Master Ding Traditional Tai Chi

This page was originally created by the late Beatrice von Wassehove and will now be respectfully discontinued.

Master Ding Academy has established a new page to continue this journey. We sincerely thank you all for your support and for following us over the years.

If you wish to stay connected, please follow our new page:
Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

Through this new platform, we will continue to share deeper insight and a greater understanding of the ancient art of Traditional Tai Chi Chuan.

🎄 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our followers. 🎉

Quote:

Health is your greatest wealth.
Its value becomes clear
when it is no longer guaranteed.

Protect it today.
Commit to balanced well-being—
mind, body, and spirit.

Learn and train with us in
Traditional Tai Chi Chuan.

Master Ding has launched a new page: Traditional Tai Chi Chuan. This page invites you to explore Traditional Tai Chi Chuan, not only for health and well-being but also as a powerful internal martial art.

Guided by Master Ding, a 6th Generation Yang Style Lineage holder and First Disciple of Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak—an internationally recognised Tai Chi Chuan master—you’ll experience how this ancient Chinese practice enhances physical vitality, mental clarity, and inner harmony. Whether your goal is to increase flexibility, reduce stress, or develop the strength and grace of a martial artist, our teachings accommodate all skill levels.

Follow us to receive regular updates on Traditional Tai Chi Chuan practices, wellness advice and insights on how to improve your Tai Chi Chuan - Strong Body Still Mind.

May the Chi always be with you!

page: Traditional Tai Chi Chuan link
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Respect In Traditional Kung Fu
by Master Alan Ding

Respect is not a concept limited to Chinese martial culture, but also permeates much of British culture. The word itself - ‘respect’ – derives from the Latin ‘respectus’, which literally translates as to ‘look back, with regard’ (re= ‘back’ – spectus=’to look’). In Greek, the word for respect is ‘sevasmos’. What is implied, is that a person held in high regard, is worthy of a second look, a look that conveys one’s acknowledgement of this fact. There is a certain seriousness about this kind of regard, that encourages those around a person worthy of respect, to recognise ‘collectively’ that a respectful character, quite naturally permeates the external environment, with the same order that is existent within the inner workings of that particular person’s mind.

The Chinese words used to convey a similar meaning, are zunzhong (尊重) in Mandarin. Zun - 尊 - depicts a hand offering vinegar, as an act of deference, veneration, honour and high esteem. Zhong - 重 – shows a person holding a heavy sack of dirt. The meaning implies ‘weightiness’, or ‘heaviness’ and may be interpreted to mean ‘a great amount’. Therefore, respect in Chinese thought is a concept of a great reverence for those whose character justifies such veneration. The respectful person is supported and upheld as an example of virtue within the broad Chinese philosophical spectrum.

It is clear that many cultures have developed similar notions of deference toward certain members of their societies. This is important in Chinese religious life, and appropriate ‘respect’ toward one another, is a central tenant in Confucian teaching. A teacher of kung fu is not just a conveyer of physical movement. Often referred to as ‘shifu’ (師父), and literally meaning ‘Teacher-Father’, this rank holds complete authority in a household and a training hall. One can not pass this person in social rank until the training has been done, and even then, as the shifu is usually older in age, the relationship between teacher and student will always be one of respect, although over time a certain harmless informality may creep in.

The loss of this relationship is the loss of respect itself. If a student decides that their own inner desires are more important than the inner order demanded by the teacher, then the respectful relationship has come to an end. The student has withdrawn their acknowledgement of the worthiness of their teacher, despite benefiting from his teaching. Usually, within Chinese traditional groupings, this hardly ever happens due to the notion of ‘loss of face’ that accompanies such a social breakdown. Outside of Chinese groupings, where Chinese martial culture has spread into new areas, such as the West, these kinds of social breakdowns are common. Respect for a teacher requires a student to develop a certain ‘inner’ consistency. When the student decides upon their own volition that they have completed their training without their teacher’s approval, then it is obvious that the ‘inner’ consistency required for traditional kung fu training has NOT been acquired, even though the student may assume a false demeanour, suggesting that it has.

PART 3

Extracts from Masters of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan lineage interviews

*** Providing practitioners (beginners to Advanced) invaluable insight and better understanding of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan ***

How do you see both the future of your own Tai Chi and the arts as a whole?

Master John Ding:
Tai Chi has come a long way since I began training. I still feel, though, that much of the true art remain hidden. Hopefully, in the future, more people will come to recognise the real value of Tai Chi Chuan – in all its aspects. As for my own training – well, the interesting thing with Tai Chi is that you never reach a peak. For as long as you train correctly, you continue to progress. With this in mind, I aim to develop my art as far as I can. It will be interesting to see what sort of level I can reach.

Master Alan Ding:
The art is in a good place. With good public awareness and understanding I’m sure Tai Chi Chuan will flourish in all sectors. The downside of growth though is that quality of instruction may well be inconsistent. Therefore there must be a strive to make learners aware of the pitfalls and the issues that may arise when starting to learn Tai Chi Chuan.

As for myself, I have always acknowledged the privileged position I have had with regards to my training. I continue to gain instruction and guidance from my father and hope to follow in his footsteps in the hope that one day I can dedicate myself more fully to the art as those Tai Chi scholars before me.

Last words from each Master:

Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak:
My Master often stated that to understand CHI energy and its self-defence application, one needs to experience being attacked or hit by the Master. He often stressed that if he did not hit or attack the student they would not understand nor learn the true internal concept of self-defence. In Chinese (Cantonese) this process is called "BUT TA BUT GAU" - 'Not to hit, is not to teach' For instance, to cook a dish, you first need to know the ingredients. To taste such dish, one need to use the different senses for example, smell, taste and feel, to really appreciate the true flavour of the dish. Therefore the only way to understand is to experience. In the past, when these Yang Masters taught their students, they had to endure the harsh and tough training. Some of these students often got injured or gave up studying Tai Chi altogether as they cannot endure such training.

I have personally undergone 24 years of this type of training. Initially, when I practiced the advanced pushing hands with my Master, as soon as I touched him, I was thrown to the wall. Often when pushed to the wall, I would bounce off the wall like a ball bouncing off the floor.

During the earlier stages of my training, I often saw "stars "and got very breathless. Over a period of time, through such regular practice, I became stronger and depending on intensity of CHI energy applied by my Master was able to cope with the force to some degree by feeling and reacting to it - something that can only be learnt by experience. Master Yang could often use any part of his body to apply his CHI energy for example in FA GENG.

In my training session, I was usually exhausted and drenched in sweat after practicing advanced pushing hands with Master Yang. However, he still appears as fresh as when he first started. Not even a drop of sweat! He was always able to control the CHI with such precision and focus at all times, using minimal or no movement at all. His power is indescribable and needs to be felt to be appreciated.

Grandmaster Chu Gin Soon:
It is very important to practice Tai Chi the right way - otherwise one is wasting time and money. If you practice according to the principles, you are practising correctly. However, there are many ways to interpret the principles. Yang style interprets them in one specific way and one way only. - so if you do not follow that interpretation, you cannot truly be said to be practising Yang style.

Master John Ding:
Tai Chi Chuan training is very different from external martial arts. It involves the mind, body and spirit, all working in harmony and acting in togetherness to achieve results- harnessing Chi and being able to apply it for health, self-healing or self-defence. Relying on just one aspect will not achieve much.

From my experience in martial arts training, I can say that this is the most difficult art to understand and study. The principles in each posture are very subtle. If these principles are not correct, the posture is weak and ineffective. Correct postures are very powerful. When testing correct postures, you will find that the harder your partner applies physical pressure, the more comfortable you feel. There is no effort on your part to maintain the posture. Interestingly, all beginners in Tai Chi, even people who are high level external martial artists, weight lifters or body builders have difficulties in carrying out Chi Kung training. The whole body shakes. Thus everybody starts from the beginning. There is no short cut in one’s training. You have to go through a series of levels in progression.

Whenever you see masters performing these incredible feats of power with ease, you should always think about the amount of rigorous training they have gone through to achieve that level. A big effort is needed in time and commitment to achieve energy. But even with a small amount of this energy, one is able to produce big effect with minimal physical effort. You could reduce this to an equation: E(Big Effort) = e*(Chi concentration)=e(Little Effort)= E(Big Effect)

Master Alan Ding:
There are plenty of essential points in Tai Chi Chuan, whether they be practical – like posture testing or theoretical – for instance Hau Kou (verbal transmission). I don’t think it possible to summarise them all in any text.

Firstly the vast quantity of information requires years of study, but also the significance and interpretation of them are different depending on where you are on your Tai Chi Chuan journey. When learning Tai Chi Chuan and any of its important points, try not to expect to be able to fully understand what is being taught on first pass. Often transmissions may make little sense at first, but instead will reveal themselves later on as you mature as a student.

Further still, you may find, as I have, that Hau Kou’s interpretations will change, alter and modify to mean something increasingly profound as you develop and grow in your Tai Chi.

I had always been taught that Tai Chi Chuan was a discipline that cannot be ‘spoon fed’ nor given to me 100%. I had been told time and again that Tai Chi Chuan was path that I would be shown but it is I, that would have to walk it. But whilst this is true, an able teacher can sign post and verify interpretations and meanings you discover on the way – something I have found invaluable. What I have realized on my own continuing journey is that there is no final goal that can be bought and there is no definable end. Instead there is a process that is its own reward and through it you do not possess something new but become something new.

More aspirational and motivational articles will be published here, to moltivate you in your ongoing traditional Tai Chi Chuan training

We would like to take this opportunity, to send our very best wishes to all our readers during this coming festive season and New Year.

The zodiac sign for the coming Chinese Year 10th February 2024 - Year of the DRAGON. It starts on February 10 and ends on January 28, 2025. People born under the sign of the dragon are said to be strong, successful, honourable, and fortunate.

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Master John Ding
6th Generation Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, through Grandmaster Ip lineage.
He was interviewed in 1996 for TCAH Issue 7 and is available for purchase from www.taichialternativehealth.com

He began training at a young age under various Shaolin Kung Fu Masters and reached a high level of skill before devoting himself entirely to the internal martial system of Tai Chi Chuan. He is one of the few people to have studied under all three formal disciples of the late Great Grandmaster Yang Sau Chang: Chu King Hung (3rd disciple), Chu Gin Soon (2nd disciple) and Ip Tai Tak (1st disciple). Consequently, he is one of the few teachers in the west who can demonstrate the higher aspects of the art and internal energy (Chi).

On 1 January 1998, Master Ding’s dedication to Yang Style Tai Chi was rewarded when he was accepted as the first disciple of Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak, making him a 6th Generation lineage holder of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan through Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak.

He has worked hard to build his organisation, which now has schools across Europe. He has made numerous TV and stage appearances and produced videos, DVDs and books about Tai Chi. He is also the editor and publisher of Tai Chi & Alternative Health, an internationally distributed quarterly magazine in print since 1994.

Before he began to teach Tai Chi full time in 1996, he worked as a senior manager in health and social services with a local authority in the UK. This experience, combined with his charismatic application of Tai Chi philosophy to everyday life, have given him great insight into how to create an environment that allows people to develop, heal and grow strong through Tai Chi practice.

Master Ding teaches full-time, runs residential Tai Chi retreats, special courses, seminars and workshops and leads training tours to China. He also gives private tuition and organises bespoke courses for corporate clients.

Master Alan Ding,
7th Generation Yang Style
Tai Chi Chuan lineage holder interviewed in 2012 for TCAH Issue 69 and is available for purchase from www.taichialternativehealth.com.

Dr. Alan Ding MBBS MRCGP has been studying Tai Chi Chuan under his father, Master John Ding, since he was 5 years old. He has also studied under Grandmaster Chu Gin Soon (2nd Disciple of Great Grandmaster Yang Sau Chung) and intensively under Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak (1st disciple of Great Grandmaster Yang Sau Chung).

Based in London, he is a practicing General Practitioner and General Practitioner Trainer, as well as being an accomplished Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan practitioner, Chief Instructor for the JDIATCC organisation and a regular contributor for TCAH (Tai Chi & Alternative Health) magazine.

Over the years he has co-written books on Tai Chi Chuan, appeared in videos, DVDs and stage shows and assisted Master John Ding in numerous seminars, retreats and other bespoke Tai Chi programs.

Master Ding Academy
Open Residential Retreat
Sat, 21st - Sat, 28th October 2023

Here are some photos of participants enjoying their Tai Chi training in a supportive enviroment to assist all levels of participants (Beginners - Advanced) in furthering their understanding and skills in traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan conducted by Master John Ding, Master Alan Ding and Ross Cousens, an experienced instructor from Dublin, Ireland.

If you missed this 2023 Open Retreat, do not forget to book for 2024 Open Retreat - Sat, 18th - Sat, 26th October. Special discounted course fee is available if you booked early before the dateline.

Very best wishes to all for Christmas and New Year from all at Master Ding Academy.

Feedback from particpants:
I really enjoyed this retreat there was a lovely feeling among the group everyone wanting to help each other improve their tai chi . The days began by getting up early in the morning and going outdoors for Chi Kung practice. Throughout the morning and day tai chi form practice and corrections testing postures and group work which always filled the hall with laughter The level of teaching Master Ding gave with Ross everyday was amazing no let up in helping people from early morning to late in the evening and then we had the privilege mid week of Master Alan Ding joining us . The feeling coming away at the end of week was excitement wanting to get back to classes to share all I learned.
Mary

Part 2 :
Extracts from Masters of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan lineage interviews

*** Providing practitioners (beginners to Advanced) invaluable insight and better understanding of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan ***

What other aspect of training would you give to Tai Chi Chuan practitioners to help them improve their standards?

Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak:
There are another three important principles that people need to be aware of:

a. Yuen ( Circular ) - Tai Chi movements are usually circular. However within this circular nature, the shape could change for instance, smaller and large circles, oblong shaped, etc.

b. Wan ( smooth/flow ) - Movements practiced need to be smooth and in a flowing momentum. There should not be a break from the beginning to the end i.e. like the Yin-Yang symbol, one flowing into the other.

c. Tuen ( united ) - Here the movements practiced should be coordinated and balanced.

There are many interpretations of how Yang Style should be practised. How important is it to practice the right way? Does it matter as long as the principles are applied?

Master Alan Ding:
There are many interpretations of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan long form. Examine two very close lineages and you will find many similarities but also differences between their postures, movements, and forms. The question will always arise from junior practitioner “Which one is the right way?” ; to which the reply has historically been one with another question, “Does it really matter?”. The reply is not designed to divert attention or to circumvent the answer, but instead to make the junior think for themselves. The Tai Chi Chuan form was designed as a vehicle to hold, utilise and demonstrate principles and concepts held within. It was never designed superficially as a simple a set of choreographed movements. To me it matters not what the form looks like, but more importantly the forms should follow the principles and concepts that are at Tai Chi Chuan’s core. The right way may have many superficial forms, but all are correct, as long as they can incorporate those ideals behind the movements.

What are the essential points when practicing Tai Chi Chuan?

Master Alan Ding:
There are plenty of essential points in Tai Chi Chuan, whether they be practical – like posture testing or theoretical – for instance Hau Kou (verbal transmission). I don’t think it possible to summarise them all in any text. Firstly the vast quantity of information requires years of study, but also the significance and interpretation of them are different depending on where you are on your Tai Chi Chuan journey.

When learning Tai Chi Chuan and any of its important points, try not to expect to be able to fully understand what is being taught on first pass. Often transmissions may make little sense at first, but instead will reveal themselves later on as you mature as a student. Further still, you may find, as I have, that Hau Kou’s interpretations will change, alter and modify to mean something increasingly profound as you develop and grow in your Tai Chi.

I had always been taught that Tai Chi Chuan was a discipline that cannot be ‘spoon fed’ nor given to me 100%. I had been told time and again that Tai Chi Chuan was path that I would be shown but it is I, that would have to walk it. But whilst this is true, an able teacher can signpost and verify interpretations and meanings you discover on the way – something I have found invaluable. What I have realized on my own continuing journey is that there is no final goal that can be bought and there is no definable end. Instead there is a process that is its own reward and through it you do not possess something new but become something new.

As a leading authority on Yang Style Tai Chi what advice would you give to practitioners at different levels?

Grandmaster Gin Soon Chu:
Beginners - Be patient. Learn a few movements at a time, do not try to take in too much information at once, it just becomes confusing. Spend time practising what you have learnt already. To build a tall building, begin with a strong foundation. What you have already learned is the most important thing.

Intermediate - do not hurry, spend time doing it right. It is very important at this stage to have correct posture. This will lead to correct energy circulation and set the way for future growth.

Advanced - people are into number games these days. They think, the more Tai Chi routines they know, the better he/she is. A practitioner should fully understand the how and why for each posture. One should spend more time to understand Yang Cheng Fu’s Ten Points.

Master John Ding:
Beginners – Initially, visit a number of clubs and find out as much about the instructors as you can –his/her lineage, type of Tai Chi taught; talk to the students as well. Do not be attracted just by low tuition fees. Good teaching often costs more- it’s a fact of life. In addition, Tai Chi is not just about learning movements. It is about the harnessing and circulation of Chi for health, self-healing and self-defence. Tai Chi when taught should be holistic. The instructor should always be able to show you how these postures can be used. By testing, you will have a framework to work with after each class, so that when you practice at home, you will not divert too far from the correct posture.

Intermediate - Try to get each posture right. It is better to master the basic principles than just to keep learning more forms. Basics are the rudiments of all advanced training. Keep testing your posture. Do not expect quick results from your training, the basic principles take time to master. Do not be disillusioned with your progress. Be patient. If you are taught correctly and practise regularly, you will achieve results. If you do not, you have either not practised correctly or have not been taught correctly. If the latter is true, check out other clubs for an authentic instructor.

Advanced - You should have a good understanding and able to apply the ten essential points as listed by Master Yang Cheng Fu. Movements should be practised with a flow together with the Yi (or Intent). If you look at a lion stalking its prey, watch how the lion is always focussed on it even. When the pry is caught, the lion’s paw effortlessly sticks to it, even when it twists and turns trying to escape. If you use a lot of effort to maintain your postures or in pushing hands, you need to stop and think whether you are learning Tai Chi Chuan correctly or being taught only the external aspects.

You should be aware that some instructors can only take you to a certain level in your training. The dedicated student wanting to achieve high level needs to seek out advanced instructors. This may involve travelling a long way for training! To get the teacher’s knowledge you must demonstrate that you are worthy of such transmission- this can only be achieved by staying with the master for a long time. No master will ever teach the students everything. You have to earn it. Master continually assesses the worthiness of the student’s attribute, commitment, loyalty, honesty, trustworthy and so on.

Within the Chinese martial arts circle, when a student is accepted as a disciple, he or she treats the master as more important than his/her own father – such is the bond between them. To achieve a higher level in Tai Chi Chuan, you need to train in the following three important aspects: Chi Kung, correct form practise incorporating the ten essential principles and dynamic push hands. If these do not form part of your training, you will not progress. High level instruction is a must. The subtlety of tai Chi Chuan is such that a small error in the beginning will take you a long way from the end goal. Getting the right instruction will save you time and effort. Often I have seen students with as much as 10 to 15 years’ experience come to a realisation that their previous training would never help them achieve a high level. This can be a very demoralising experience so people should always be aware of what they are studying.

Master Alan Ding:
Beginners – look at quality above quantity. Be content with the movements that you learn week by week, and try to refine the movements by practice. You have a lifetime of learning to do, so there is absolutely no rush. Once you finish the form, its back to the beginning anyway!

Intermediates – begin to seek independence by working out postures and movements by yourself. You would have learnt by now multiple principles that can be used and extrapolated to other movements. Try to self-correct by using the principles you know and by using posture testing. Then ask your instructor for verification of the movement. Your teacher will only be impressed as you begin to show initiative for your own learning.

Advanced - never forget the basics as they form the foundations of everything that you build on. The simplest movements and testing are always the most difficult and challenging to achieve. Time gathers moss and bad habits, as I know too well, so don’t be alarmed when all of a sudden there is a big change – it was probably something you missed early on! Most importantly don’t get to big for your own boots – try to be open to all your peers - senior and junior. We are all here to help each other and extending a hand to help all others will only serve you well for the future.

To be continued Part 3 .....
Watch this space for the conclusion.....

If you are interested in reading more detailed interviews about any of these masters’ interviews, you can obtain digital back issues by checking our magazine website or contacting us:
Website: www.taichialternativehealth.com

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Grandmaster Gin Soon Chu
5th Generation Yang Tai Chi Chuan and Second Disciple of Great Grandmaster Yang Sau Chung, 4th Generation Yang Tai Chi Chuan.

(He was interviewed by Master John Ding in 1994 for Tai Chi Alternative Health magazine Issue 2)

Born in Hong Kong, he was a rather weak young man who took to Tai Chi Chuan to improve his poor health. Following his Tai Chi teacher’s death in 1963, he began to study under Master Yang Sau Chung, the head of the Yang family style at that time, son of the legendary Yang Cheng Fu. Due to his great diligence in training, Master Chu was accepted as second disciple of Grandmaster Yang Sau Chung . The other two being Master Ip Tai Tak (first disciple ) and Master Chu King Hung ( third disciple ).

Grandmaster Chu later left Hong Kong for the USA and settled in Boston, assisting in the management of a restaurant. In 1969, urged on by enthusiastic friends, he established the Gin Soon Tai Chi Club. Through this he began the promotion of classic Yang style Tai Chi Chuan in the USA, for both health and self-defence.

Grandmaster Chu was the past Chairman of the Eastern United States Kung Fu Federation and one of the founder members of this organisation. As a leading authority on Yang style Tai Chi Chuan, He was frequently called upon to give seminars around the world, a task he sees as part of his on-going responsibility to continue the Yang family Tai Chi Chuan tradition.

Grandmaster Chu’s Tai Chi club is located at 33 Harrison Ave Boston, MA 02111, United States. Tel: +1 617-542-4442. This club is taught by both his sons - Sifu Vincent Chu and Sifu Gordon Chu
(Note: Grandmaster Chu passed away on the 18th March 2019)

Extracts from Masters of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan lineage interviews Part 1

(This series of article will provide you with an invaluable insight and better understanding of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan)

Often I hear people say that if they are intelligent they could learn the form quicker and are able to achieve high levels in Tai Chi Chuan more easily. What is your view about this?

Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak:
The training in Tai Chi Chuan is quite different from ordinary academic studies. The individual will still need to practice to gain better understanding of the form. In Chinese, we often use the mill stone to explain the concept of correct form practice. For example, wheat grains are put in the mill to be turned into flour which can then be used for numerous purposes. Form practicing is similar in that over a period of time of continued practice you will begin to appreciate better understanding and insight into different aspects and application of CHI, within the form. Some intelligent people often ask the Master to teach more postures at each session as they can memorise more moves. However, each correct posture needs to be practiced regularly before learning new moves otherwise the full essence of the postures is not grasped. Time spent learning a few postures correctly at each session is more valuable and important than learning many postures incorrectly.

Master Alan Ding:
I truly do believe that there are some people who are gifted at learning movement and understanding motion - who have a physical memory and hand eye coordination that only requires movements to be only shown once. I have a friend and colleague who is able to see, retain, and then demonstrate movement similar to the original with ease. However this does not guarantee that they will achieve high level Tai Chi Chuan. To achieve high order Tai Chi Chuan is not simply about movement. Whilst movement can be reproduced there also must be the understanding of the concepts and principles behind them to make Tai Chi Chuan work. This demands dedication, continual effort, commitment and concentration. Whilst mimicking movements has some advantage, the gain is small, and not a factor that will contribute to achieving high order Tai Chi Chuan.

Some practitioners often try to learn from different Masters who are conducting various workshops or seminars. Will they be able to learn much Tai Chi to improve their skill?

Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak:
People attending these workshops or seminars do gain some understanding of the different approaches of Tai Chi Chuan as demonstrated by these Masters. People generally learn numerous forms, pushing hands, weapons etc. These are merely movements and often taught at basis levels. To achieve high levels in Tai Chi Chuan, you should seek out the best and continue to study with that Master. Higher levels or skills are normally only taught to people who have stayed with the Master for long periods of time. The time factor is not the only determinate. Your character and personality are also taken into account because the Master needs to feel that the individual is worthy of the true transmission. Hence, you can see why Masters teaching thousands of students may only have a handful of disciples. The late Master Yang Sau Chung had only accepted three disciples, myself, Master Chu Gin Soon and Master Chu King Hung.

Master Alan Ding:
My own thought is that it is easier to chop and change instructor than to persist towards a goal that cannot be bought. Whilst these practitioners gain breadth and variation in the superficial, there is little depth of knowledge that is gained. To be able to catalogue a library of forms and masters that you have been in contact with, is impressive in any modern society looking for this ‘product profile’. However to the traditionalist, the opposite is the case, bringing into question their honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty and most importantly depth of knowledge. The master/student relationship is built on time and trust. Time spent moonlighting from one teacher to another may be acceptable up to a point until stability and rooting is found. However I know no true masters who actively publicise many multiples of teachers.

Improving Traditional Tai Chi Chuan Practice
Often there are people who practice Tai Chi for 10, 15 years and achieve no power. What advice would you give these people?

Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak:
The individual should seek out a reputable, skilled and knowledgeable Master. The attitude and approach of the student is also important. In ancient times, before and individual is accepted to undertake training, his character is also assessed throughout his training from initial to advanced stages. Failing such tests meant that the student would no longer be allowed to study the art any further. Constant and regular practice is vital. Results in one’s training are measured in ten year periods. To be good in Tai Chi Chuan you have to be committed and able to endure hard training. Correct postures are important. These are building blocks for strong foundation. Bad postures gives rise to poor foundation and further training will yield little gain.

Grandmaster Chu Gin Soon:
Obviously this individual did not have a good teacher. Stop and find someone else. As I said before, you should find a knowledgeable teacher, not just a famous one. Generally a knowledgeable teacher will be someone whom very few people know of and is difficult to find.

Master John Ding:
Without a doubt, it’s the most important aspect in one’s training –to study under an experience high level master. However to have a good master is just the beginning of the journey! You also need to practise and take your training seriously. Talent or ability to learn the movements quickly is no good if you do not practise the form correctly and regularly. If a farmer wanted to grow good quality wheat, he would need to obtain quality seeds. These seeds the need to be planted in good soil and given the right environment to grow – only then will they produce quality wheat.

Master Alan Ding:
It is imperative to find a good teacher that can guide you to a path well- trodden by Tai Chi scholars before you. However this can be a feat that can be more difficult than meets the eye. With the number of branches that each Tai Chi Chuan family has generated through time, it can leave the new practitioner bewildered with choice. My advice is to research well and from reputable sources. Take the time to visit a class or even join in for a session if the class allows. Remember that truly able practitioners that are able to transmit are far and few between, so don’t be surprised that you may need to travel. Make sure you get yourself off to a good start by going to a school that can not only offer you authentic Tai Chi Chuan packaged in a way that suits you and your needs at the time, but also allows for the opportunity for growth. Many people start Tai Chi Chuan with preconceived ideas of what they want from Tai Chi Chuan. Often after a period of study those needs and wants change and mature as the student grows. By being able to develop and cater for this, signifies a school’s ability to present Tai Chi Chuan holistically, something that can only be achieved if the traditional art is truly understood. A school that only offers a one trick pony may offer a specific cohort of people their ideals, but for the rest of us there is little opportunity for growth, longevity, and is probably best avoided.

To be continued... watch this space.

If you are interested in reading more about any of these masters’ interviews, you can obtain digital back issues by checking our magazine website or contacting us:
Website: www.taichialternativehealth.com
Email : [email protected]

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Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak,
5th Generation of Yang Tai Chi Chuan and
First Disciple of Great Grandmaster Yang Sau Chung, 4th Generation of Yang Tai Chi Chuan.
He was interviewed by Master Ding in 1995 for TCAH Issue 4.

Master Ip Tai Tak was born in Hong Kong. He took up external martial art as a young man due to his prevailing weak health. At the age of 21 years, he studied Yang style Tai Chi Chuan under Master Tung Yien Kit for 4 years. During this period his health improved, and with his consistent approach was also appointed as Instructor for Master Tung’s school.

In 1949, Master Yang Sau Chung left China during the communist revolution to settle in Yuen Long, New Territory, Hong Kong. Master Yang gave a public demonstration exhibiting the traditional Yang style Tai Chi Chuan in 1951. Master Ip was so very impressed by Master Yang’s demonstration and in the pursuit for greater understanding he left Master Tung, to study the Traditional Yang style under the Head of the Yang family style. After 4 years of study, he was formally accepted as the first inner disciple of Master Yang Sau Chung. He continued to study under Master Yang until he passed away in 1985. Now at the age of 69 years, he is still as devoted as ever to the study, practice and development of Tai Chi Chuan, only teaching a selective number of senior students.

(Note: Grandmaster Ip passed away on the 25th April 2004)