EXAMINING ROOTS AND BRANCHES

EXAMINING ROOTS AND BRANCHES

CHENG MAN-CHING TAICHI

Sifu Law Lun Yeung (Mr. Bill Law) is President of the CMC (Cheng Man-Ching) Taichi Study Assc. Melbourne, Australia and disciple of Master Hsu Yee-Chung President of the Taipei Shi-Zhong Taichi School since 1986 and President of the CMC Taichi Study Assc R.O.C. since 1993. Master Hsu was a disciple of Professor Cheng Man-Ching (1902-1975) who formed the Taipei Shi-Zhong Society in Taiwan in 1950 and the New York Shi-Zhong Society in 1965. Professor Cheng was a noted disciple of Yang Cheng-Fu- (1883-1936)

Today, Professor Cheng’s legacy continues to shine through his many committed disciples, students and adherents of the 37posture Taichi form throughout the world. One such disciple is Master Hsu Yee-Chung (Taiwan) who along with his disciple Law Lun Yeung (Bill Law-Australia) continue to spread the Tao of Cheng Tzu T’aichi Ch’uan

JH: Law Sifu thank you for the opportunity to speak with you again I last spoke with you last in 2000, are you still busy promoting and teaching CMC Taichi here in Australia?

BL You are welcome John. Yes, I still teach privately and run small open group sessions for students, all of who are doing very well and are very interested to learn Cheng Man-Ching Taichi.

JH Law Sifu Can you share a little of your teaching method?

BL I teach some loosening exercises along with some Chi-kung (breathing exercises) and of course the 37-posture form, push-hands and Taichi sword, our emphasis being to become healthy and sung.

JH. Law Sifu recently there has been two significant events within the CMC fraternity, which may be of interest to Taichi practitioners can you share these events with us?

BL Recently the CMC (Cheng Man-Ching) Study Assoc. Taipei, Taiwan erected a statue at the CMC memorial hall on the 25-6-06 to honor the memory of Professor Cheng Man-Ching. People may view the statue of Professor Cheng by appointment and should feel free to contact me here in Melbourne and I would be delighted to arrange a visiting time for them.

JH Law Sifu-The second exciting event was the return of Cheng Man-Ching Taichi to Mainland China?

BL Yes this is correct In October 2006 I was fortunate to accompany my teacher Master Hsu Yee-Chung who was invited to teach CMC Taichi at Nankai University, Tianjin, China

JH I personally find this interesting Law Sifu, given the historical evolution and propagation of the 37-posture form. Having been fashioned in Mainland China in 1938, developed in Taiwan through the 1950’s, SE Asia in the late 1950’s, transported to America during the 1960”s and is now currently practiced throughout the world and is now finally returning from whence it began all those years ago almost like a message in a bottle, so to speak.

JH: Law Sifu-Can you share a little of your experience during your time assisting your teacher at the Nankai University teaching CMC Taichi?

BL Our visits so far, whilst still in the early stages, have been very productive and well received by all students who attend. Both Master Hsu and I believe CMC Taichi has a bright future in China. The candle has been lit now, and it is up to us to try and ensure it keeps burning, that we continue to fan the flames, so that many more Taichi enthusiasts throughout China will enjoy the many health benefits and taste the unique flavor of CMC Taichi.

BL It is a very exciting time for Master Hsu and myself to be returning to China. There are some 30 students attending classes, teaching however, is currently dependent upon short-term visits by Master Hsu and myself. We are hopeful that there will be regular visits in the future perhaps at least twice a year. Both Master Hsu and I are optimistic that a student will become conversant enough in CMC Taichi to continue classes in Master Hsu absence to assist in maintaining the consistency of practice.

JH Law Sifu did the students find it easy to learn?

BL I believe the students all found learning CMC Taichi a very enjoyable experience and applied themselves very well, but, CMC Taichi is not easy to learn correctly, it may look easy, but, in fact, can be quite difficult, one must relax, be sincere, have good instruction and apply ones study and practice daily in accordance with the principles of Taichi if you can do this, then, it is easy (laughs). – It is important to remember however CMC Taichi is for internal cultivation, not just for looking good outside

JH Law Sifu in ending our interview, I thank you again for your time and for sharing a little of your recent experience and teachings. May I ask, are you still happy to receive new students at your Melbourne school?

BL It is my pleasure, thank you John and again my best wishes to all my Taichi friends in Australia and elsewhere, yes I am delighted to teach all those who may be interested in learning Cheng Man-Ching Taichi and they should feel free to contact me anytime to arrange a visit.

Mr. Bill Law currently resides in Melbourne Australia and can be contacted via:

Fax: (03) 9338-1640)
Email: billlaw@alphalink.com.au
Web: http://www.cmctaichiaustralia.net/taichistudy.htm

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