This is Part 4 of the translation and my interpretation of the text written by Sun Zhonghua. He is the 19th generation master of Chen Style Taijiquan and a 2nd generation master of Hunyuan Tai Ji. You can find the full text here if you can read Chinese. Just in case you missed previous parts, here they are: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
A little story
Before I compare the different Tai Ji systems to understand CZH and his practical method better, let me tell you a little story.
In 2001, at Canada Edmonton’s Huan Yuan Tai Ji academy, a car drove by and parked by the roadside. A man walked straight into the main hall of the academy and asked the first person he saw “Excuse me, I would like to meet Mr Chen”.
“That’s me. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“I am Trevor Jelic. My friend Wei Ping, who’s also a teacher, insisted that I should come and meet you.” And while Trevor was speaking, he was already checking out CZH, trying to hide his curiosity and his feeling of superiority.
“I know Wei Ping, why do you want to meet me?” CZH feels that Trevor has a sharp eye, a good physique, a strong stance and a general strong aura, expecting him to be a martial artist.
Trevor said “Mr Wei Ping thinks highly of your Tai Ji, and emphasized that I should experience it myself.”
CZH understood and just said “I’m happy to be able to practise with you. What kind of martial art do you train in?”
Trevor happily tells him “I trained with Mr Chen for 3 years, Mr Xu for 5 years, and Mr Zhang for 1 year.” These are all famous teachers.
“Do we begin now?” asked CZH.
Trevor replied “That would be best.”, and stepped forward.
As their hands meet, Trevor used both his hands to control CZH’s wrist and elbow, while using the contact on these joints to push CZH. He must have figured that CZH is but 1.6m tall and can’t be more than 60kg. With his strength and skill, his force must be able to push him far right?
Trevor did not expect his hands to be twisted into a spiraling motion and redirected back to his own throat, yet he could not exert any strength in both his hands. But this is not Trevor’s first fight, so he knows immediately that he had to change his tactic. CZH is just one step ahead of him. He sunk his hands and we just hear 2 thuds – Trevor was on his knees.
CZH just said “I’m sorry. My bad.” And immediately lent his hand to pick him up. The people around him is already used to this sight, so no one actually said anything and made any gestures.
Trevor however remained kneeled. CZH wasn’t sure what’s going on, just to see that this large man was suddenly crying. CZH was going to tell him that winning or losing is just normal in life, but Trevor was half choking while muttering “have I just wasted 9 years of my life?”
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4 Comments
I was really touched with the story. There was a twist of drama and and inspiration. So that means there are a lot of martial arts in this world but sometimes, we tend to miss those useful one. I hope this post has inspired you too.
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Thank you for your effort in translating these stories.
Thank you on behalf of myself, Master Chen and Master Sun.
Thank you for your comments. I’m only doing a small part in spreading what I believe in.