Cheng Man-Ch'ing (1902 - 1975)

Cheng Man-Ch'ing was a master of the 'five excellences', who taught art and poetry at both Beijing and Shanghai Universities. When in his 20's he is believed to have contracted tuberculosis and was not expected to live long. His doctor recommended that he took up Tai Chi as a health remedy, and after continued practice he returned to good health.

In 1932 he became a student of Master Yang Cheng-Fu, with whom he studied for seven years.

Unlike many previous Masters, who did not wish to pass their knowledge outside of China, Cheng Man-Ch'ing believed that Tai Chi was so be beneficial that it should be taught to the Western World. In an effort to make life easier for his students, he developed the shorter 37 posture form to eliminate some of the repetitions of the Yang style long form.

Cheng Man-Ch'ing taught in Taiwan and the United States and is the author of several leading books on the subject of Tai Chi.

Some quotes from Cheng Man-Ch'ing

"Tai Chi Chuan, the great ultimate, strengthens the weak, raises the sick, invigorates the debilitated, and encourages the timid" Cheng Man Ching (1947)

"Use the mind to direct the chi and the chi to mobilise the body." Cheng Man Ching (1947)

"The issuing energy starts in the root travels through the ankle, up to the knee, turned by the waist and manifested through the fingers. Cheng Man Ching (1947)

"Sink the chi raise ching shen (spirit). The classics state that the head must feel that it is suspended from the ceiling by a fine silk thread," Cheng Man Ching (1947)

"All must stay connected; if one part of the body moves all parts must move.
If one part of the body is still all parts must be still." Cheng Man Ching (1947)

"Stay sung (relax). When practicing the form you must keep relaxed. In time you will find that it will become part of your physical and mental state." Cheng Man Ching (1947)

Wikipedia - Further information about Cheng Man-Ch'ing