Student Inspirations 學員感悟
Bai Bu Nie Tu, “Pinches a hare within a hundred steps”
11/7/2014
- Wei Jim Lai
I’ve always held an interest with myths and legends. In my imagination I’ve waged countless wars, defeated villains, adventured in faraway lands. Therefore I was fascinated by the rich history and recounting of the Zhao Bao Tai Chi lineage. One story in particular is often recounted by the master: The story of our first generation Grandmaster, Jiang Fa, and how he came to study Tai Chi under the legendary Wong Zhong Yue.
Jiang Fa “Pinches a hare within a hundred steps”
When Wang Zhong Yue passed through Zhao Bao town on business, he was accompanied by a reknowned warrior named Gan, said to be the number one warrior under the sky at that time. As the warrior Gan watched some local young men training during their stay at a local inn, he asked Wang Zhong Yue “Revered master Wong, of all these young men, who do you think has the most promise?” Wang Zhong Yue, only wishing to conclude his business so he can move on, quickly commented: “Only that fellow in the purple cotton gown, he might be passable”. That young fellow was Jiang Fa, and he had been practicing diligently by himself while all the others were contesting each other. When this news passed to him, he sought Wang Zhong Yue out at the inn and begged to be accepted as a student. Wang Zhong Yue refused Jiang Fa several times and attempted to coax him into leaving, but Jiang Fa remained firmly anchored on his knees. Having no other choice, Wang Zhong Yue said to Jiang Fa: “Much is left to fate. I have some business to attend to at the moment and must depart. Wait for me at the river crossing one year from today, and if we are fated to be master and student then we shall meet again.” Wang Zhong Yue was once again testing Jiang Fa’s sincerity, for a year was a long time to wait and many people would forget such an arrangement and move on. Jiang Fa, perhaps not realizing Wang Zhong Yue’s ruse, responded “A gentleman’s word is his honor. I will await for you at the river crossing one year from today.”
A year passed and Jiang Fa carefully counted down the days to the arranged meeting. On the day, exactly one year from their first meeting, Jiang Fa waited for Wang Zhong Yue at the river crossing. In fact Wang Zhong Yue had already passed through the crossing several times over the course of the year on business, and did not expect the young man to keep faith. Jiang Fa waited at the crossing the entire day but did not meet Wang Zhong Yue. Worried that he might have gotten the date wrong, he stayed at the river crossing day and night without leaving. After three days, Wang Zhong Yue was informed by some people he had assigned to the task, that Jiang Fa had waited for him for three days. Deeply moved, Wang Zhong Yue came and collected Jiang Fa back to his home in Shan Xi.
At Wang Zhong Yue’s manor Jiang Fa trained diligently, with no other concerns. He trained for some say seven, some say eight years. During his training, his master imparted upon him the following instructions:
“You must not casually pass down the martial art, you must be completely sure your successor is a person of good character. Once you have found a worthy successor, you must teach him all you know, for to teach the unworthy is a disgrace, but to not teach the worthy would be a tragedy “(For the art would be lost).
At the end of his apprenticeship, he bid his master farewell and returned to Zhao Bao town. There he continued to train diligently and quietly reached a level of attainment. At that time very few people were aware there was such a martial arts master in the town, and it was only due to an extraordinary feat that people came to know of Jiang Fa. Known for his blinding speed, it was said that Jiang Fa was able to catch a wild hare with his bare hands within a hundred steps (the wild hare is able to reach speeds of up to 40 mph).
He therefore earned the epithet, Bai Bu Nie Tu, or “Pinches a hare within a hundred steps”.
This is just one story out of many (my favorite being that of 6th generation master Zhang Yan, said to have been the best swordsman of our Tai Chi lineage). Our history has a profound effect on the way we practice and treat Tai Chi. The first day a student formally enters the gates, they become a part of something greater. Zhao Bao Tai Chi is firmly rooted in tradition and history. Learning the art is not just an opportunity to improve your health or fighting skills, it is an opportunity to identify yourself and be part of a lineage.
力、氣、神合為一的奇妙
8/12/2014
- T. Hsieh
十多年前，中文學校的太極文化班使我開始學習太極拳。初學太極拳，像很多人一樣，我也只是認為它是一個適合中老年人的運動，雖然陸續學了陳氏太極和楊氏太極的套路，但我學拳也只是來活動筋骨而已，並沒有想太多。直到我在學習了近五年後，突然發現打拳後，就算在寒冬，手腳也不會寒冷。心中漸漸了解到太極拳是有其獨到之處，但是也只是把它當作一種強身健體的有氧運動而已。這觀點直到彭文大師到中文學校教授趙堡太極才徹底改觀。
彭文大師的趙堡太極拳徹底顛覆了我對太極的刻板印象，彭文大師也進而讓我們得以看到太極拳武術應用的一面，雖然當時我尚無法理解的很多，但相對而言，當我學習了24式趙堡太極套路後，我直覺得的認為它非常適合初學者，不但容易上手而且打拳時氣亦較通順，尤其經過彭文師父對每招每式的用法不厭其煩的講演，使我對學習太極拳態度產生了莫大的變化。日後我陸續學了43, 56, 75式趙堡太極套路，愈發體會到其力、氣、神合為一的奇妙。
彭師父特有的教學方式及內容，讓同學們在不知不覺中去掉雙重的毛病，也漸漸培養出內力。除了拳架之外，彭文大師以推手來訓練同學的“聽力”。以擒拿和反擒拿來驗證學習成果。因為趙堡太極拳入門方式和其他太極拳不同，剛開始學拳時亦有其它太極同好很熱心的要“糾正”我，可是日子久了，他們也驚訝我們的進步，也漸漸認同彭師父是有其一套，不是“不對”而是“殊途同歸”。
以個人淺見，要入門太極，必要把我們的反射神經系統的直覺反應重新訓練起來。讓我們不要硬頂硬抗，不是不用力，而是要洞悉外力的方向及結構，然後全身順著對自己有利的方向施放巧力或卸去外力。簡單而言，就是要練出“人不知我，我獨知人。”的聽力。師父每每叮嚀和師兄弟練習時，要互相餵力，不要爭強鬥勝，務使大家在輕鬆的環境下，自然的增強身體聽力，再配以內力練習，達到熟能生巧，“一動無有不動”。更要求大家把太極時時配合在日常生活上。不怕大家笑，我都是用太極內力來開瓶罐的，否則只用蠻力我還真打不開的。
其實太極拳真的很難用語言文字來傳達，很多可意會不可言傳的法門，以師父再三叮嚀「再鬆、更鬆」，師兄弟間彼此領悟就大有不同。但是我發覺只要認真的把師父教的暖身操、氣功、拳架、站樁、推手‧‧等等，不打折扣的做下來，自然就「鬆」得快，反之則全身硬梆梆的。要學好「太極拳」真的要有明師指導，否則練了半輩子，依然只是和做有氧運動無異，而不能體會其精妙之處。每個人練太極拳都會有不同的感受，太極拳又是浩瀚無涯，每個階段都有不同的層次，但又不知自己距離另一階段有多遠。有時當你自以為你有新的領悟，過幾天又否定了。很多人認為學完拳架就好了，諸不知那才是開始。每一個階層都是冷暖自知。在學習的階段中，每個關卡，沒有師父指點，很少沒有灰心或放棄的，然後對人說太極“只是如此”。得彭師父教誨，教會我們這個可陪伴我們一生的「養生工具」實在是我們的幸運。也希望有更多人加入趙堡太極的大家庭。
About fifteen years ago, I started my long journey of Tai Chi by enrolling into a Tai Chi culture class offered at a local Chinese School. Like many others, I just regarded Tai Chi as a fitness exercise for the middle age. Even after I've learned several Chen and Yang styles of Tai Chi forms, I still treated Tai Chi as another relaxing health benefiting activity. After five years of Tai Chi practice, even in the mid of cold winter, I've found my limbs to be quite warm after practicing Tai Chi which started my appreciation of Tai Chi's health benefits; However,I still thought of it is just another fitness exercise and not much more. This view has completely changed after grand master Wayne Peng started to teach us Zhao-Bao Tai Chi in the Tai Chi class.
By demonstrating the applications of Tai Chi for each form, master Peng has totally changed my impression of Tai Chi. Although I was unable to understand much then, after practicing Zhao Bao 24 forms, I instinctively felt it much suitable for beginners. Not only was it easier to practice but made me feel my “Chi” flow much smoother. Master Peng has tirelessly explained the key points of each form and how to apply them during hand to hand combat situations. This kind of teaching technique has changed my attitude toward what and how to learn Tai Chi. Since starting this study, I've progressed to 43 , 56, and 75 Zhao Bao Tai Chi forms; And with each form, my appreciation increases for alignment of strength, chi, and mind altogether when practicing those forms.
With master Peng's unique teaching methodology and guidance, not only has he effectively minimized the “double weighted” issue, he has also gradually cultivated internal energy for each student. In addition to practicing forms, master Peng focuses on push hands to boost students “Sensing" capability. Grappling and anti-grappling are being used to confirm the correctness of forms and enhancing internal energy. Zhao Bao Tai Chi learning approaches are quite different from other Tai Chi branches. At first, many friends of mine who have practiced Tai Chi for many years, tried to "correct" me, but as time went by, they were surprised to see my progress, and gradually recognized master Peng's teaching approach as being just as effective.
It is my opinion that it is necessary to retrain one's reflexes in order to understand Tai Chi. One shall not intuitively counter external force with brute force of our own. Instead, one should be able to sense the direction and strength of those forces and let body to redirect those forces away from us using minimum effort. In other words, make your opponent become a pawn in your chess game. To reach that level will require many years of practice in a friendly environment. Master Peng constantly reminds everyone to learn how to “feed” the right amount of force to each other during push hands practice instead of try to overpower one another. Under this environment, everyone gradually increases their “sensing power”, internal energy, and coordination of the whole body. Master Peng also wants to apply these practices in daily life. For example, I learned to use internal energy to open jars and bottles with ease.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to master Tai Chi plainly based on words. It is necessary to “feel” in person in order to realize each key element. For example, when master wants us to be “more relaxed”, each person will interpret this guidance differently. Yet, if we follow the exact process instructed by the master, then muscles would relax much easier and our forms will be performed much smoother. Without guidance from a good master, people will not be able to correct their mistakes or bad habits. It is also very difficult to have clear measurements for which level you are now in Tai Chi. Many people think that they “understand” Tai Chi after being fluent with their Tai Chi forms. What they don't know is that it is just the beginning. During the course of Tai Chi learning, sometimes when you think you have a breakthrough, you find yourself back to square one only few days later. All of this can cause much frustration; leading people to decide to give up on Tai Chi. Yet, with a good master on your side, most of your frustrations can be resolved. We are lucky to have master Pang help us to learn this wonderful lifelong skills for better health and I hope more people can come and join the family of Zhao Bao Tai Chi .
趙堡太極拳学习体会
6/5/2014
Anthony Yung
從小在電視與小説中知道有太極拳，又見到長者在公園練拳，因而對太極拳産生好奇。長者在公園練的就是太極拳的全部？看似緩慢柔弱的太極拳是否武術？太極拳能否以柔克剛借力打力？現代人能否學到？怎樣學？
在生活中這些問題都不易找到明確的答案。電影小說當然是虛構，各種太極拳書籍也隱晦難明，成年後參加過不同的太極班，學一些太極拳套路和推手，但亦未能解答這些問题。
過了若干年，因朋友介绍去了彭老師趙堡太極拳介绍會，繼而報名参加彭老師的太極課。在彭老師的課堂上有很多機會觀看和體驗老師親身示範，從而認識太極拳是全面和高深的武術，又知道學會套路是太極拳的起點而不是終點，再而理解太極拳作為武術真實的一面，同時分辯出渲染和虛構的一面。通過老師教授各種訓練的方法，逐步知道怎様去練習各種技術。當然，凡是做學問和學習技術，要掌握熟練需要天資，時間，和勤練，但能看到起點和路徑令我深感興趣。
此外，在彭老師課堂上學到太極拳和別武術和運動不同的一面。太極拳技術需要思考和推理，是腦部加上身體配合的運動，也需要用意志改變本能條件反射。因此，太極拳同時提供如下棋般的腦部鍛鍊和像打球般的身體協調和心血管運動鍛鍊，再加上太極拳可單獨練習套路和站椿，亦可和同道互練推手，參加一種活動可以獨自冥想，養生鍛鍊，也可作社交活動，一舉多得，比打球和跑步等有彈性。
由於以上種種，我覺得彭老師教授的趙堡太極拳可使人樂此不疲， 是很好的終生興趣。
In my childhood days, I saw taijiquan on TV and seniors practicing taijiquan in parks. I became curious about taijiquan. Is there more to the taijiquan form practiced by the seniors? Is the seemingly soft and slow taijiquan a martial art that can be effective in combat? Can the weak really defeat the strong with taijiquan? Can we in the modern world learn taijiquan martial art? How do we learn it?
It has been hard for me to seek answers to all these questions. Popular cultures such as TV series and novels on taijiquan are merely fictional. Serious books on taijiquan are archaic and almost incomprehensible. When I started working, I took some taiji classes, in which I learned some basic forms and push hands, but I was still unable to answer these questions.
Some years later, I joined a friend in attending an introductory talk on Zhaobao taiji by Master Peng and signed up for Master Peng’s class. In Master Peng’s class, I had many opportunities to watch and experience demonstrations of taiji techniques by Master Peng. As a result, I started to realize that taijiquan is an advanced and comprehensive martial art system. I also learned that mastering the taiji forms is a starting point instead of the end point of learning the taiji system. Over time, I was able to tell taijiquan myths from reality. By learning different drills taught in class, I gradually found out how to practice taijiquan techniques. Of course, learning any advanced skill takes time, effort, and perseverance, but I got captivated by seeing some light at the other end of the tunnel.
Another insight I gained from Master Peng’s class is how taijiquan is different from other sports or martial arts. Taijiquan requires logical thinking. It takes perfect coordination of the mind and the body. It also requires the use of one’s will power to overcome mindless reflexes. Therefore, taijiquan is akin to chess in terms of training one’s brain. At the same time, it is similar to basketball and running in terms of training one’s coordination and cardio-vascular system. In addition, taiji forms and stance can be practiced alone, whereas taiji push hands is practiced with a partner, making taijiquan an ideal activity in solitude as well as in social settings.
Based on these observations, I view taijiquan taught by Master Peng as an excellent and interesting lifelong hobby.
趙堡太極拳有感
3/28/2014
Alan Wong
大约8年前，我失去做阻力运动与有氧运动的兴趣， 而開始研究趙堡太極拳。我發現，彭老師所教導的趙堡太極拳不僅是體育鍛煉。其實，趙堡太極拳包括以下內容：
1，表演艺术
2，体育锻练
3，冥想
4，推手训练
5，自卫术
表演艺术 - 很多初學者把太極拳作為一種表演藝術，他們被優美的動作所吸引。事實上，許多練者只練太極拳的這一方面。
体育锻练 - 從解剖學/生理學的觀點,太極練習訓練核心肌群（骨盆，臀部，腰部和腹部的肌肉）和腿部肌肉的協調。這類型的訓練對改善平衡減少跌倒很有幫助。
一般認為太極拳動作緩慢，不能提供足夠的心血管功能訓練。其實趙堡太極拳包括快速動作,包括拳打，腳踢等武術動作，練者可以選擇包括這些動作來提供心血管功能訓練。
冥想 - 氣功是趙堡太極拳高度重視的練習。從西醫的角度，氣功是一種古老的冥想。許多醫生皆建議他們的病人練習冥想。
推手 - 學習推手後我意識到這是趙堡太極拳很高深的部份。它幫助我們改善生理和心理平衡,又訓練頭腦和身體平靜和迅速地應對不同的情況。
自卫术 - 我越练赵堡太极拳，我越意识到太极拳用于自卫术的智慧。 由於各種各樣的好處，我對趙堡太極拳深感興趣。我覺得所有年齡,不論男女,皆可受惠於趙堡太極拳。
I started doing research on Zhaobao tai chi after I lost interest in doing resistance & aerobic exercises about 8 years ago. Subsequently, I discovered that Zhaobao tai chi as taught by Master Peng can provide much more than just physical exercise. In fact, I learnt that Zhaobao tai chi includes the following:
Performing art
Physical exercise
Meditation
Push hand training
Arts of self defense.
Performing art - Many beginners in tai chi view tai chi as a performing art, they are attracted to the graceful movements. In fact, many practitioners are quite satisfied with solely practicing this aspect of tai chi.
Physical exercise - From anatomical/physiologic perspectives. Tai chi exercises train the core muscles (e.g. muscles in the pelvis, hips, lower back, and abdomen ) and the leg muscles to work in harmony. This type of training tends to improve the practitioner sense of balance and reduces falls.
Tai chi forms are generally thought to involve slow movements, and many individuals are concerned that tai chi trainings do not provide sufficient cardiovascular training. The truth is that some Zhaobao tai chi forms include rapid movements which can provide intense cardiovascular conditioning for practitioners who elect to include those forms in their practice. In fact, some of these movements include punching, kicking, etc, which externally quite resemble wushu kungfu.
Meditation - Qigong is highly emphasized in the practice of Zhaobao tai chi. From a western medicine form of view, qigong is an ancient form of meditation, which many medical doctors advise their patients to practice.
Push-Hand - After learning push-hand, I realized that it is an aspect of Zhaobao tai chi which is much more profound that I originally thought. It helps us improve our balance both physically and mentally, and trains our mind and body to react calming and swiftly to different situation.
Arts of self defense - The more I practice Zhaobao tai chi, the more I realize the intelligence of tai chi when applied to self-defense.
Due to the great variety of benefits that Zhaobao tai chi provide, I remain deeply interested in it. I feel that Zhaobao tai chi has something to offer to people of all ages ranging from children to the elderly, male and female.
Tai Chi - A Great Exercise and Much More!
1/29/2014
A. Pang
I’ve always had great interest in martial arts, so when I finally had the opportunity to devote time to this endeavor, I gravitated towards Kung Fu. Cinema has focused heavily on the external and hard styles, showcasing grand techniques and intense power. Combined with visual feats of extraordinary human abilities from Martial Arts demonstrations, it drove my interest to pursue an external form. Thanks to a knee injury, my choice of Kung Fu style needed serious consideration.
我一直對練武極感興趣。當時一般電影都極度強調外家拳和橫練的硬功夫，又或展示高深的技巧和無比強大的肌肉力量。這些電影集合了近乎超人的武術視覺效果，深深的打動了我，讓我對外家功夫充滿嚮往，所以當我終於有機會和時間去學外家功夫時，我即全心全力的努力去鍛鍊。但是當我膝蓋受傷後，我不猶得重新思考我選擇的功夫之路是否正確。
From my limited exposure to Tai Chi and from general marketing of this internal style’s health benefits, my perception was that its main purpose is for exercise. Sifu Wayne Peng elevated my understanding of Tai Chi and introduced me to the Zhao Bao school. He enthusiastically opened the door to all aspects of Tai Chi, from its theory, health benefits as well as its application, making my choice to study Zhao Bao Tai Chi an easy one. On top of it all, my knee injury has never recurred with this practice and exercise!
當時我對太極拳的印象和各個一般通俗概念就是太極拳僅相當於健身操，只是一個的對健康有益的內家拳術。但是當我學習趙堡太極，彭師父突然帶領我到另一更高境界，讓我對太極拳有更深刻的認知。彭師父幫我為太極開了另一扇門，他以無比的熱忱讓我見識及瞭解到一個函括理論、養生、及技擊應用的太極世界。我毫不猶豫的選擇趙堡太極做為我武術追求的再出發，值得一題的是，雖然這些年來，我依然是全心全力的努力鍛鍊，但我膝蓋舊傷卻從未復發過。
I am amazed at Sifu’s abilities to neutralize attacks with defensive actions that fluidly transition into explosive offensive moves, changing and adjusting ever so slightly to maximize effectiveness with minimal power to execute a counter attack. Learning Zhao Bao Tai Chi under Sifu Peng’s tutelage has been enlightening, where the smallest details are explained and the connection between concepts and practical applications are bridged. Truly learning Tai Chi may take a lifetime to absorb, comprehend, and make instinctive; but this is possible only with a passionate instructor as Sifu Peng, who eagerly shares and teaches this expertise before it becomes a lost art.
彭師父有高深的太極造詣，最令我覺得神奇就是師父能以極細微但精準之防守動作，不但瞬間化解了對手的進攻路數，更同時輕輕鬆鬆、毫不費力、輕描淡寫似的以最大的打擊力還擊於對手。在彭師父的循循教誨及監護下，我對趙堡太極由啟蒙而至入門。彭師父詳盡的對每一動作皆提醒我們注意所有細節，更教我們如何結合理論與實際運用，使太極拳不再是一個抽象而又遙不可及的武術。當然，太極拳不是一個可以速成的武術。就算窮一生之力也不一定能掌握它的技巧，甚或一些高深技藝亦日漸失傳。但是只要我們有像彭師父這樣有熱忱和能力，不辭勞苦的為推展太極而不吝分享、教導其經驗及技能，太極必能繼續發展光大下去的。
A. Pang
11/7/2014
- Wei Jim Lai
I’ve always held an interest with myths and legends. In my imagination I’ve waged countless wars, defeated villains, adventured in faraway lands. Therefore I was fascinated by the rich history and recounting of the Zhao Bao Tai Chi lineage. One story in particular is often recounted by the master: The story of our first generation Grandmaster, Jiang Fa, and how he came to study Tai Chi under the legendary Wong Zhong Yue.
Jiang Fa “Pinches a hare within a hundred steps”
When Wang Zhong Yue passed through Zhao Bao town on business, he was accompanied by a reknowned warrior named Gan, said to be the number one warrior under the sky at that time. As the warrior Gan watched some local young men training during their stay at a local inn, he asked Wang Zhong Yue “Revered master Wong, of all these young men, who do you think has the most promise?” Wang Zhong Yue, only wishing to conclude his business so he can move on, quickly commented: “Only that fellow in the purple cotton gown, he might be passable”. That young fellow was Jiang Fa, and he had been practicing diligently by himself while all the others were contesting each other. When this news passed to him, he sought Wang Zhong Yue out at the inn and begged to be accepted as a student. Wang Zhong Yue refused Jiang Fa several times and attempted to coax him into leaving, but Jiang Fa remained firmly anchored on his knees. Having no other choice, Wang Zhong Yue said to Jiang Fa: “Much is left to fate. I have some business to attend to at the moment and must depart. Wait for me at the river crossing one year from today, and if we are fated to be master and student then we shall meet again.” Wang Zhong Yue was once again testing Jiang Fa’s sincerity, for a year was a long time to wait and many people would forget such an arrangement and move on. Jiang Fa, perhaps not realizing Wang Zhong Yue’s ruse, responded “A gentleman’s word is his honor. I will await for you at the river crossing one year from today.”
A year passed and Jiang Fa carefully counted down the days to the arranged meeting. On the day, exactly one year from their first meeting, Jiang Fa waited for Wang Zhong Yue at the river crossing. In fact Wang Zhong Yue had already passed through the crossing several times over the course of the year on business, and did not expect the young man to keep faith. Jiang Fa waited at the crossing the entire day but did not meet Wang Zhong Yue. Worried that he might have gotten the date wrong, he stayed at the river crossing day and night without leaving. After three days, Wang Zhong Yue was informed by some people he had assigned to the task, that Jiang Fa had waited for him for three days. Deeply moved, Wang Zhong Yue came and collected Jiang Fa back to his home in Shan Xi.
At Wang Zhong Yue’s manor Jiang Fa trained diligently, with no other concerns. He trained for some say seven, some say eight years. During his training, his master imparted upon him the following instructions:
“You must not casually pass down the martial art, you must be completely sure your successor is a person of good character. Once you have found a worthy successor, you must teach him all you know, for to teach the unworthy is a disgrace, but to not teach the worthy would be a tragedy “(For the art would be lost).
At the end of his apprenticeship, he bid his master farewell and returned to Zhao Bao town. There he continued to train diligently and quietly reached a level of attainment. At that time very few people were aware there was such a martial arts master in the town, and it was only due to an extraordinary feat that people came to know of Jiang Fa. Known for his blinding speed, it was said that Jiang Fa was able to catch a wild hare with his bare hands within a hundred steps (the wild hare is able to reach speeds of up to 40 mph).
He therefore earned the epithet, Bai Bu Nie Tu, or “Pinches a hare within a hundred steps”.
This is just one story out of many (my favorite being that of 6th generation master Zhang Yan, said to have been the best swordsman of our Tai Chi lineage). Our history has a profound effect on the way we practice and treat Tai Chi. The first day a student formally enters the gates, they become a part of something greater. Zhao Bao Tai Chi is firmly rooted in tradition and history. Learning the art is not just an opportunity to improve your health or fighting skills, it is an opportunity to identify yourself and be part of a lineage.
力、氣、神合為一的奇妙
8/12/2014
- T. Hsieh
十多年前，中文學校的太極文化班使我開始學習太極拳。初學太極拳，像很多人一樣，我也只是認為它是一個適合中老年人的運動，雖然陸續學了陳氏太極和楊氏太極的套路，但我學拳也只是來活動筋骨而已，並沒有想太多。直到我在學習了近五年後，突然發現打拳後，就算在寒冬，手腳也不會寒冷。心中漸漸了解到太極拳是有其獨到之處，但是也只是把它當作一種強身健體的有氧運動而已。這觀點直到彭文大師到中文學校教授趙堡太極才徹底改觀。
彭文大師的趙堡太極拳徹底顛覆了我對太極的刻板印象，彭文大師也進而讓我們得以看到太極拳武術應用的一面，雖然當時我尚無法理解的很多，但相對而言，當我學習了24式趙堡太極套路後，我直覺得的認為它非常適合初學者，不但容易上手而且打拳時氣亦較通順，尤其經過彭文師父對每招每式的用法不厭其煩的講演，使我對學習太極拳態度產生了莫大的變化。日後我陸續學了43, 56, 75式趙堡太極套路，愈發體會到其力、氣、神合為一的奇妙。
彭師父特有的教學方式及內容，讓同學們在不知不覺中去掉雙重的毛病，也漸漸培養出內力。除了拳架之外，彭文大師以推手來訓練同學的“聽力”。以擒拿和反擒拿來驗證學習成果。因為趙堡太極拳入門方式和其他太極拳不同，剛開始學拳時亦有其它太極同好很熱心的要“糾正”我，可是日子久了，他們也驚訝我們的進步，也漸漸認同彭師父是有其一套，不是“不對”而是“殊途同歸”。
以個人淺見，要入門太極，必要把我們的反射神經系統的直覺反應重新訓練起來。讓我們不要硬頂硬抗，不是不用力，而是要洞悉外力的方向及結構，然後全身順著對自己有利的方向施放巧力或卸去外力。簡單而言，就是要練出“人不知我，我獨知人。”的聽力。師父每每叮嚀和師兄弟練習時，要互相餵力，不要爭強鬥勝，務使大家在輕鬆的環境下，自然的增強身體聽力，再配以內力練習，達到熟能生巧，“一動無有不動”。更要求大家把太極時時配合在日常生活上。不怕大家笑，我都是用太極內力來開瓶罐的，否則只用蠻力我還真打不開的。
其實太極拳真的很難用語言文字來傳達，很多可意會不可言傳的法門，以師父再三叮嚀「再鬆、更鬆」，師兄弟間彼此領悟就大有不同。但是我發覺只要認真的把師父教的暖身操、氣功、拳架、站樁、推手‧‧等等，不打折扣的做下來，自然就「鬆」得快，反之則全身硬梆梆的。要學好「太極拳」真的要有明師指導，否則練了半輩子，依然只是和做有氧運動無異，而不能體會其精妙之處。每個人練太極拳都會有不同的感受，太極拳又是浩瀚無涯，每個階段都有不同的層次，但又不知自己距離另一階段有多遠。有時當你自以為你有新的領悟，過幾天又否定了。很多人認為學完拳架就好了，諸不知那才是開始。每一個階層都是冷暖自知。在學習的階段中，每個關卡，沒有師父指點，很少沒有灰心或放棄的，然後對人說太極“只是如此”。得彭師父教誨，教會我們這個可陪伴我們一生的「養生工具」實在是我們的幸運。也希望有更多人加入趙堡太極的大家庭。
About fifteen years ago, I started my long journey of Tai Chi by enrolling into a Tai Chi culture class offered at a local Chinese School. Like many others, I just regarded Tai Chi as a fitness exercise for the middle age. Even after I've learned several Chen and Yang styles of Tai Chi forms, I still treated Tai Chi as another relaxing health benefiting activity. After five years of Tai Chi practice, even in the mid of cold winter, I've found my limbs to be quite warm after practicing Tai Chi which started my appreciation of Tai Chi's health benefits; However,I still thought of it is just another fitness exercise and not much more. This view has completely changed after grand master Wayne Peng started to teach us Zhao-Bao Tai Chi in the Tai Chi class.
By demonstrating the applications of Tai Chi for each form, master Peng has totally changed my impression of Tai Chi. Although I was unable to understand much then, after practicing Zhao Bao 24 forms, I instinctively felt it much suitable for beginners. Not only was it easier to practice but made me feel my “Chi” flow much smoother. Master Peng has tirelessly explained the key points of each form and how to apply them during hand to hand combat situations. This kind of teaching technique has changed my attitude toward what and how to learn Tai Chi. Since starting this study, I've progressed to 43 , 56, and 75 Zhao Bao Tai Chi forms; And with each form, my appreciation increases for alignment of strength, chi, and mind altogether when practicing those forms.
With master Peng's unique teaching methodology and guidance, not only has he effectively minimized the “double weighted” issue, he has also gradually cultivated internal energy for each student. In addition to practicing forms, master Peng focuses on push hands to boost students “Sensing" capability. Grappling and anti-grappling are being used to confirm the correctness of forms and enhancing internal energy. Zhao Bao Tai Chi learning approaches are quite different from other Tai Chi branches. At first, many friends of mine who have practiced Tai Chi for many years, tried to "correct" me, but as time went by, they were surprised to see my progress, and gradually recognized master Peng's teaching approach as being just as effective.
It is my opinion that it is necessary to retrain one's reflexes in order to understand Tai Chi. One shall not intuitively counter external force with brute force of our own. Instead, one should be able to sense the direction and strength of those forces and let body to redirect those forces away from us using minimum effort. In other words, make your opponent become a pawn in your chess game. To reach that level will require many years of practice in a friendly environment. Master Peng constantly reminds everyone to learn how to “feed” the right amount of force to each other during push hands practice instead of try to overpower one another. Under this environment, everyone gradually increases their “sensing power”, internal energy, and coordination of the whole body. Master Peng also wants to apply these practices in daily life. For example, I learned to use internal energy to open jars and bottles with ease.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to master Tai Chi plainly based on words. It is necessary to “feel” in person in order to realize each key element. For example, when master wants us to be “more relaxed”, each person will interpret this guidance differently. Yet, if we follow the exact process instructed by the master, then muscles would relax much easier and our forms will be performed much smoother. Without guidance from a good master, people will not be able to correct their mistakes or bad habits. It is also very difficult to have clear measurements for which level you are now in Tai Chi. Many people think that they “understand” Tai Chi after being fluent with their Tai Chi forms. What they don't know is that it is just the beginning. During the course of Tai Chi learning, sometimes when you think you have a breakthrough, you find yourself back to square one only few days later. All of this can cause much frustration; leading people to decide to give up on Tai Chi. Yet, with a good master on your side, most of your frustrations can be resolved. We are lucky to have master Pang help us to learn this wonderful lifelong skills for better health and I hope more people can come and join the family of Zhao Bao Tai Chi .
趙堡太極拳学习体会
6/5/2014
Anthony Yung
從小在電視與小説中知道有太極拳，又見到長者在公園練拳，因而對太極拳産生好奇。長者在公園練的就是太極拳的全部？看似緩慢柔弱的太極拳是否武術？太極拳能否以柔克剛借力打力？現代人能否學到？怎樣學？
在生活中這些問題都不易找到明確的答案。電影小說當然是虛構，各種太極拳書籍也隱晦難明，成年後參加過不同的太極班，學一些太極拳套路和推手，但亦未能解答這些問题。
過了若干年，因朋友介绍去了彭老師趙堡太極拳介绍會，繼而報名参加彭老師的太極課。在彭老師的課堂上有很多機會觀看和體驗老師親身示範，從而認識太極拳是全面和高深的武術，又知道學會套路是太極拳的起點而不是終點，再而理解太極拳作為武術真實的一面，同時分辯出渲染和虛構的一面。通過老師教授各種訓練的方法，逐步知道怎様去練習各種技術。當然，凡是做學問和學習技術，要掌握熟練需要天資，時間，和勤練，但能看到起點和路徑令我深感興趣。
此外，在彭老師課堂上學到太極拳和別武術和運動不同的一面。太極拳技術需要思考和推理，是腦部加上身體配合的運動，也需要用意志改變本能條件反射。因此，太極拳同時提供如下棋般的腦部鍛鍊和像打球般的身體協調和心血管運動鍛鍊，再加上太極拳可單獨練習套路和站椿，亦可和同道互練推手，參加一種活動可以獨自冥想，養生鍛鍊，也可作社交活動，一舉多得，比打球和跑步等有彈性。
由於以上種種，我覺得彭老師教授的趙堡太極拳可使人樂此不疲， 是很好的終生興趣。
In my childhood days, I saw taijiquan on TV and seniors practicing taijiquan in parks. I became curious about taijiquan. Is there more to the taijiquan form practiced by the seniors? Is the seemingly soft and slow taijiquan a martial art that can be effective in combat? Can the weak really defeat the strong with taijiquan? Can we in the modern world learn taijiquan martial art? How do we learn it?
It has been hard for me to seek answers to all these questions. Popular cultures such as TV series and novels on taijiquan are merely fictional. Serious books on taijiquan are archaic and almost incomprehensible. When I started working, I took some taiji classes, in which I learned some basic forms and push hands, but I was still unable to answer these questions.
Some years later, I joined a friend in attending an introductory talk on Zhaobao taiji by Master Peng and signed up for Master Peng’s class. In Master Peng’s class, I had many opportunities to watch and experience demonstrations of taiji techniques by Master Peng. As a result, I started to realize that taijiquan is an advanced and comprehensive martial art system. I also learned that mastering the taiji forms is a starting point instead of the end point of learning the taiji system. Over time, I was able to tell taijiquan myths from reality. By learning different drills taught in class, I gradually found out how to practice taijiquan techniques. Of course, learning any advanced skill takes time, effort, and perseverance, but I got captivated by seeing some light at the other end of the tunnel.
Another insight I gained from Master Peng’s class is how taijiquan is different from other sports or martial arts. Taijiquan requires logical thinking. It takes perfect coordination of the mind and the body. It also requires the use of one’s will power to overcome mindless reflexes. Therefore, taijiquan is akin to chess in terms of training one’s brain. At the same time, it is similar to basketball and running in terms of training one’s coordination and cardio-vascular system. In addition, taiji forms and stance can be practiced alone, whereas taiji push hands is practiced with a partner, making taijiquan an ideal activity in solitude as well as in social settings.
Based on these observations, I view taijiquan taught by Master Peng as an excellent and interesting lifelong hobby.
趙堡太極拳有感
3/28/2014
Alan Wong
大约8年前，我失去做阻力运动与有氧运动的兴趣， 而開始研究趙堡太極拳。我發現，彭老師所教導的趙堡太極拳不僅是體育鍛煉。其實，趙堡太極拳包括以下內容：
1，表演艺术
2，体育锻练
3，冥想
4，推手训练
5，自卫术
表演艺术 - 很多初學者把太極拳作為一種表演藝術，他們被優美的動作所吸引。事實上，許多練者只練太極拳的這一方面。
体育锻练 - 從解剖學/生理學的觀點,太極練習訓練核心肌群（骨盆，臀部，腰部和腹部的肌肉）和腿部肌肉的協調。這類型的訓練對改善平衡減少跌倒很有幫助。
一般認為太極拳動作緩慢，不能提供足夠的心血管功能訓練。其實趙堡太極拳包括快速動作,包括拳打，腳踢等武術動作，練者可以選擇包括這些動作來提供心血管功能訓練。
冥想 - 氣功是趙堡太極拳高度重視的練習。從西醫的角度，氣功是一種古老的冥想。許多醫生皆建議他們的病人練習冥想。
推手 - 學習推手後我意識到這是趙堡太極拳很高深的部份。它幫助我們改善生理和心理平衡,又訓練頭腦和身體平靜和迅速地應對不同的情況。
自卫术 - 我越练赵堡太极拳，我越意识到太极拳用于自卫术的智慧。 由於各種各樣的好處，我對趙堡太極拳深感興趣。我覺得所有年齡,不論男女,皆可受惠於趙堡太極拳。
I started doing research on Zhaobao tai chi after I lost interest in doing resistance & aerobic exercises about 8 years ago. Subsequently, I discovered that Zhaobao tai chi as taught by Master Peng can provide much more than just physical exercise. In fact, I learnt that Zhaobao tai chi includes the following:
Performing art
Physical exercise
Meditation
Push hand training
Arts of self defense.
Performing art - Many beginners in tai chi view tai chi as a performing art, they are attracted to the graceful movements. In fact, many practitioners are quite satisfied with solely practicing this aspect of tai chi.
Physical exercise - From anatomical/physiologic perspectives. Tai chi exercises train the core muscles (e.g. muscles in the pelvis, hips, lower back, and abdomen ) and the leg muscles to work in harmony. This type of training tends to improve the practitioner sense of balance and reduces falls.
Tai chi forms are generally thought to involve slow movements, and many individuals are concerned that tai chi trainings do not provide sufficient cardiovascular training. The truth is that some Zhaobao tai chi forms include rapid movements which can provide intense cardiovascular conditioning for practitioners who elect to include those forms in their practice. In fact, some of these movements include punching, kicking, etc, which externally quite resemble wushu kungfu.
Meditation - Qigong is highly emphasized in the practice of Zhaobao tai chi. From a western medicine form of view, qigong is an ancient form of meditation, which many medical doctors advise their patients to practice.
Push-Hand - After learning push-hand, I realized that it is an aspect of Zhaobao tai chi which is much more profound that I originally thought. It helps us improve our balance both physically and mentally, and trains our mind and body to react calming and swiftly to different situation.
Arts of self defense - The more I practice Zhaobao tai chi, the more I realize the intelligence of tai chi when applied to self-defense.
Due to the great variety of benefits that Zhaobao tai chi provide, I remain deeply interested in it. I feel that Zhaobao tai chi has something to offer to people of all ages ranging from children to the elderly, male and female.
Tai Chi - A Great Exercise and Much More!
1/29/2014
A. Pang
I’ve always had great interest in martial arts, so when I finally had the opportunity to devote time to this endeavor, I gravitated towards Kung Fu. Cinema has focused heavily on the external and hard styles, showcasing grand techniques and intense power. Combined with visual feats of extraordinary human abilities from Martial Arts demonstrations, it drove my interest to pursue an external form. Thanks to a knee injury, my choice of Kung Fu style needed serious consideration.
我一直對練武極感興趣。當時一般電影都極度強調外家拳和橫練的硬功夫，又或展示高深的技巧和無比強大的肌肉力量。這些電影集合了近乎超人的武術視覺效果，深深的打動了我，讓我對外家功夫充滿嚮往，所以當我終於有機會和時間去學外家功夫時，我即全心全力的努力去鍛鍊。但是當我膝蓋受傷後，我不猶得重新思考我選擇的功夫之路是否正確。
From my limited exposure to Tai Chi and from general marketing of this internal style’s health benefits, my perception was that its main purpose is for exercise. Sifu Wayne Peng elevated my understanding of Tai Chi and introduced me to the Zhao Bao school. He enthusiastically opened the door to all aspects of Tai Chi, from its theory, health benefits as well as its application, making my choice to study Zhao Bao Tai Chi an easy one. On top of it all, my knee injury has never recurred with this practice and exercise!
當時我對太極拳的印象和各個一般通俗概念就是太極拳僅相當於健身操，只是一個的對健康有益的內家拳術。但是當我學習趙堡太極，彭師父突然帶領我到另一更高境界，讓我對太極拳有更深刻的認知。彭師父幫我為太極開了另一扇門，他以無比的熱忱讓我見識及瞭解到一個函括理論、養生、及技擊應用的太極世界。我毫不猶豫的選擇趙堡太極做為我武術追求的再出發，值得一題的是，雖然這些年來，我依然是全心全力的努力鍛鍊，但我膝蓋舊傷卻從未復發過。
I am amazed at Sifu’s abilities to neutralize attacks with defensive actions that fluidly transition into explosive offensive moves, changing and adjusting ever so slightly to maximize effectiveness with minimal power to execute a counter attack. Learning Zhao Bao Tai Chi under Sifu Peng’s tutelage has been enlightening, where the smallest details are explained and the connection between concepts and practical applications are bridged. Truly learning Tai Chi may take a lifetime to absorb, comprehend, and make instinctive; but this is possible only with a passionate instructor as Sifu Peng, who eagerly shares and teaches this expertise before it becomes a lost art.
彭師父有高深的太極造詣，最令我覺得神奇就是師父能以極細微但精準之防守動作，不但瞬間化解了對手的進攻路數，更同時輕輕鬆鬆、毫不費力、輕描淡寫似的以最大的打擊力還擊於對手。在彭師父的循循教誨及監護下，我對趙堡太極由啟蒙而至入門。彭師父詳盡的對每一動作皆提醒我們注意所有細節，更教我們如何結合理論與實際運用，使太極拳不再是一個抽象而又遙不可及的武術。當然，太極拳不是一個可以速成的武術。就算窮一生之力也不一定能掌握它的技巧，甚或一些高深技藝亦日漸失傳。但是只要我們有像彭師父這樣有熱忱和能力，不辭勞苦的為推展太極而不吝分享、教導其經驗及技能，太極必能繼續發展光大下去的。
A. Pang
