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Jeff Higgins 2009 Arkansas Workshop Review |
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Written by Jeff Higins
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Friday, 06 March 2009 |
My name is Jeff Higgins. For those of you thinking about studying with
Master Chen Zhonghua I would like to share my background and experience
taking a workshop.
I have been studying various Chinese martial arts
since for the past 8 years. I currently study medical QiGong and Chen
Style Taiji with Xiao Chang Zhong. Master Xiao has been practicing
Qigong and Taiji Quan for over 40 years. He is also a Master of Tuina
and worked in hospitals in China. Prior to studying with Master Xiao I
studied Tai Xu Quan and Shaolin Animal Boxing with Micheal Reyes.
Before studying with Mr. Reyes I studied Xing Yi Quan, Taiji Quan, and
Bagua Zhang from Fred and Sande Weaver. Fred Weaver is a Doctor of
Chinese Medicine and has been practicing martial arts for approximately
40 years. These teachers are highly skilled and have profoundly
impacted my view of the martial and healing arts. I include this
information to let the reader know that I have high standards for a
teacher.
Seeing Youtube clips of Master Chen Zhonghua led me to taking a
workshop from him. I've been wanting to study with Master Chen for 2
years and was very impressed with his teaching style and ability. He
exhibits high physical ability as well as deep knowledge of Chen Style
Taiji Quan. I was able to learn through hands-on application of the
Practical Method. I was not only able to feel Master Chen apply
techniques on me but was also able to place hands on him while he
applied a technique/feeling to someone else. This is not very common
but highly effective at imparting learning. I learn very well visually
but one can not really see the depth of skill without feeling Master
Chen perform a seemingly simple motion.
Experience generally transcends words for me when learning but I was
also impressed with his efforts to find the "right" words. Through
accurate and descriptive terminology he attempts to convey the right
meaning. He skillfully weaves between numerous teacher methods in hopes
of finding a connection with the students own learning style.
Having now experienced Hong's method of Taiji Quan and the teaching
of Chen Zhonghua I have decided to make this my primary focus of
training in coordination with my current QiGong practice. I believe
diligent practice of Hong's method through the guidance of Master Chen
Zhonghua will produce high skill level. Those individuals willing to
put forth the effort and study with Master Chen have a great
opportunity to be part a of system that teaches through honesty and
openness. I feel Master Chen wants his students to succeed. His honesty
and generosity reflects not only his character but I suspect Master
Hong's character as well.
Being able to have a private lesson was invaluable since I don't
have the opportunity to study with Master Chen regularly. I spoke with
someone yesterday about my private session and how the hour was spent
working on the Positive circle. When I demonstrated the circle they
said, "That's it, for an hour!". I laughed at this and told them this
was the best part of studying with Master Chen. The fact that he can
transition from macroscopic level to microscopic level in his teaching
shows the depth of knowledge and skill he has attained. Instead of
going through the motions I have a stronger feeling for the positive
circle then I would have gotten through the workshop alone. I now find
the positive circle lesson affecting and informing me on how to produce
power throughout the Yilu form.
Overall my experience with Chen Zhonghua's workshop is bittersweet. I
am thankful for the opportunity to study with a teacher of such high
ability and character. It also makes me a little sad because I do not
have the opportunity to study with him on a regular basis. For those
of you who study regularly with him I feel are very lucky. Anyone
wanting to study Taiji will not be disappointed with the teaching of
Chen Zhonghua. I look forward to studying with him again at future
workshops.
Thank you,
Jeff Higgins
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Last Updated ( Friday, 06 March 2009 )
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