Our Tai Chi Lineage: Founders & Legacy in Lewes
Understanding the roots of our Tai Chi practice offers profound insight into the principles and techniques we uphold today. Our lineage traces back to esteemed masters whose dedication and wisdom have shaped the art we practice.
Professor Cheng Man-Ching
Cheng Man-Ching was a pivotal figure in the dissemination of Tai Chi to the Western world. Renowned for distilling the traditional Yang-style Tai Chi into a simplified 37-posture form, he made the art more accessible without compromising its essence. His approach emphasised relaxation, balance, and internal energy flow, laying the foundation for modern Tai Chi practice.
Master Huang Sheng-Shyan
A direct disciple of Cheng Man-Ching, Huang Sheng-Shyan further refined the teachings he received. Originally trained in White Crane martial arts, Huang integrated his knowledge into Tai Chi, enhancing its martial applications and fluidity. His dedication led to a profound understanding of energy dynamics within movements.
An anecdote from Huang's journey illustrates his deep respect for Cheng's mastery:
“Teacher Huang was surprised at the subtleness of Professor Cheng, and said it was like pushing into air, as there was nothing there for him to push. At that moment, he realized that he had found what he had been looking for, for years.”
Wee Kee-Jin
Continuing the lineage, Wee Kee-Jin studied under Huang Sheng-Shyan and became one of his prominent students. Kee-Jin is recognised for his clear and precise teaching methods, emphasising the internal principles of Tai Chi. He articulates the concept of "Peng" energy as follows:
“Peng force is what we use to release in the postures to create the different forces. It is also what we use to determine and measure the nature of the incoming force, to absorb the force and to bounce it back just like a buoy on the sea; when you push it in, it bounces back.”