| Feature Article Training
with the Great Tai Chi Legend, Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan
Grandmaster Fu
Sheng Yuan is the 5th generation of a long tradition of Tai Chi experts. His father, Fu
Zhong Wen, was a world renowned authority on the Yang Style Tai Chi. Even in his eighties,
Fu Zhong Wen could demonstrate his martial skill on men half of his age. Many people
commented that as soon as they touched Fu Zhong Wen, it felt as if they were skating on
ice. In other words, they had no control of their balance, and he
would just play with
them, as with a small child. Even in his eighties, Fu Zhong Wen's face was wrinkle free
and had the complexion of a ripened peach.
Fu Zhong Wen's teacher was the Tai Chi legend, Yang Cheng Fu, who was responsible for
standardising the Yang Style. Yang Cheng Fu also spread the art from northern to southern
China. Stories about Yang Cheng Fu's martial art prowess are limitless. Yang Cheng Fu was
once attacked while he was eating. The attack was aimed at his back. Still eating and
hardly moving, he was able to knock the attacker to the ground. Even his back had the
power of a fist. Of course, people who have never seen this level of skill may think that
these accounts are a little exaggerated. Those who are aware of such skill understand that
these feats are the natural results of a very sophisticated system of training. If you saw
the performance of the Shaolin monks at AIS in March, you would know that hard training
can produce almost miraculous results.
Yang Cheng Fu's father and uncles were all famous masters. His grandfather was the founder
of Yang Style, Yang Lu Chan, also known as Yang of No Equal. He instructed the Emperor's
body guards and private army in the applications of Tai Chi martial art. Yang Lu Chan's
skills were legendary. It is said that his body was as soft as cotton but his internal
force was as hard as steel, epitomising the essence of Tai Chi, which is also known as
Cotton Fist.
Very few people
were privy to the knowledge that Grandmaster Fu had enjoyed since the age of nine when he
started his Tai Chi training. Now at 69, Grandmaster Fu is a testimony to the health
benefits of Tai Chi practice. The Academy's connection with Grandmaster Fu is through
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland and Fontane Ip. Both Brett and Fontane are tutis
[disciples] of Grandmaster Fu.
Grandmaster Fu spends most of his time travelling the
globe, teaching his family's Tai Chi. He visited Canberra in June 2000
and conducted workshops for students of all levels. Some
of the senior students were especially happy to see Grandmaster Fu
again. They were fortunate enough to travel to China with
Grandmaster Fu few years ago and they all have fond memories of his
warmth and kindness.
Students were surprised to see how strong Grandmaster Fu is. He radiates
a strong presence and a high level of skill. Students were amazed by the
degree of relaxation and strength evident in Grandmaster Fu's Tai Chi
movements. Even people half his age are not able to move through the
form as effortlessly as Grandmaster Fu. Below are some of
the students' impressions of working with one of the Tai Chi greats:
"Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan was an inspiration. The
workshop was beneficial for me in that I learnt and understood more about the movements
which makes them easier to perform. I really enjoyed the day and am looking forward to the
next one."
Maura
"Grandmaster Fu's demonstration of Section
1 of the form was an eye-opener for the aspiring Tai Chi practitioner. His movements
appeared effortless, flowing smoothly from the waist at all times. His gaze showed focus
and spirit where his body remained relaxed and natural. In short, this was an opportunity
to see all the Tai Chi principles brought together and put into practice."
Darrell
"To my mind, 'slow', 'smooth' and 'subtle' were the
three main messages which Grandmaster Fu conveyed as we worked through the form with
him."
Hugh
"I was inspired by Grandmaster Fu's living grace,
humility, strength and youthfulness developed through many years of Tai Chi. I finished
the workshop with new insights and a deep appreciation of his gift to us."
Donna
"I think that Grandmaster Fu embodies the
Yin Yang philosophy wonderfully. He appeared gentle and softly spoken but made us work
very hard!!"
Simon
"It is an honour to receive instruction
from the best. I am in awe of his energy, strength and flexiblity. He is seemingly
ageless. His instruction is precise, delivered with sincerity and tinged with gentle
humour."
Silvana
"I felt very fortunate to be able to watch
and learn yet again from Grandmaster Fu who is part of a long line of practitioners. He
knows it all, and is willing to come show us and teach us. This time I particularly
noticed his concentration when he does any movement at all, even one posture. He is
completely in the movement and yet he is also very present. It's as though his
concentration penetrates the air around him."
Kath
"I was impressed by Grandmaster Fu's skill,
straightforwardness and humour during his teaching of the form, and also by the profound
simplicity of his thoughts on Tai Chi and in his responses to questions."
Michael
"I was fortunate enough to attend
Grandmaster Fu's beginners' workshop recently. It was wonderful to see a grandmaster of
the ancient art of Tai Chi in action and to receive some benefit of his knowledge. I liked
that he spoke to each student and where necessary gently corrected any mistakes in
posture, movement, etc. His sense of humour put us at our ease and made us feel
comfortable and the time passed quickly. I'm grateful for this opportunity and it will
stay in my memory for years to come."
Isabell
"Training under Grandmaster Fu is a unique
lesson in the principles of movement. He doesn't say much but by making small adjustments
to your body, he can make major changes to your position and balance in a posture. Holding
a posture gives a different perspective on strength and relaxation. Watching Grandmaster
Fu demonstrate is to see balance and coordination that is close to flawless - truly
efficient use of the body."
Nigel
"When Grandmaster Fu honoured us with a
visit recently, I was amazed to find that he had not aged, even though he is now 69!!
Training with Grandmaster Fu was a truly memorable experience. He used few words, yet his
instruction was clear, precise, very meaningful and very encouraging. At the end of the
session, we were privileged to watch Grandmaster Fu perform part of the form. Kung fu,
developed through a lifetime of Tai Chi practice, shone through. Grandmaster Fu moved as a
complete unit, so relaxed, so coordinated, so smoothly and yet so effortlessly - a joy to
behold!"
Joy
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