There is a legendary story of a famous Tai Chi Master in China that had the "secret" to power and internal energy applied to Tai Chi. As the story goes, many people would journey to find this fellow, and then they would plead their case to be taught the "secret." Often, these seekers would have to pay exorbitant fees or provide gifts to the Master in exchange for this valuable secret.
One such seeker was supposedly a well known fighter and practitioner of Tai Chi. When he asked the Master, he was told to come back with a fur coat in exchange for the knowledge. The Seeker went and came back with a beautiful fur coat, which as you might imagine was very expensive. The Master then told the Seeker to put his hand on his spine, so that he could "feel" what was happening. He was allowed 3 opportunities to feel his spine move, and THAT was the secret knowledge, the Master was passing on. This story supposedly happened more than 80 or 90 years ago, I was told.
On a level which I can honestly say that I am personally aware of, there was a Seeker who came and lived here in my neighborhood. He left his job, and stayed in New York for 2 and 1/2 years to study with a famous teacher who taught him that type of "spine work."
When I met Shifu I was absolutely blown away watching his "spine work." In comparison to others who were reknown for their level of expertise as presented to me, Shifu had the clear best and most refined and most PRONOUNCED level of "spine work."
Even more amazing to me, was that Shifu was showing this "secret" for free to strangers who came up to him and had questions about Tai Chi.
That is just an example of the greatness of Shifu and one of the many reasons I have such respect for Shifu. He shares and he wants everyone he comes into contact with to grow and develop well. Yu Guo Shun is clearly a cut above and a very generous and giving teacher.
J
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