FABULOUS!!! I practice a kung fu and tai chi chuan style called Fei Hok Phai and the Sifu Chiu Ping Lok teached this tai chi chuan sequence for many years as the main sequence of his style. He studied tai chi chuan in New York in the 1960's. He added one or two different movements, but the sequence is the same. I am very happy to see the sequence performed by Chen Manching himself. Thank you very much DPG, to add this video to the youtube. :-)
i am training this form for tai chi.. this looks easy, BUT god dammit, it is not. but when you get it. it is fun, and it is good for your health, mind and body
That is the Yang Short Form that I teach and practice. That was a good example of how it's done as you get older. A younger person can do it in a lower position with more detailed movements. That was great. I will begin the journey of the Yang Long Form in March. I am incorporating Qi Gong in my daily workout bit have not found a dedicated student to teach that yet and I still need a Push Hands partner if I can find one, very difficult here in Tennessee to find true Martial Arts practicers of T
I studied under Bob Smith for awhie and we did it much slower and in a lower position. The Chen Man Ching style is really about totally relaxtion and is much easier than other forms. Mr. Smith always would use terms like "extend foot" rather than kick.
He was quite old when he did this video as you can tell he doesn't touch his knee to his elbow and some of the movements are shortened, but you can see his fluidity, relaxation and ease of motion. His style was never performance art.
Thank you so very much for posting this fantastic video featuring the creator of this shortened Yang form which has allowed we regular people (who may not have time to learn the original 108 moves) the benefits of being a Tai Chi player.
I have been watching Tai Chi and practicing the Yang large frame for over a year. After awhile one gets a gestalt impression of mastery. One can tell when one sees it. There are lots of inadequate ways to describe it: rootedness, fluidity, power, relaxation. But it is clear to the eye. Anyone who claims that this is not the film of a great Tai Chi master doesn't know mastery when he sees it. Thank you so much for posting.
I don't typically comment on Youtube but when the word horrible is used in regards to Chen Man Ching's Tai Chi I have to call you on it. You know, Chen Man Ching trained William Chen and Ben Lo ,probably the two greatest influences in American Tai Chi Chuan and is highly respected by any masters I've ever heard comment by. Grandmasters "copy" this form so I don't think it will do as much harm as you think.
Your analogy begs my appreciation . Yoda is a fiction , with fictional powers actualized only by the viewers' imagination and willingness to suspend critical thinking . The form that is being shown in this video is not the real form and copying it will not only not give " powers " but can do harm .
You analogy begs my appreciation . Yoda is a fiction , with fictional powers actualized only by the viewers' imagination and willingness to suspend critical thinking . The form that is being shown in this video is not the real form and copying it will give no " powers " .
This is horrible form . ( Notice how the knees collapse on cloud hands , especially his right knee ) . Its a prime example of the Tofu and Soft Noodles Form used for relaxation in the U.S. . It is not real Tai Chi that he is showing here .
Beautifully performed. This is the first Tai Chi form I learnt with Wutan UK and I still love doing it. If you live in the UK and you want to learn it contact wutan dot biz and go to the Tai Chi section
@BuddhaZenMind; in his book, talking about "the first fault"; the lack of perseverance, the author says: (...) I "would invariably stop when I felt the slightest bit better. Finally, 39 years ago, bedridden with tuberculosis, I resolved to begin practicing and never stop again".
I've been practicing this form for 20 years (I started when I was 17). The fundamental principals and teachings should always be held in great respect and as the mother of all that is to learn. Tai Chi eventually becomes a self teaching practice. It took 10 years before I started to see hints of this. If you were to watch the top students of Cheng "The Old Man" do this form you would see slight differences. I will teach my children the form at a early age -it's had an enormous impact on my life.
does anyone know of any good online sites where a complete beginner can learn and read more about the *theories and inner workings* behind Taichi ? I have always wanted to learn this art, although the "physical forms" are readily available online anywhere, but I don't know the "theories and philosophies" behind how Taichi works, i believe it is essential to know those first than just *empty copying* the "form movments" ? Does anyone have any recommendations ? Thankyou ~~
Hi bigfatdick5000, I try to give a quick answer: taiji is moveing qigong. qi gong is working with inner energy/breathing technic of all (buddhist and daoist) gongfu concepts. central is in 'stretching and directing' of sinews and energy.
The works of mantak chia (some are available as pdf) are a direct way to the internal aspects of taiji. On my own homepage tai-jiDOTch are also some links to daoist homepages. internal is central n takes years. "listening" to all you do. bye
@bigfatdick5000 "there are no secrets" by wolfe lowenthal... he was a student of cheng man ching, and talks about him alot. its a short book that explains the core of tai chi very well (imo)... good starting point and well written
Manqing was phantastic. I am a student of lawrence galante, who was a student of Manqing. His forms are sooo relaxed, wunderful. My forms have become kind of smaller and I try to show more details than Master Manqing did. I hope he would forgive me. If you would like to compare: 3w.tai-ji.ch
Hi there, you seem to know alot about Taichi. I want to ask you if you know any good sites online where a complete beginner like me can read more about the theories and workings behind Taichi ? I have always wanted to learn, though the "physical forms" are readily available online, but I don't know the "theories and inner workings" behind how Taichi works, it is essential to know those first than just *empty imitating* the "movments" ? Do you have any recommendations ? Thankyou!
Hi again: Taiji first appeared in the I Ching, book of changes, it means the ultimate supreme. Tao Te King then is the philosophical basis by Lao Tse. I do like Dschuang Dsi very much also. These are "source" texts. In Mantak Chia tai chi chuan, you will find a quick review of the "whole" as well as many details and exercises. Look for a teacher that is sympathic to you. Theory and praxis must be both developped with discipline. You can not learn without a teacher. best regards
@bigfatdick5000 Apologies if i offend, but my recommendation would be to change your Youtube account name. The people here are very tactful and polite, but there are a number of extremely good teachers who are too old school to comment to or help someone who uses a name that is crass and lewd. It puts people off. Apologies again if offended, good luck in your tai chi practise.
@TheShaolinScholar It's one of these Chinese metaphors that doesn't translate well. It means that it is yielding but damaging. The adept is too soft to bent or broken yet so strong enough to break down an opponent.
it means in general, that taiji is very soft outside, but firm and full of strong energy inside. if you have to apply taiji for self defence, then you are soft, where your oponent attacks with strengh and force, but you do not give in completely, but you lead back his energy, what can have very hard consequences. outside, you are as soft as cotton, inside as hard as steel. it is not easy to get.:) manqing was great!
The way that professor "settles" into postures is very subtle yet profound. His form really does lookk as if he is swimming on dry land, I hope to someday reach a fraction of his understanding of the art!
This IS pretty long!! Don't run before you can walk. Don't move before you learn how to stand. Read Cheng Man Cheng's book. THERE he presents the shortened form but it is mostly repetition anyways. learn to do the moves slower and more relaxed. Don't just try to add more and more moves. If one captures the essence of the moves, you'll only need a few to really transform. But without the inner relaxation and attention to flow, even a thousand moves won't make you better.
actually, you're wrong. In fact, Cheng Man Ching described a story in his life in which a man meets him and asks him to fine tune some of his movements. Well, the master was so impressed with the guy that he asked from whom he learned. The answer was Cheng Man Ching himself, through a book. So.....there!
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today? Awwww......
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today? Awwww......
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today? Awwww......
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today? Awwww......
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today? Awwww......
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today?
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today?
@70076NUD My Sensei Al Gardner was a student of the professor for a number of years. His last lesson as CMC was going back to Taiwan and they both knew he was going to die of cancer was the first third of the form.
Al who was a "Segung" ( teacher's teacher) and thought he might get some secret transmission asked "is this all?" and CMC told him it is all you need, "everything you need to know is in the first third and if you don't get that what is the point of going on?"
I believe the instrument is the Chinese guzheng (古箏) which is a 16-26 stringed zither. It's definitely not the Japanese koto. The melody is a very popular Chinese piece which most older Chinese population would instantly recognize.
this music sounds almost exactly like the musician killers music from Kung Fu Hustle. I bet it's by the same person. sounds like the very same instrument as well
Wow, its so cool to see the actual cheng manching do the form I am currently learning. My teacher was taught by master cheng. I know the form now he just says I need the "essence" of tai chi and to master that.
Fantástico el maestro. Gracias por el legado. Aun no se hacer la forma yang de 37 completica, me hallo en el camino y este video me ayuda. Gracias por compartirlo
and so we have all kinds of different tai chi , my own teacher used to say , " its your tai chi " menaing he would want us al lto feel how our body posture would feel to us and then correct it if needed .
This is true tai chi , since all humans are different in shape and form :)
Very cool.... I have known this form for a long time, It is always neet to see the differences and similarities of something like this form as it gets passed on from teacher to teacher.
Why does Master Cheng do 5 repulsing monkeys, and 5 cloud hands in this set? It seems a bit confusing since we learned only 3 of each as part of his set.
Thanks for the response. I did a little digging in Yang Cheng Fu's book, and he wrote pretty much the same thing. It can be 3, it can be 5 or even 7, as long as your right hand and left leg end up at the front.
From the mottoes displayed on Cheng Man Chings desk, The "heart must be open and broad" In reality there is but One master. In reality there is but one movement or posture -that being INTENT. A teacher is a teacher - at somepoint you must master yourSELF. Immortal points the WAY. With respect for the Cheng family and the Yang family tradition; A seed dies to improve itself from generation to generation.
Cheng was trained in Chinese medicine, tai chi chuan, calligraphy, painting and poetry. Because of his skills in these five areas (among some of the traditional skills and pastimes of a Confucian scholar in traditional China) he was often referred to as the "Master of Five Excellences."
yea, to the naked eye this guy is an old man. Who would think that he could actually defend himself. We have been taught that u have to weight lift, be fast, stiffen your body once atacked, and many other things. This is going against most of the principals that we have learned.
It is amazing to see a real master doing his thing. It is realy an eye opener to see how simple and clean he is in the form, only the esential movements and nothing else. I was also surpraised to see that his foot postures were not exagerately wide. Thank you for posting this video.
Chen Manching and Fu Zhongwen had the same sifu, Yang Chengfu. But if you compare how they do the form you will find a lot of differences. Even Chengfu's son,Zhenduo, does it differently than his father. Tai chi is an art, and all sifus interpret it differently. As long as the essentials are understood and followed the form can be played with subtle variences. The same way music will be interpreted differently by various musiciens. Beginners and intermediate though should try to copy their sifu.
I studied with Abraham Liu in San Diego 25+ years ago, and with some of his chief disciples, Chris Luth being the last of those. There were exercises in separating yin and yang and coordinated breathing that went along with it. These exercises could leave you quite winded after doing the form in this manner, even though you were moving a lot slower than CMC in this video. Finding a good teacher of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan is difficult, but well worth the effort if you find one.
Was it Abraham Liu's method, or did CMC teach the breathing? I notice that Terry Dunn doesn't include any breathing techniques in his video, and I thought he was also a disciple of Abraham Liu's?
That I cannot say. I only know that Abraham Liu did teach breathing and can only assume that he learned it from CMC. But this is the problem with the transmission of this kind of knowledge from person to person. It is never clear what was explicitly taught by the master to the student versus what 50+ years of doing the form by the next generation that the next generation of masters discover for themselves and pass onto their students.
I studied the Yang (Chen ManChing) with Mr. Liu in 1980-82 at the Taoist Sanctuary in San Diego, Ca. I found him to be a very patient and from what I have heard in the Tai Chi community, one of the most knowledgable in the Taoist arts...and I agree, you do feel the work out after awhle.
I'm currently studying the Yang Short Form and although the film is old and not real clear, it's a pleasure to watch it being done by the master. Will definitely use this to help me achieve my goal.
Does anyone know if the professor taught anything about the breath? I studied a little while with Ben Lo, and the only thing he ever said was "breathe normally."
As you practice, and your body sinks further and further over time, your breath will sink deeper as well. I was told that the breath, like every movement, should not be forced, but allowed to occur via relaxing and sinking.
This is a rare opportunity to see a master doing the classic form that he developed. The quality of the film is, unfortunately, very poor, but even so, its worth seeing through the blemishes to the gold beneath.
This looks like an old man form.Thats OK but for mine he is going too fast and looks slightly top heavy in this video. Its like he is doing someone else's style,not his own and as such lacks expression.
you can see from the video that chang follows the principle of yin and yang opening and closing the opening and closing lays the basis for power generation the yin yang principle is noticably absent from competition forms
Really, wat is your teachers name, because there are teachers who can teach taichi for health and self defence, but these teachers are rare these days.
Robert Smith, who spent his life practicing and researching martial arts, and wrote some good books on his journey, said Chen Manching was the best fighter that he ever met. Smith was a judo player and I believe did some pro boxing. T.T. Liang was a disciple, and had some stories in his books also.Great video. Thanks
Being able to demonstrate the forms he taught is important, and very rare, especially these days. So, CMC was honest as a teacher. He said what he had and where he got it, and then could prove it. Fair enough.
This is what I know about YCF and CMC. I got this from Ma Yueliang, who knew them both.
CMC was Yang's disciple.
"He was good at pushing hands."
YCF was not illiterate.
CMC wrote that he only had 10% of YCF's art. He was YCF's student for 9 years, not enough time to transmit the art. It is enough time to get "good at pushing hands."
He wasn't at the level of YCF or Yang Shaohou, or others like Wu Quanyou, Wu Jianquan, Sun Lutang, etc.
there's a lot of info saying that CMC studied with YCF for a very short period of time- 2 to 3 years top. barely enough time to scratch the surface of yang family curriculum. oh, you forgot to mention yang shou chung (only son of YCF from first marriage), most likely the most skilled and knowledgable of those in the generation succeeding YCF
Espam I apologize, I did not mean to be drawn into argument, I was just taken aback by the attacks on what I also thought was a priceless opportunity to see such a master in action, I did not mean to insult a nation. I have the utmost respect for the form just not the posturing by commenters. Taiji is soft like water. I have incidentally placed these videos on the front page of my site thecoolestgameintheworld.
Well, what 'self conflict' are you experiencing then, to make such a statement that someone must be a particular nationality because of a given opinion? That insults both an individual and a country full of individuals.
Anyway... childish bickering aside, it's priceless to be able to view video like this.
I have not read such mince for a long time, littlecannon, what rubbish, how can it matter what length of form when tao is right here, your self pride gets in your way, as to whatever the history of the professor, ach ye miss the point again, you look for showmanship, you are likely american, no? Anyone who has studied internal arts could not diss anyone else's form, there just would not be the self conflict to do so.
Moves from the center. Really good. Hands completely relaxed. Qi engaged. Very fine head posture. Clear martial intent in every movement. All one linked movement. I tip my hat in respect. We should all strive for this level.
I still don't understand what you can really get from a short form. I have heard some people do the form 3 times... if that is the case, why not put the effort in and learn a real long form?
Im learning the yang cheng fu form first, they say its easier too learn the yang lu chan form after you have learnt the ycf. I also like to do wave hands like clouds and grasping swallows tail just on there own, its a good way too understand or try to get sung.
GREAT VIDEO, Robert Smith, an author of many eastern martial arts books trained with Cheng Manching and taught free Tai Chi classes at the local YMCA back in the 70's.
I had heard that Cheng Manching wasn't a student of Yang Chengfu, that he only claimed it. Same stories say that Cheng Manching gong sau'd Yang Chengfu twice, first time got KO'd, second time had his arm broken. Not sure how much stock, if any, to put into that though.
Why not contact Master William CC Chen in NYC, a student of Prof. Cheng Man Ching and found out from a more closer source than "I had heard". Sounds very one sided to me that you would jump on "hear say" instead of checking it out.
I don't really care enough to find out, just passing on info I had heard. Cheng Man Ching had a lot of influence in Taiwan, but on the mainland he's not anywhere near the superstar he is elsewhere. I'd be much more interested to hear from mainlanders about the story than from Cheng's own students.
Perhaps rather than hearsay you should try facts. The fact that the very literate Cheng Manching wrote Yang Chengfu's book on tai chi. (Yang Chengfu was illiterate.) The fact that Yang Chengfu's senior student Chen Wei-Ming wrote the introduction to Cheng Manching's first book where he spoke of the high regard he had for him when they studied together with Yang Chengfu.
A great teacher once said, "Sit down, you made a fool of yourself."
There's nothing but hearsay to go on. Nobody from then is still alive today, and the controversy around CMC started the moment he showed up in Taiwan claiming to be the Tai Chi messiah. Comparing CMC lineage to branches from the mainland (Yang San Hou) illustrates differences that are worth examining.
A man can be skilled and popular, but that doesn't mean that he's the best there ever was.
A great teacher once said to not eat undercooked pork.
The story about Cheng being knocked out by Yang on one occasion, and injured on another occasion, seems familiar to me. I think I heard something to that effect from a student of Cheng himself. However, the context was that this happened to Cheng during his time as a student of Yang. I got the impression that teachers back in the day got pretty rough with their students on occasion.
In single whip, and all postures for that matter, the joints should have a natural bend. Single Whip is most often shown with a straight arm, but this is incorrect. Try a simple test- have someone push on your whip hand wrist, in toward your body- see the result of straight versus bent and tan tien/shoulder/elbow in a straight line versus allowing the elbow to ride in or out. With a natural bend and the joints in line you will have a pleasant surprise of becoming immovable!
I appreciate this video because I used to learn some of the Yang Chenfu form (actually I only got through half of it). It's inspiring to see the similarities.
One thing I've noticed is in single whip (danbien) I was taught to keep my hooked arm straight, and he seems to bend it here.
FABULOUS!!! I practice a kung fu and tai chi chuan style called Fei Hok Phai and the Sifu Chiu Ping Lok teached this tai chi chuan sequence for many years as the main sequence of his style. He studied tai chi chuan in New York in the 1960's. He added one or two different movements, but the sequence is the same. I am very happy to see the sequence performed by Chen Manching himself. Thank you very much DPG, to add this video to the youtube. :-)
vidaurrearchanjo 3 months ago
i am training this form for tai chi.. this looks easy, BUT god dammit, it is not. but when you get it. it is fun, and it is good for your health, mind and body
gaffelnskje 3 months ago
Could he catch a fly with chopsticks?
lepivert 4 months ago
Beyond imagination of difficulty.
mishrahelix 6 months ago
Some things are best unsaid.....but Master of masters, my deepest respect.
A twinge of sadness I never met you. Thankyou.
1951Skylark 7 months ago
@1951Skylark Master Wu Kuo Chung .....Look closely & my friend ...
zcz88 7 months ago
@zcz88
I am STILL looking closely..
I note and thks!!
1951Skylark 2 months ago
That is the Yang Short Form that I teach and practice. That was a good example of how it's done as you get older. A younger person can do it in a lower position with more detailed movements. That was great. I will begin the journey of the Yang Long Form in March. I am incorporating Qi Gong in my daily workout bit have not found a dedicated student to teach that yet and I still need a Push Hands partner if I can find one, very difficult here in Tennessee to find true Martial Arts practicers of T
YourBossisBad 1 year ago
I studied under Bob Smith for awhie and we did it much slower and in a lower position. The Chen Man Ching style is really about totally relaxtion and is much easier than other forms. Mr. Smith always would use terms like "extend foot" rather than kick.
rbn1528 9 months ago
@YourBossisBad: Where are you in Tennessee? I'm moving to Memphis and I'm looking for people who practice the William C.C Chen Yang Style.
Flash6234 7 months ago
He was quite old when he did this video as you can tell he doesn't touch his knee to his elbow and some of the movements are shortened, but you can see his fluidity, relaxation and ease of motion. His style was never performance art.
rbn1528 1 year ago
Thank you so very much for posting this fantastic video featuring the creator of this shortened Yang form which has allowed we regular people (who may not have time to learn the original 108 moves) the benefits of being a Tai Chi player.
dannybillsmusic 1 year ago
I have been watching Tai Chi and practicing the Yang large frame for over a year. After awhile one gets a gestalt impression of mastery. One can tell when one sees it. There are lots of inadequate ways to describe it: rootedness, fluidity, power, relaxation. But it is clear to the eye. Anyone who claims that this is not the film of a great Tai Chi master doesn't know mastery when he sees it. Thank you so much for posting.
lebarosky 1 year ago
I don't typically comment on Youtube but when the word horrible is used in regards to Chen Man Ching's Tai Chi I have to call you on it. You know, Chen Man Ching trained William Chen and Ben Lo ,probably the two greatest influences in American Tai Chi Chuan and is highly respected by any masters I've ever heard comment by. Grandmasters "copy" this form so I don't think it will do as much harm as you think.
myepicmoustache 1 year ago
Your analogy begs my appreciation . Yoda is a fiction , with fictional powers actualized only by the viewers' imagination and willingness to suspend critical thinking . The form that is being shown in this video is not the real form and copying it will not only not give " powers " but can do harm .
jimee44 1 year ago
You analogy begs my appreciation . Yoda is a fiction , with fictional powers actualized only by the viewers' imagination and willingness to suspend critical thinking . The form that is being shown in this video is not the real form and copying it will give no " powers " .
jimee44 1 year ago
@jimee44 I'm sure you could do better then Chen Man Ching. Could it be possible you just don't understand the form as well as he did?
myepicmoustache 1 year ago
Comment removed
ATMfromNJ 1 year ago
This is horrible form . ( Notice how the knees collapse on cloud hands , especially his right knee ) . Its a prime example of the Tofu and Soft Noodles Form used for relaxation in the U.S. . It is not real Tai Chi that he is showing here .
jimee44 1 year ago
@jimee44 That's like telling Yoda how to use the force. Let's not be ridiculous.
myepicmoustache 1 year ago
Beautifully performed. This is the first Tai Chi form I learnt with Wutan UK and I still love doing it. If you live in the UK and you want to learn it contact wutan dot biz and go to the Tai Chi section
nigelainscoe 1 year ago
Thanks for uploading this precious clip.
doraji1027 1 year ago
what an absolute legend, love it!!!
spoon9876 1 year ago
tai chi chuan : the supreme ultimate boxing
zotzclap 1 year ago
riversky
someone teaches me taichi 37 of professor cheng man ching form
i feel i touch natural energy in every movement
to balance the chi
riversky100 1 year ago
He lived to 73 which is short for a Tai Chi master....I would have expected him to live to at least 100 years plus...
BuddhaZenMind 1 year ago
@BuddhaZenMind; in his book, talking about "the first fault"; the lack of perseverance, the author says: (...) I "would invariably stop when I felt the slightest bit better. Finally, 39 years ago, bedridden with tuberculosis, I resolved to begin practicing and never stop again".
owlscout00 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@BuddhaZenMind quality, not quantity, right? :)
vombie 1 year ago
I've been practicing this form for 20 years (I started when I was 17). The fundamental principals and teachings should always be held in great respect and as the mother of all that is to learn. Tai Chi eventually becomes a self teaching practice. It took 10 years before I started to see hints of this. If you were to watch the top students of Cheng "The Old Man" do this form you would see slight differences. I will teach my children the form at a early age -it's had an enormous impact on my life.
woodfiredpizzaoven 1 year ago
Hi there,
does anyone know of any good online sites where a complete beginner can learn and read more about the *theories and inner workings* behind Taichi ? I have always wanted to learn this art, although the "physical forms" are readily available online anywhere, but I don't know the "theories and philosophies" behind how Taichi works, i believe it is essential to know those first than just *empty copying* the "form movments" ? Does anyone have any recommendations ? Thankyou ~~
bigfatdick5000 1 year ago
@bigfatdick5000
Hi bigfatdick5000, I try to give a quick answer: taiji is moveing qigong. qi gong is working with inner energy/breathing technic of all (buddhist and daoist) gongfu concepts. central is in 'stretching and directing' of sinews and energy.
The works of mantak chia (some are available as pdf) are a direct way to the internal aspects of taiji. On my own homepage tai-jiDOTch are also some links to daoist homepages. internal is central n takes years. "listening" to all you do. bye
taijiartrock 1 year ago
@bigfatdick5000 "there are no secrets" by wolfe lowenthal... he was a student of cheng man ching, and talks about him alot. its a short book that explains the core of tai chi very well (imo)... good starting point and well written
TheCharliec123 1 year ago
Manqing was phantastic. I am a student of lawrence galante, who was a student of Manqing. His forms are sooo relaxed, wunderful. My forms have become kind of smaller and I try to show more details than Master Manqing did. I hope he would forgive me. If you would like to compare: 3w.tai-ji.ch
the gods may bless cheng manqing the immortal
taijiartrock 1 year ago
@taijiartrock
Hi there, you seem to know alot about Taichi. I want to ask you if you know any good sites online where a complete beginner like me can read more about the theories and workings behind Taichi ? I have always wanted to learn, though the "physical forms" are readily available online, but I don't know the "theories and inner workings" behind how Taichi works, it is essential to know those first than just *empty imitating* the "movments" ? Do you have any recommendations ? Thankyou!
bigfatdick5000 1 year ago
@bigfatdick5000
Hi again: Taiji first appeared in the I Ching, book of changes, it means the ultimate supreme. Tao Te King then is the philosophical basis by Lao Tse. I do like Dschuang Dsi very much also. These are "source" texts. In Mantak Chia tai chi chuan, you will find a quick review of the "whole" as well as many details and exercises. Look for a teacher that is sympathic to you. Theory and praxis must be both developped with discipline. You can not learn without a teacher. best regards
taijiartrock 1 year ago
@bigfatdick5000 Apologies if i offend, but my recommendation would be to change your Youtube account name. The people here are very tactful and polite, but there are a number of extremely good teachers who are too old school to comment to or help someone who uses a name that is crass and lewd. It puts people off. Apologies again if offended, good luck in your tai chi practise.
TheNZNick 1 year ago
can someone explain to me the term stell wrapped in cotton when applied to tai chi?
TheShaolinScholar 1 year ago
@TheShaolinScholar It's one of these Chinese metaphors that doesn't translate well. It means that it is yielding but damaging. The adept is too soft to bent or broken yet so strong enough to break down an opponent.
GOG777 1 year ago
@TheShaolinScholar hi scholar, here is boris, a teacher answering:
it means in general, that taiji is very soft outside, but firm and full of strong energy inside. if you have to apply taiji for self defence, then you are soft, where your oponent attacks with strengh and force, but you do not give in completely, but you lead back his energy, what can have very hard consequences. outside, you are as soft as cotton, inside as hard as steel. it is not easy to get.:) manqing was great!
3w.tai-ji.ch
taijiartrock 1 year ago
The way that professor "settles" into postures is very subtle yet profound. His form really does lookk as if he is swimming on dry land, I hope to someday reach a fraction of his understanding of the art!
arahim1231987 1 year ago
When practicing the form, does breathing sequence matter? Should I just breath in a relaxed manner and focus on root?
davepamn 2 years ago
@davepamn Breathing does matter. If you don't keep breathing you will not be able to finish the form, and will be out of breath.
SteampunkRaven 1 year ago
Are you serious?
davepamn 1 year ago
@davepamn Yep.
SteampunkRaven 1 year ago
I willing to practice the long form, so rme is allocated. How do I find it?
davepamn 2 years ago
too bad this video is such poor quality. I wonder why?
70076NUD 2 years ago
because its very old, i mean the master passed away in either 1973 or 1975 one or the other.
ShaolinMeditator101 2 years ago
I'm looking for the long form
davepamn 2 years ago
This IS pretty long!! Don't run before you can walk. Don't move before you learn how to stand. Read Cheng Man Cheng's book. THERE he presents the shortened form but it is mostly repetition anyways. learn to do the moves slower and more relaxed. Don't just try to add more and more moves. If one captures the essence of the moves, you'll only need a few to really transform. But without the inner relaxation and attention to flow, even a thousand moves won't make you better.
70076NUD 2 years ago 13
I'm ready for the form. I can do it.
davepamn 2 years ago
relaxed but not weak , softly but not slacking ..dont use muscle, use will and intention .
dont overstretch the joint , it will cause blockage of qi and will hurt you in the end more than it will benefit .
just take the time and dont overdo it :)
QuanYin71 2 years ago
@70076NUD cant learn taiji from books or vids, sorry need a teacher
taijihitman 1 year ago
actually, you're wrong. In fact, Cheng Man Ching described a story in his life in which a man meets him and asks him to fine tune some of his movements. Well, the master was so impressed with the guy that he asked from whom he learned. The answer was Cheng Man Ching himself, through a book. So.....there!
tantienbreather 1 year ago
@tantienbreather fuck off idiot, he was student of yang chen fu, go and do your research (thats what books are for)
taijihitman 1 year ago
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today? Awwww......
tantienbreather 1 year ago
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@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today? Awwww......
tantienbreather 1 year ago
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today? Awwww......
tantienbreather 1 year ago
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today? Awwww......
tantienbreather 1 year ago
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@tantienbreather like i said fuck off idiot
taijihitman 1 year ago
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@tantienbreather did you jerk off after looking at the girl on you tube that you favorited?you should have you jing losing wanker :P
taijihitman 1 year ago
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@taijihitman still cranky baby? need some warm milk or a nuki?
tantienbreather 1 year ago
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@tantienbreather no i dont want a fuck, sorry, try some other guy faggot
taijihitman 1 year ago
@taijihitman jing envy I think...say, is "fuck" a new word you learned at school today?
tantienbreather 1 year ago
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@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today? Awwww......
tantienbreather 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today?
tantienbreather 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@taijihitman Sounds like somebody needs to practice his form and calm down just a little bit, huh? What's the matter baby? Your mommy not spoil you enough today?
tantienbreather 1 year ago
@70076NUD My Sensei Al Gardner was a student of the professor for a number of years. His last lesson as CMC was going back to Taiwan and they both knew he was going to die of cancer was the first third of the form.
Al who was a "Segung" ( teacher's teacher) and thought he might get some secret transmission asked "is this all?" and CMC told him it is all you need, "everything you need to know is in the first third and if you don't get that what is the point of going on?"
karlgrose 8 months ago
This clip is a favorite to follow. I like the ease of the movement.
davepamn 2 years ago
thanks for posting, you can see his energy surging. "what he hits he destroys" though he probably never would.
dbock1179 2 years ago
I believe the instrument is the Chinese guzheng (古箏) which is a 16-26 stringed zither. It's definitely not the Japanese koto. The melody is a very popular Chinese piece which most older Chinese population would instantly recognize.
gongfumee 2 years ago
this music sounds almost exactly like the musician killers music from Kung Fu Hustle. I bet it's by the same person. sounds like the very same instrument as well
mumpump 2 years ago
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zcz88 2 years ago
Wow, its so cool to see the actual cheng manching do the form I am currently learning. My teacher was taught by master cheng. I know the form now he just says I need the "essence" of tai chi and to master that.
Anyway, luv the vid ^_^
redrum616 2 years ago
the mastery of chi seen here is almost scary. those guys back then really knew what they was doing
ballen900 2 years ago
Absolutely wonderful!
KillWilliam1 2 years ago
Fantástico el maestro. Gracias por el legado. Aun no se hacer la forma yang de 37 completica, me hallo en el camino y este video me ayuda. Gracias por compartirlo
LUNAMARIA65 2 years ago
I'm learning this form. :D
Curretnly knowing the form til 5:27 in the video!
Fun to see how it really looked like by the creator himself!
psyquack 2 years ago
He made tai chi to what was right for him :)
and so we have all kinds of different tai chi , my own teacher used to say , " its your tai chi " menaing he would want us al lto feel how our body posture would feel to us and then correct it if needed .
This is true tai chi , since all humans are different in shape and form :)
Cheers all
QuanYin71 2 years ago
I suppose it's somewhat irrelevant because this is indeed a wonderful video to look at over and over. Still I have to ask. Isn't the music Japaneese?
MaabudZ 2 years ago
@MaabudZ : The music is NOT Japanese.
friedice1 2 years ago
yes This music with the Guzheng
zbz0425 2 years ago
great video and oh how time has evolved, but still best to go back, and how things were
shihang1 2 years ago
amazing vid, shame its in slow motion.
osamabinsmokin 2 years ago
that's not slow motion.
jearsh 2 years ago
Very cool.... I have known this form for a long time, It is always neet to see the differences and similarities of something like this form as it gets passed on from teacher to teacher.
bespleen 3 years ago
Why does Master Cheng do 5 repulsing monkeys, and 5 cloud hands in this set? It seems a bit confusing since we learned only 3 of each as part of his set.
TaijiBum 3 years ago 2
My understanding from our instructor is that 3 is the minimum, but it can be any odd number of times depending on the decision of the leader.
psmith198 3 years ago 2
Thanks for the response. I did a little digging in Yang Cheng Fu's book, and he wrote pretty much the same thing. It can be 3, it can be 5 or even 7, as long as your right hand and left leg end up at the front.
TaijiBum 3 years ago
OK...
gafarrons 3 years ago
From the mottoes displayed on Cheng Man Chings desk, The "heart must be open and broad" In reality there is but One master. In reality there is but one movement or posture -that being INTENT. A teacher is a teacher - at somepoint you must master yourSELF. Immortal points the WAY. With respect for the Cheng family and the Yang family tradition; A seed dies to improve itself from generation to generation.
steveuke 3 years ago 2
What a gem of a video! Such a pleasure to watch the master performing it himself. Thanks for posting!
woodywilkins 3 years ago
who is that?
shasnoh 3 years ago
Read description, Chen Manching
kitsune511 3 years ago
Cheng was trained in Chinese medicine, tai chi chuan, calligraphy, painting and poetry. Because of his skills in these five areas (among some of the traditional skills and pastimes of a Confucian scholar in traditional China) he was often referred to as the "Master of Five Excellences."
freakpower2008 3 years ago
thanks,its mean a lot for me.....
keep moving...
AL10N9 3 years ago
how can i get a copy of this video
DSSgt13 3 years ago
yea, to the naked eye this guy is an old man. Who would think that he could actually defend himself. We have been taught that u have to weight lift, be fast, stiffen your body once atacked, and many other things. This is going against most of the principals that we have learned.
salitre3 3 years ago
wHO S WE ;)))
isthische 3 years ago
At first it may seem like it takes no effort, but it does. Esp. on knees.
Wildx0 3 years ago
It is amazing to see a real master doing his thing. It is realy an eye opener to see how simple and clean he is in the form, only the esential movements and nothing else. I was also surpraised to see that his foot postures were not exagerately wide. Thank you for posting this video.
taote1074 3 years ago
chinese pple doin wat ther made to do lol
ImNoTeMoJuStNeRdY 3 years ago
It is Wonderful to see the Master doing the Yang style tai chi form!! Thanks for posting this!! :^D
taichifist 3 years ago
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i can kick this old chink ass
0530616 3 years ago
he could probable throw you to the floor with ought even touching you
OhmgrownCron 3 years ago
Yeah even by watching your butt he could kick you .... ah ah ah
DeusSiveNatura1 3 years ago
Nah.
TaijiBum 3 years ago
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bigger the better :) (meetyourfling) c o m
brans
712222
Warriorsofthenet 3 years ago
wow
mayaluvsmusic 3 years ago
Chen Manching and Fu Zhongwen had the same sifu, Yang Chengfu. But if you compare how they do the form you will find a lot of differences. Even Chengfu's son,Zhenduo, does it differently than his father. Tai chi is an art, and all sifus interpret it differently. As long as the essentials are understood and followed the form can be played with subtle variences. The same way music will be interpreted differently by various musiciens. Beginners and intermediate though should try to copy their sifu.
EmptyMind69 3 years ago 2
I studied with Abraham Liu in San Diego 25+ years ago, and with some of his chief disciples, Chris Luth being the last of those. There were exercises in separating yin and yang and coordinated breathing that went along with it. These exercises could leave you quite winded after doing the form in this manner, even though you were moving a lot slower than CMC in this video. Finding a good teacher of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan is difficult, but well worth the effort if you find one.
chrisroseann 3 years ago
Was it Abraham Liu's method, or did CMC teach the breathing? I notice that Terry Dunn doesn't include any breathing techniques in his video, and I thought he was also a disciple of Abraham Liu's?
wmcmath 3 years ago
That I cannot say. I only know that Abraham Liu did teach breathing and can only assume that he learned it from CMC. But this is the problem with the transmission of this kind of knowledge from person to person. It is never clear what was explicitly taught by the master to the student versus what 50+ years of doing the form by the next generation that the next generation of masters discover for themselves and pass onto their students.
chrisroseann 3 years ago
I studied the Yang (Chen ManChing) with Mr. Liu in 1980-82 at the Taoist Sanctuary in San Diego, Ca. I found him to be a very patient and from what I have heard in the Tai Chi community, one of the most knowledgable in the Taoist arts...and I agree, you do feel the work out after awhle.
redmark2007 3 years ago
I also took classes there around that time and did one summer camp up near Julian in 84-85 timeframe. It was fantastic.
chrisroseann 3 years ago
I'm currently studying the Yang Short Form and although the film is old and not real clear, it's a pleasure to watch it being done by the master. Will definitely use this to help me achieve my goal.
Emmiegram 3 years ago 4
Does anyone know if the professor taught anything about the breath? I studied a little while with Ben Lo, and the only thing he ever said was "breathe normally."
wmcmath 4 years ago
breathe with your nose, with ur tongue on the top of the mouth, and take your time
jaygmui 4 years ago
Do not go against nature. In breathing and in movement.
guitarninja83 3 years ago
As you practice, and your body sinks further and further over time, your breath will sink deeper as well. I was told that the breath, like every movement, should not be forced, but allowed to occur via relaxing and sinking.
jragon300 3 years ago
This is a rare opportunity to see a master doing the classic form that he developed. The quality of the film is, unfortunately, very poor, but even so, its worth seeing through the blemishes to the gold beneath.
Zeno
lamedzain 4 years ago
This looks like an old man form.Thats OK but for mine he is going too fast and looks slightly top heavy in this video. Its like he is doing someone else's style,not his own and as such lacks expression.
Its just my comment on this vid.
illusionsrule1 4 years ago
fuck you dude he too old he cant move like a young man dont be stupid just look how old he is shit.... have respect for the old master you kid
sanchoclos23 4 years ago
fuck you dude he too old he cant move like a young man dont be stupid just look how old he is shit.... have respect for the old master you kid
sanchoclos23 4 years ago
your eyes deceive you. his mastery is within. too subtle for you to see.
viewbody 4 years ago
He looks as if he is only a young man of 70 or 80. The older they get the more they learn. To be young you must first be old.
irondreamor 3 years ago
you can see from the video that chang follows the principle of yin and yang opening and closing the opening and closing lays the basis for power generation the yin yang principle is noticably absent from competition forms
karlcrawford 4 years ago
How does this form Feel?
monkfg 4 years ago
the form is for self defence i am half way through the form each move i learn from my master i also learn the martail application
huns 4 years ago
This form is mainly for improving health, not for self defense.
8906754 4 years ago
when my teacher taugth me the form it was for self defense as well as for health. :)
tajaumikajang 4 years ago
Really, wat is your teachers name, because there are teachers who can teach taichi for health and self defence, but these teachers are rare these days.
8906754 4 years ago
this is the real deal, you could watch this video and learn the whole 1st level form.
bolshiyarblocko 4 years ago
HELP! looking for a teacher in this style taichi who lives in las vegas
osheen18 4 years ago
Look for Sensei George Colella Sr. He taught it to me. Try the Shotokan dojo there in Vegas.
mbiyemath 4 years ago
many thanks, will check into it.
osheen18 4 years ago
Robert Smith, who spent his life practicing and researching martial arts, and wrote some good books on his journey, said Chen Manching was the best fighter that he ever met. Smith was a judo player and I believe did some pro boxing. T.T. Liang was a disciple, and had some stories in his books also.Great video. Thanks
chebacco 4 years ago
brilliant
kidd003 4 years ago
Being able to demonstrate the forms he taught is important, and very rare, especially these days. So, CMC was honest as a teacher. He said what he had and where he got it, and then could prove it. Fair enough.
Loyaute 4 years ago
This is what I know about YCF and CMC. I got this from Ma Yueliang, who knew them both.
CMC was Yang's disciple.
"He was good at pushing hands."
YCF was not illiterate.
CMC wrote that he only had 10% of YCF's art. He was YCF's student for 9 years, not enough time to transmit the art. It is enough time to get "good at pushing hands."
He wasn't at the level of YCF or Yang Shaohou, or others like Wu Quanyou, Wu Jianquan, Sun Lutang, etc.
He could demonstrate what he taught.
Loyaute 4 years ago
there's a lot of info saying that CMC studied with YCF for a very short period of time- 2 to 3 years top. barely enough time to scratch the surface of yang family curriculum. oh, you forgot to mention yang shou chung (only son of YCF from first marriage), most likely the most skilled and knowledgable of those in the generation succeeding YCF
drdankness 4 years ago
This was a cool video to watch and I also like the music as well. Can anyone tell me how old this video is and how old he is?
asiancowboy69 4 years ago
Espam I apologize, I did not mean to be drawn into argument, I was just taken aback by the attacks on what I also thought was a priceless opportunity to see such a master in action, I did not mean to insult a nation. I have the utmost respect for the form just not the posturing by commenters. Taiji is soft like water. I have incidentally placed these videos on the front page of my site thecoolestgameintheworld.
jacobite1972 4 years ago
Well, what 'self conflict' are you experiencing then, to make such a statement that someone must be a particular nationality because of a given opinion? That insults both an individual and a country full of individuals.
Anyway... childish bickering aside, it's priceless to be able to view video like this.
espam2002 4 years ago
I have not read such mince for a long time, littlecannon, what rubbish, how can it matter what length of form when tao is right here, your self pride gets in your way, as to whatever the history of the professor, ach ye miss the point again, you look for showmanship, you are likely american, no? Anyone who has studied internal arts could not diss anyone else's form, there just would not be the self conflict to do so.
jacobite1972 4 years ago
the proof is in the pudding and CMC was very good. check out heaven man earth taiji on youtube to see some of the best taiji around these days.
lotusden 4 years ago
He flows like water. Excellent to watch.
thejamesholz 4 years ago
Moves from the center. Really good. Hands completely relaxed. Qi engaged. Very fine head posture. Clear martial intent in every movement. All one linked movement. I tip my hat in respect. We should all strive for this level.
sunbin64 4 years ago 2
I do the form also in mirror version, same with sword and sabre forms
hawkwindthinman 5 years ago
I still don't understand what you can really get from a short form. I have heard some people do the form 3 times... if that is the case, why not put the effort in and learn a real long form?
littlecannon 5 years ago
Any footage of him doing push-hands?
Damn...if only they had youtube back in Yang LuChan's day!!!
deisus 5 years ago
eso lo se hacer yo
SUPERKOKI 5 years ago
how old is this footage?
imatotalenthusiast 5 years ago
120yrs
mehdan2 4 years ago
Im learning the yang cheng fu form first, they say its easier too learn the yang lu chan form after you have learnt the ycf. I also like to do wave hands like clouds and grasping swallows tail just on there own, its a good way too understand or try to get sung.
andysun73 5 years ago
I've been doing this form for 28 years, thanks muchly.
hawkwindthinman 5 years ago
Yes, GREAT VIDEO. After being able to see nothing but still photos for years, its nice to finally be able to se the old man actually move. TY RWS
ophuchew 5 years ago
GREAT VIDEO, Robert Smith, an author of many eastern martial arts books trained with Cheng Manching and taught free Tai Chi classes at the local YMCA back in the 70's.
SHOLIM 5 years ago
meanliar: Indeed, you are a mean liar.
shyuhj 5 years ago
I had heard that Cheng Manching wasn't a student of Yang Chengfu, that he only claimed it. Same stories say that Cheng Manching gong sau'd Yang Chengfu twice, first time got KO'd, second time had his arm broken. Not sure how much stock, if any, to put into that though.
meanliar 5 years ago
you might be right. this guy is so sloppy,he might manifest a little Peng Jin if he didn't get his arm broken.
trhy 5 years ago
Why not contact Master William CC Chen in NYC, a student of Prof. Cheng Man Ching and found out from a more closer source than "I had heard". Sounds very one sided to me that you would jump on "hear say" instead of checking it out.
preacher48 5 years ago
I don't really care enough to find out, just passing on info I had heard. Cheng Man Ching had a lot of influence in Taiwan, but on the mainland he's not anywhere near the superstar he is elsewhere. I'd be much more interested to hear from mainlanders about the story than from Cheng's own students.
meanliar 5 years ago
You don't much care if what you say is true, you just pass it on. Profound, and ironically, much more truthful than most.
lazur1 5 years ago
Perhaps rather than hearsay you should try facts. The fact that the very literate Cheng Manching wrote Yang Chengfu's book on tai chi. (Yang Chengfu was illiterate.) The fact that Yang Chengfu's senior student Chen Wei-Ming wrote the introduction to Cheng Manching's first book where he spoke of the high regard he had for him when they studied together with Yang Chengfu.
A great teacher once said, "Sit down, you made a fool of yourself."
tentsho 4 years ago
There's nothing but hearsay to go on. Nobody from then is still alive today, and the controversy around CMC started the moment he showed up in Taiwan claiming to be the Tai Chi messiah. Comparing CMC lineage to branches from the mainland (Yang San Hou) illustrates differences that are worth examining.
A man can be skilled and popular, but that doesn't mean that he's the best there ever was.
A great teacher once said to not eat undercooked pork.
meanliar 4 years ago
So well said! Thank you!!!
VictoriaTang 4 years ago
The story about Cheng being knocked out by Yang on one occasion, and injured on another occasion, seems familiar to me. I think I heard something to that effect from a student of Cheng himself. However, the context was that this happened to Cheng during his time as a student of Yang. I got the impression that teachers back in the day got pretty rough with their students on occasion.
CuriouserNCuriouser 2 years ago
In single whip, and all postures for that matter, the joints should have a natural bend. Single Whip is most often shown with a straight arm, but this is incorrect. Try a simple test- have someone push on your whip hand wrist, in toward your body- see the result of straight versus bent and tan tien/shoulder/elbow in a straight line versus allowing the elbow to ride in or out. With a natural bend and the joints in line you will have a pleasant surprise of becoming immovable!
steveg219 5 years ago
Yes. His opponent is closer.
jimdezign 5 years ago
I appreciate this video because I used to learn some of the Yang Chenfu form (actually I only got through half of it). It's inspiring to see the similarities.
One thing I've noticed is in single whip (danbien) I was taught to keep my hooked arm straight, and he seems to bend it here.
phrij 5 years ago