FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES

We would like to draw your attention to a few of the people we are honoured to be associated with. It has been a great privilege for us to connect with these people, and we would like to extend our friendship by introducing you to them.

M a s t e r   D o n g,   Z e n g   C h e n
Inside Kung Fu called Master Dong 'the most famous and acclaimed modern practitioner of Tai Chi Chuan'. He is the grandson of Master Dong Yingjie who was the legendary disciple of Yang Chengfu, the founder of the Yang-style of Tai Chi. Master Dong used to live in Xintai, China, an area well-known for its high proportion of martial artists and continues to be the vice-chairman of the Wushu (martial arts) Association of Yongnian (the birthplace of Yang Chengfu). Master Dong's position within this heritage is recognised by some of the most distinguished traditionalists. His father Huling and brother Ziyang are also both renowned Tai Chi practicioners of the highest calibre. His son, Alex Da De, won three gold medals, two silver, and the award for the Most Outstanding Martial Spirit at the American National AAU Chinese Martial Arts Tournament, while representing the state of Hawaii in 1991.

Master Dong has a following of over 7000 people in China and Southeast Asia, with a growing following in England and in America. Master Dong currently lives in Hawaii and teaches at the Dong Taijichuan Academy there.

The Dong Family school in Hawaii

Master Dong visiting the Golden Flower school in Winston

Following is a short perspective on a visit by Master Dong to the Winston-Salem Golden Flower School. It was written by David Harold, one of our Instructors.
'Master Dong and his son Alex gave us a great gift with their teaching. The most meaningful part for me was their consistent and relaxed emphasis on mindfulness in every part of practice. Perhaps this is best exemplified in the first movement of the form. Beginning with a straight shoulder-width stance, the mind is quiet and the body still. This stillness at the beginning of practice had always been difficult for me to achieve. Their emphasis made it easier, and I found if I was truly still at the beginning, the whole practice became more mindful. Following the stillness, the spirit is intentionally raised with the arms and then we reassert our connection with the earth as the palms relax and then press down.

So much of what we do in Tai Chi is a matter of intention: "raise the spirit, sink the internal energy, relax, still the mind." All these are contained in the first movement as taught by master Dong. His teaching is a clear reminder of mindfulness in our practice and of its best results.'

The Golden Flower School has included Master Dong's style of Tai Chi as the second level of teaching in the curriculum. This is in recognition of the very real martial ability expressed by the Dong family in conjunction with their good nature and strong spirit. It is our honour and privilege to be able to work with the Dong Family. Master Dong has started to visit our school regularly for special, intensive trainings, and we hope to have a long and happy relationship with him and his family.
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M a s t e r   N i,   H u a   C h i n g
Master Ni is a spiritual master born into the great tradition of Tao. His main service to the world is his writing. He has written many books covering a diverse range of topics from translations of esoteric Chinese Taoist literature through to practical guidance for everday modern living. He is a modern day master, who generously shares his insight and understanding of life. He is also a plain and simple man who expresses his true self, developed through his life's experience, rather than some narrow theological or intellectual ideas. In this way we can all appreciate and receive his wisdom.

San Gee Tam has been privileged to be with Master Ni, and is currently in the role of a Mentor of the USIW (the Universal Society of the Integral Way). The USIW is an unusual organization in that the people live the ideals of harmony, cooperation, and spiritual service. To find out more about the USIW, and other information regarding Master Ni, click here.

The USIW organises a regular, yearly retreat where you can be with Master Ni. The location changes every year, so if you're interested, please contact any of the mentors.

In the Golden Flower School we recommend Master Ni's elucidations of the Ancient Chinese Books of Wisdom, the I Ching, and the Tao Te Ching as essential reading and study material for all Tai Chi students.
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