Culture Jack Yan Grandmaster Chen is a 19th Generation Chen Family descendent and 11th Generation Chen Style Tai Chi Lineage Holder. He is sanctioned as the 9th Duan by the Chinese Martial Art Association the highest level in martial arts. He was selected as one of the Top Ten Martial Art Masters in China for his superb Tai Chi skills and in-depth knowledge. He has authored a complete set of books on Chen Style Tai Chi bare-hand and weapons forms. Master Jack Yan translated three other volumes on bare-hand forms. With these two new additions, all of Grandmaster Chen’s writings are accessible in English. Each of the Chen weapons has its features. Straight swords, sabers, and batons are short weapons while long pole, halberd, and spear are long weapons. Volume Four is for short weapons while Volume Five is for long weapons and Push Hands. Chen Style Single Straight Sword is one of the oldest weapon routines with forty-nine movements, tightly connected with specific and clear sword techniques, namely pierce, chop, upward-swing, hook, point, slice, lift, upward-block, sweep, cut, jab, push, and neutralize.
    [Show full text]
  • Meihuaquan E Shaolinquan, Intrecci Leggendari
    Questo articolo è un estratto del libro “ Il Meihuaquan: una ricerca da Chang Dsu Yao alle origini ” di Storti Enrico e altri Presentazione: Oggi questo testo rimane la testimonianza di un indagine che nuovi studi rendono un po’ datata. In particolare sempre più evidente è anche l’intreccio del Meihuaquan con la religione Buddista oltre che con quella Taoista e con il Confucianesimo. Resta invece mitologico il legame con il Tempio Shaolin ed il relativo pugilato. Rimangono comunque tanti altri interessanti spunti di riflessione. Meihuaquan e Shaolinquan, intrecci leggendari Classica foto sotto l’ingresso del tempio Shaolin Nei libri che parlano di Meihuaquan 梅花拳 emerge chiaramente il legame tra la Boxe del Fiore di Prugno ed il Taoismo ortodosso, sia perché se ne riconduce l’origine al Kunlun Pai 1, una scuola Taoista, sia perché membri importanti del Meihuaquan sono stati anche membri di sette quali Longmen 2 o Quanzhen , ma, cosa 1昆仑派 Scuola Kunlun 2 Han Jianzhong 韩建中, Meihuazhuang Quan ji Meihuazhuang Quan Daibiao Renwu 梅花桩拳及梅花桩拳代表人物 (La Scuola di Pugilato dei Pali del fiore di prugno e le figure rappresentative di questa scuola), articolo apparso nel numero 05 del 2007 della rivista Zhonghua Wushu 中华武术: 梅花桩拳传承的一百个字与道教传承的一百个字基本相同，梅花桩拳理中的天人合一、顺其自然等等，均说明 梅花桩拳与道教文化有着密切的联系，所以梅花桩拳中又流传有僧门道派和龙门道派等众多说法。 più importante, la teoria di questo stile si rifà alla filosofia Taoista. Quali sono allora i collegamenti con lo Shaolin Pai 少林派 (scuola Shaolin) visto che qualcuno fa risalire il Meihuaquan a questa scuola? E’ il Meihuaquan uno stile Shaolin?
    [Show full text]
  • THE WAY of a WARRIOR By: Grand Master
    THE WAY OF A WARRIOR By: Grand Master. Michael Neal Did you know that the term “Kung Fu” does not refer specifically to the martial arts? It is more a slang usage found in the U.S. and in some parts of southern China. The martial arts have an intellectual content. They represent sets of values and are based on specific views of the world and of man’s place within it. It was a master of Kung fu in Hong Kong, who spoke of the Martial arts as “Using the mathematics of the human body”. He meant that the body might be thought of as a complex machine. It has its bearings, the girders, ropes and pulleys and like all machines, it can break if it is forced to work unnaturally. An elbow is flexible in all directions but one, so pressure on the joint in one direction in which it cannot bend may immobilize or break it. Over 2000 years ago, classical martial arts emerged to serve the needs of the war in China, and war was plentiful. What was military life like in China and India between 500 BC and the third century AD? These were the conditions right for the development of the very specialized form of fighting which could later be identified as the pioneers of today’s martial arts. The martial arts became a way of life for many. Records of exercises known as “Hit and Thrust” were practiced as far back as the Shang dynasty, around the 17th- 16th century B.C. 1 Copyrighted 2012, By the Madison Martial Arts Academy| Later China was again overrun by foreign power, this time by the Manchurians from the Northeastern borders.
    [Show full text]
  • AKKA Karate USA History Booklet
    A Brief History With General Information For New Students AKKA Karate USA-Independence 4420B S. Noland Rd. Independence, MO 64055 816-373-1255 www.AKKA.org Thank you for your interest in Chinese Kenpo Karate at AKKA-KarateUSA. We hope that your association with our school and Kenpo is a long and fruitful one, and that this booklet answers many of your questions as you begin your training with us. AMERICAN KENPO KARATE ACADEMY DOJO RULES 1) Observe Dojo etiquette by bowing upon entering and leaving training area. 2) Address all instructors and fellow students as Mr., Ms., Ma’am, or Sir. 3) Students must be in full uniform at all times while training in Dojo. Exceptions made for weight training, bag work and “contact” workouts. Ask management for clarification . 4) Arrive ten minutes prior to your class, to allow you to check in at the reception desk, get dressed and stretched out for your class. 5) All sparring must be supervised by an instructor. 6) It is mandatory for all students to have a mouth piece, groin protection, headgear, chest protection, gloves and footpads in order to spar. 7) No full-contact sparring is allowed. No contact to the head or groin is allowed. 8) No horseplay allowed at any time. 9) Do not congregate in the lobby or around the reception desk. 10) You must call and cancel your regularly scheduled lessons or your account will be charged. Repeated failure to call will result in postponing your belt tests. 11) Be sure to pick up payment receipts. 12) The deck area is to be used for training only.
    [Show full text]
  • Wing Chun Kung Fu Pdf, Epub, Ebook
    WING CHUN KUNG FU PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Ip Chun | 144 pages | 15 Aug 1999 | St Martins Press | 9780312187767 | English | New York, United States Wing Chun Kung Fu PDF Book Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram. Is this not the way to promote Kung Fu, and to project the image of our country? I am willing to share my experience and knowledge in Wing Chun. Serious About Training. But yes, all reviews are unedited by us and are the opinions of the reviewer. New York Instructors. If you are still in doubt after checking the listing, you can email us at info lessonsgowhere. Annual Seminars. Lineage The following illustration shows the lineage of the Wing Chun system, starting with its founder, Ng Mui. Previous Next. All lessons are uploaded and checked by a team of hardworking elves the founders of LGW who work tirelessly and through late nights to ensure that the details are accurate. Join us for a free trial! Q: What if the lesson provider asks for more money when I arrive? The whole course is wonderful. Learn self-defence and get fit! Jules D. Often, this type of storytelling results in many different versions of the story appearing over time. A: The pricing information for each lesson is clearly stated on each listing and will also note what is or is not included. Wing Chun Online is your direct route to learning the dynamic art of Wing Chun Kung Fu quickly and safely from the comfort of your own screen — wherever that may be. Unique to Wing Chun is "Chi Sau" or Chi Sao , a form of training to help develop and put into practice your techniques and theories you learn during your training.
    [Show full text]
  • Klassische Schriften Chinesischer Kriegs- Und Kampfkünste in Deutscher Und Englischer Übersetzung
    Klassische Schriften chinesischer Kriegs- und Kampfkünste in deutscher und englischer Übersetzung Eine Zusammenschau mit Quellenangaben von Julian Braun München 2009 Vorwort Die hier vorgelegte Zusammenschau klassischer Schriften der chinesischen Kriegs- und Kampfkünste in deutscher und englischer Übersetzung soll dem Interessenten einen schnellen Überblick über den derzeitigen „Stand der Dinge“ verschaffen und es ihm bei Wunsch ermöglichen, sich die jeweiligen Texte selbst zu organisieren. Ein entsprechender Überblick zu Übersetzungen derselben Materie aus dem Japanischen soll demnächst ergänzend folgen. München, September 2009 Klassische Schriften der chinesischen Kriegs- und Kampfkunst I. Die sieben klassischen militärischen Schriften a. Tai Kung: Sechs Lehren b. Die Methoden von Ssu-ma c. 13 Kapitel von Sunzi d. Traktat von Wu-zi e. Traktat von Wei Liao-zi f. Drei Strategien von Huang Shih-kung g. Fragen und Antworten zwischen Tai-tsung und Li Wei-kung II. Weitere militärische Traktate a. Die 36 Strategeme b. Abhandlung von Sun Bin c. Neue Abhandlung über den disziplinierten Dienst (Ch´i Chi-kuang, 1528-1588) d. 100 Strategien Pai-chan Ch’I-lüeh (Liu Po-wen) e. Herr des Dämonentals f. Herr des geheimen Speicherhauses III. Klassische Texte des Xingyiquan a. Die fünf Prinzipien (Jin Yunting, 1880-) b. Die sieben Wörter (s.o.) c. Wesentliches der sechs Harmonien und hundert Körper (s.o.) d. Eine Studie über Xingyiquan (Sun Lutang, 1861-1933) IV. Klassische Texte des Baguaquan a. 36 Lieder (Dong Hai-chuan, 1813-1882) b. 48 Methoden (s.o.) c. Eine Studie über Baguaquan (Sun Lutang, 1861-1933) V. Klassische Texte des Taijiquan (Detaildarstellung s.w.u.) a. Frühe Schriften b.
    [Show full text]
  • 223 Benjamin N. Judkins and Jon Nielson This Outstanding Book Is the First Scholarly Examination of the History of a Modern Chin
    book reviews 223 Benjamin N. Judkins and Jon Nielson The Creation of Wing Chun: A Social History of the Southern Chinese Martial Arts. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2015. pp. 364. $26.95. ISBN 978-1438456942. This outstanding book is the first scholarly examination of the history of a modern Chinese martial art in a Western language. While many of the modern Japanese martial arts have been documented and described, no similar work exists for the myriad of modern Chinese martial arts. Perhaps more impor- tantly, The Creation of Wing Chun is a social history that places the formation and development of the internationally known martial art of Wing Chun in a time and place. Judkins and Nielson have managed to produce a history that is an enjoyable read built on a sound historical foundation. It is a story that says as much about twentieth and early twenty-first century China as about a particular school of fighting. At its root is the history of the development of a Guangdong and Hong Kong identity in the form of a particular martial arts style. That identity formed in contrast to a monolithic Chinese nationality. Wing Chun was distinct and so was the region and culture that produced it. The book also places the history of Wing Chun at the center of a broader story about the place of martial arts in late imperial and twentieth century Chinese society. As the wider, modern, Western world intruded into southern Chinese society, the role of “hand combat” in that environment was called into question.
    [Show full text]
  • 223 Benjamin N. Judkins and Jon Nielson This Outstanding Book Is
    book reviews 223 Benjamin N. Judkins and Jon Nielson The Creation of Wing Chun: A Social History of the Southern Chinese Martial Arts. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2015. pp. 364. $26.95. ISBN 978-1438456942. This outstanding book is the first scholarly examination of the history of a modern Chinese martial art in a Western language. While many of the modern Japanese martial arts have been documented and described, no similar work exists for the myriad of modern Chinese martial arts. Perhaps more impor- tantly, The Creation of Wing Chun is a social history that places the formation and development of the internationally known martial art of Wing Chun in a time and place. Judkins and Nielson have managed to produce a history that is an enjoyable read built on a sound historical foundation. It is a story that says as much about twentieth and early twenty-first century China as about a particular school of fighting. At its root is the history of the development of a Guangdong and Hong Kong identity in the form of a particular martial arts style. That identity formed in contrast to a monolithic Chinese nationality. Wing Chun was distinct and so was the region and culture that produced it. The book also places the history of Wing Chun at the center of a broader story about the place of martial arts in late imperial and twentieth century Chinese society. As the wider, modern, Western world intruded into southern Chinese society, the role of “hand combat” in that environment was called into question.
    [Show full text]
  • The Daoist Origins of Chinese Martial Arts in Taiji Quan Manuals Published in the West1
    The Daoist Origins of Chinese Martial Arts in Taiji quan Manuals Published in the West1 Dominic LaRochelle, Ph. D. Laval University, Quebec City, Canada Bio Dominic LaRochelle is a lecturer at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of Laval University, Quebec City, Canada. His research focuses on the history of Chinese martial arts, their reception in Western societies, and their relation with religious traditions. He has been a practitioner of Chinese martial arts (wing chun, taiji quan, bagua zhang and xingyi quan) for more than 15 years. Abstract In Chinese martial arts circles, differences of interpretation concerning the origins of the art of taiji quan are not new. In fact, they are at the heart of a century-old debate that generally divides scholars and practitioners. Chinese myths and legends have been in great part adopted by Western practitioners. The aim of this article is to analyze how was construed in the second half of the 20th century a complex rhetoric trying to convince Western readers of taiji quan books that their practice has an ancient Daoist origin. Introduction In Chinese martial arts circles, differences of interpretation concerning the origins of the art of taiji quan are not new. In fact, they are at the heart of a century-old debate that generally divides scholars and practitioners along two lines. There are those who claim that taiji quan originates from Chenjiagou, a village in province of Henan controlled by a military family called Chen. As early as the 17th century, it is believed that some members of this family invented (or at least practiced), probably under the influence of existing martial arts practiced in 1 A shorter version of this article was previously published in the Journal of Chinese Martial Arts, Spring 2013, pp.
    [Show full text]
  • Butt Pirates
    Wing Chun Kuen: A Revised Historical Perspective (Part 2: Red Junks, pirates and secret societies) Abstract In the previous article, the Wing Chun ‘myth’ was dismissed due to the lack of supporting evidence for the existence of the Southern Shaolin Monastery. It would appear that the Southern Shaolin Monastery and the subsequent account of its destruction was based on the verified Northern Shaolin Monastery. In this article, an alternate historical account for the development of Wing Chun is provided, where fiction becomes fact. This is achieved through analysing how and why Wing Chun developed within a travelling Cantonese Opera Company during a turbulent time of China’s history, where piracy and political violence were prevalent. Introduction From the first article, the historical accuracy of the Wing Chun legend was discussed with the ‘traditional’ historical accounts of Ng Mui and the Southern Shaolin Monastery being questioned due to the lack of any verifiable evidence. The core argument centred on establishing whether the stronger historical account of the Tiandihui, who share the same history in part, with Wing Chun, could accurately verify the existence of the Southern Shaolin Monastery. Although the Tiandihui ‘foundation account’ which is shared with candidates at initiation ceremonies make reference to the Southern Shaolin Monastery, historical records of the Tiandihui do not provide the location for the Monastery. It is most likely that the Guanyinting Pavillion, a small roadside temple was where the Tiandihui first met, although given the size, it is very unlikely to have been a working Monastery. Additionally, given the parallels between the Tiandihui’s ‘foundation account’ and the verified historical sources from the Northern Shaolin Monastery, it would appear that the ‘foundation account’ was a direct copy from the Northern Shaolin Monastery.
    [Show full text]