Professor Cheng Man-Ch'ing - Yang style Short Form Tai Chi Chuan

Professor Cheng Man-Ch’ing (1901-1975)
www.taichichuan.nl/

[@williamdelong1936]

I can see why he is so famous. There is nothing superfluous in his movement. Simple and powerful. Fullness and emptiness. Ying and Yang. A true master indeed. His root was very strong and trying to unbalance him was probably impossible. Humble yet POWERFUL. Thank you this is a treasure indeed.

[@johnhartwell06838]

I studied with Bob Smith in DC in 1974, then found Ken van Sickle in NYC (who made this video) in 2014. Both were terrific.

[@BeingGraceDivine]

RIP Ken van Sickle. beautiful man. - shana

[@leodegas7731]

Thanks for this video. I learned this form in prison from another in inmate. I used it as a meditation. I haven't done it in years since I've been out. This is the first video I've seen that is close to what I was taught. Not too fancy, remembering it was for the elderly to learn martial arts. I always practice as if an imaginary enemy is there and yet remember the empty and full mindset as if to feel the sea flowing back and forth. If anyone has scuba dived by a reef, you will know the powerful feeling of the back and forth flow. Again great video. I will start practicing again at the current age of 60. 🤣🤣🤣 Time to get back into yoga and lifting too. ✌️🦁

[@JohannaKoelman]

Never to late to start again. Thanks for your story. Keep up the good work! 🙏

[@JulieWolf]

Keep us posted! Im 65 myself and do this form. Im working on the kicks (4:05) which hand is on top and outside relative to the kicking leg.

[@mannoplanet]

Thanks for posting this. I often return to it make sure I still "have it right". I studied at the Bowery Tai Qi Workshop 10 years after his death.

[@RobertMorningstar]

Thank you for posting this. I was the still photographer for this film when I was studying with Professor Cheng in New York City from 1972-1974. It is very good that you slowed the film down to be more closer to the the real rhythm of Professor Cheng's Tai Chi Form. Professor taught me to perform Tai Chi even more slowly. Cheers, and Thanks again.-> Robert M*

[@Zwettv]

Thank you for your reaction Robert. It must have been wonderful to study Tai Chi with Professor Cheng. Would love to see some of the stills you did. Best regards, Johanna Koelman

[@RobertMorningstar]

Your version is the best on KZbin and I have shared it with my friends and students. If you're ever in New York let me know when, perhaps we can meet. Cheers, -> Robert M*

[@wuchi51]

maggie taught me from 1973 on. i always believed the speed and look of these films had a lot to do with getting it all on a single reel of film and a camera on a tripod.In allk the old films he does it much more speedily than the usual.

[@JohannaKoelman]

@@RobertMorningstar I'm coming to NY next year in May. So maybe we can meet.

[@heroofthefederation]

Thank you Robert Morningstar, for your part in forever capturing Professor Cheng Man-Ch'ing.

[@moonwatch7963]

This form is so good for your chi, really, I learned it at some classes and felt the benefits after just a few seconds, very recommended.

[@margiesanchez2906]

Lovely picture of the professor in color doing the form thanks for sharing it it's amazing how beautiful excellent how he does everything so effortlessly, Margie Sanchez

[@josephbunone6126]

It’s fantastic watching Professor Cheng move with such grace and calmness. My teacher Steven L along with His Sifu Leonard A taught me the short form.Lawrence Galente was class mates with Leonard A. They trained under Cheng in the early seventies,or could’ve been earlier . This is a keeper, thanks for posting!

[@RobertMorningstar]

Hello, Joseph ... I knew Larry Galante.... We were good friends. Thanks for reminding me of him. We enjoyed Push Hands together many times at Shr Jung School in NYC's Chinatown and later at the Don Ahn Tai Chi Studio.--> Robert M*

[@margiesanchez2906]

Hi my dear cousin Robert it's me Margie like what you wrote about the form it's very interesting Margie

[@electronblue]

just what i needed

[@margiesanchez2906]

It's simply just beautiful yes indeed it's very hard to really see what's happening so we can only do our best that we can do the form,

[@TaichiStraightlife]

It exasperates me that he's wearing all that gear and thus his movements, especially of his waist, are hidden. Still, this film is a touchstone of the art, so thanks! This IS the best version of the professor I've seen.

[@stefanschleps8758]

Simply lead with Tan Tien.

[@TaichiStraightlife]

@@stefanschleps8758 - I disagree; my focus is all on my Yong Quan point. This, for me, has been the key point for 2 reasons. First, I'm "naturally" (probably learned behavior from an early age) pretty underpronated (or supinated) and secondly I've benefited from thinking about the "3 Nails" essay from William CC Chen. Closing or pressing on the inner part of the foot (for me), strengthens root. I've completely re-imagined the form based on that and other revelations. Of course, if you're pronated that might not work for you; there's no one right way to do anything with your body, is my thinking here.

[@RobertMorningstar]

LOL ... :) Many people said the same thing when he was alive. He was very traditional and he did not want the uninitiated (or unworthy) to steal his technique. i was fortunate to learn directly from him and other senior masters whom he taught. i think you may want to view some of the videos of his successor Master Benjamin Lo and Master William C.C. Chen. -> Robert M*

[@TaichiStraightlife]

@@RobertMorningstar I traveled to an upstate NY SUNY campus, I don't recall which one, maybe 20-30 years ago, for a couple week Ben Lo summer course; what a learned gentleman he was... he worked us really hard... and I enjoyed it. I don't know what happened, maybe he stopped doing these summer sessions, otherwise I think I would've gone again.

[@fokkinavandelden612]

Great to see this video of prof. Cheng Man-Ch'ing. During teachings of master Benjamin Jing Pang Lo in the Netherlands in a weekend in 1987 and a week in 1988 and in 1989 I heard so much of him. For my, ever since then t'ai chi practices every morning, it's very useful and inspiring to see the video.

[@menachembenyakov]

Beautiful and extraordinary . Many thanks for posting.

[@eddietaichianimation]

This historical vid which I've just known couple minutes ago from Facebook. 🙏🙏🙏thank you.

[@sergiomachado7161]

Singelo e natural como um mestre experiente faz!

[@MegaBrunou]

Great vidéo ! Thank you.

[@pascal0868]

Robert Smith brought me here. RIP to both.

[@jmo5186]

I studied with Mr. Smith in Bethesda Maryland. An amazingly great and patient teacher. Started studying with his wife. and later, one of his students a guy named Warren taught. A long, long time ago! I was looking online for classes in Maryland again. Be well.

[@stefanschleps8758]

@@jmo5186 Funny. Thats where I practiced the short form, in Bethesda, Maryland. It was a long walk from Laurel. Yes, Mr. Smith is a giant in the internal arts community of the USA. I didn't know that he was living there? I remember it was a husband and wife team that taught the class. Both students of Cheng Man-Ching, who was living and teaching in NYC at the time. (Short term memory loss, got struck by lightning.) That's so very odd. Did he go by Bob? We did the form very low, and very slow. Painfully so. That I clearly recall. Thank you.

[@jmo5186]

@@stefanschleps8758 Yep low and sssslllllloooooowww. Built muscle I guess and for sure strength. Always Mr. Smith, never Bob or Robert, same with Mrs. Smith. It was a long time ago.

[@HuangDongMei]

老师傅练的很好👍👍👍

[@JL-bo4bh]

他在1970's 年代在华人和美国太极拳界是响噹噹的人物，很能实战的。国内对他的了解不多。古歌一下吧。

[@davidvilla1484]

Very nice post. Thanks.

[@bobdudy7177]

Thank you!

[@danielwong7012]

打成這樣的太極拳都敢放上網，佩服有勇氣

[@JL-bo4bh]

他在1970's 年代在华人和美国太极拳界是响噹噹的人物，很能实战的。国内对他的了解不多。古歌一下吧。 事情的真像是這樣的: 传统太极拳架看起来太乏味，没练过的人根本看不出门道。 有一批人于是就根据太极拳，设计各种动作，跳呀，擺呀，摇呀，抖呀，尽量扭曲身体，很是花俏，定为标准太极拳套路，举办所谓“世界”比赛，收些赞助费。等这种好看的“太极拳”被大家接受后，奢望将来有一天能列为奥运比赛项目，这样他们就风光了，替中国人争光。挺悲的，奥运所有武术比赛都是真枪实弹对打，从未有搞漂亮招式表演的。中国武术打不过人家，走这种邪门歪道。他们还说 “中国武术不是打架用的，不是野蛮的，是让你修身养性，锻炼身体，这是中华文化的特点。” 难怪中国人老是没骨气，雄不起来。武术唯一的目的就是在自卫御敌，离开这个目的， 请不要污辱了武术这个名字。 不只太极拳，其他武术他们也是这般操作。这些操作的背后，看懂的人不多。 灭中国武术的，正是中国人自己。

[@TaoistSwordsman]

Wow, he changes so much for his "public" tai chi, its amazing how different he does his form in front of disciples...

[@HappyLifege]

Have you seen his "private" Tai Chi?

[@shinobu19]

Could you elaborate because I think my instructor does this similarly..?

[@RobertMorningstar]

he actually did the Form much more slowly. the extreme cost of film and time his desire to include the sword form and push hand in the same production made him quicken the pace quite a bit. i would recommend changing the speed setting to half speed (.5) to get an idea of his real pace of his form. -> Robert M.

[@AlarmedNut]

Terry Dunn, who learned from his student, did a wonderful instructional dvd many years ago. I don't know if it is still available.

[@artmoss6889]

I still have a copy of that video. It's a high quality presentation, and Dunn's form always seemed excellent to me.

[@winfielddixon5166]

It is still available got it from Amazon today. Watching this video it is clear that Siri Dunn does an excellent job! Dunn’s tai chi is identical!

[@lynnestandley9852]

I studied with Ben Lo’s student Carol Yamasaki. Hard to find in-person short form in my area now.

[@JohannaKoelman]

Where is your area, Lynne?

[@lynnestandley9852]

@@JohannaKoelman Metro Detroit area

[@RobertMorningstar]

I knew both,of them too. I knew Ben Lo and I remember Carol Yamasaki very well. I recall taht in the latte 1970s she taught Tai chi with another mutual friend named Bataan at the NAROPA institute. We were friends when we wre studying with Professor Cheng at the Shr Jung School from the early to late 1970s. I still teach privately and online on the Upper West Side in in New York City. Robert M

[@JulieWolf]

@@RobertMorningstar ah so Manhatten? A train ride away form Jamiaca Queens. I am reading all the comments. I love all your replies. Are you part of Redman's Zoom Forum on Wednedays? I'm there sometimes, but not lately this year.

[@shamsuddinali7205]

Peace❤❤❤❤❤

[@philomenaokeke5681]

I like that.I can do that. Thanks.

[@the.magnus]

Cool!!

[@takappar]

Hello chi gong fellas. I wonder if one should vizualize chi movements, chi types etc. along with breathing while practicing this form? Am newbie, will be thankful for any explanation.

[@JohannaKoelman]

Whatever helps you to relax, I would say. But anyone else who wants to answer this question?

[@takappar]

@@JohannaKoelman Thanks for reply. I would do it my way then) as seems there is no precepts on that part. Cool set btw. Following

[@stefanschleps8758]

@@takappar I have an opinion on this. Ask yourself why you practice, and get a clear and precise answer. I practice for health, meditation, and most importantly combat.(The DC-Baltimore area can be dangerous.) When you practice the form initially, over the first five or six years, think of nothing. Only keep a clear mind focused in tan tien, expanding and contracting tan tien with each breath otherwise your doing little or nothing at all.Once that breathing becomes second nature, then imagine an opponent when practicing the form at a nominal speed. I reserve "visualizations" for standing. Jam Jhong. If you practice with a clear mind, at the same time, every day, and if you simply concentrate your mind in tan tien performing baby breathing, while watchinng the "yang portion" of the form. Over the course of several years the chi will certainly build up and begin moving of it's own accord where it needs to go. After decades you may want to lead the chi through "small circulation", also known as the "micro-cosmic orbit". But remember that we lead the chi with soft intent. Never force the chi to move around, thats like trying to push a horse from behind. Put the halter of practice on your training, clear your mind, watch what the chi does in YOUR body. And then if necessary lead it through the most simple and basic exercise, up the back, down the front. Down Conception Vessel and up Governing Vessel. That's the fire path. There are many more. A good reference is Dr. Yang's book, "The Root of Chinese Qigong". All the best. Lasohr #60 Ching Yi Kung Fu Association

[@RobertMorningstar]

Hello, Rappakat: I definitely recommend visualization while meditating to slow the breath. I teach a 7-second cyclic breathing pattern that corresponds with the movements of the Form. Breathe in for 7 seconds, Hold breath for 7 seconds, Release the air in 7 seconds, then breathe air in, repeating the 7-second breathing cycle ad infinitum to make it a "Way of Life." I believe that it is good to visualize yourself practicing and doing the Tai Chi Form in your mind while resting in absolute stillness, quietly in bed as you go to sleep. This visalization will train the mind to remember the Form and the engrain the energy pattern in your nervous sytem as you slip into sleep. Good luck, Robert Morningstar

[@jeannettestuckelschwaiger5071]

how old is this gentleman?

[@nakedhombre]

Look under the video and expand it and it says that he lived from 1901 to 1975 so he was about 74 years old when he died. I would say that he was in his early 70s doing this film. Does that help think of him as a man of 72 or 73 years old in this film.

[@rozniyusof2859]

When other people do this form, it takes 6-8 minutes. When I do this form it takes 11-12 minutes. I just can't go faster. Is it bad if I go this slow?

[@espada_del_augurio]

The regular speed is just to show or teach other people. For own practice indoor you must go slower or sometimes the slowest.

[@artmoss6889]

I don't think 11 minutes is too slow. I've always liked a slow approach because I think one's physical awareness and concentration is enhanced.

[@rozniyusof2859]

That's good to know. Thanks.

[@richardlstern9840]

It's very good to go slow. It builds up more chi. Inhale when executing a push, punch or kick. Exhale, release just prior to these. If you feel like a faster form once in while, go ahead.

[@stefanschleps8758]

You are going to get a lot of different opinions on this. I began my training in 1975. To be concise, here is what I learned, and why I teach it the way I do. First you must make clear to yourself why you train. Without a clear intention of what you want from Tai Chi Ch'uan your path may be lost. We pratice slow movements to polish the mind, and sink the chi. We practice more quickly for application , and combat. But start slowly for the first few years. You will not develop short power by always moving slowly. You cannot fight moving slowly. But you cannot obtain high level skill by just moving as quickly as possible shortly after learning the form. If meditation is all you want you can dispense with fast practice. However the opposite is not true. If you want real combat skill you should move through the form slowly. Then practice quickly, while seeking stillness in movement. Move slowly to condense the jing. Move quickly to express it. Good luck. Laoshr #60 Ching Yi Kung Fu Association

[@perrypelican9476]

Orange haïr?

[@benquinney2]

Stuka Whirlwind

[@stefanschleps8758]

Thanks for sharing. Master Cheng makes it look easy. It is not!

[@JohannaKoelman]

Practice, practice, practice...

[@stefanschleps8758]

@@JohannaKoelmanYes, you're right. 45 years and counting. Papa said anything worth doing was worth doing well. Practice, practice, practice. Peace.

[@gianky64]

Maestro della comunicazione dell'epoca.... Come Maestro di Tai Chi Chuan a mio parere è molto sopravvalutato, ha inventato il Tai Chi per tutti... Però è diventata ginnastica dolce e questo video non fa che confermarlo

[@zcz88]

It wasn't ....

[@jamesrobinson2659]

Wait....Wong ,What?.....