The Chinese Tai Chi Chuan
Association, under the leadership of its teacher Master Tchoung
Ta Tchen is celebrating 25 years of teaching in Vancouver. The 25 years will
be celebrated with a conference on Tai Chi which is jointly presented by the
Vancouver Chinese Cultural Center. The Chinese Tai Chi Chuan Association
is a branch of the Association in Taiwan, which Master Tchoung is a
representative.
The Chinese Tai Chi Association Club started in Vancouver in the early 70's at 500 Cordova St. off Chinatown. As Master Tchoung's skills became better known the club expanded. Often the space could not accommodate the number of students that came to practice. On warm days the club often practiced outside at the adjoining Opperheimer Park, attracting park patrons and passerbys. As the city grew demand for commercial space also grew, forcing the club to re-locate. The club is now at it's third location.
Master Tchoung's studies of internal martial arts started with a study of Qigong and taiji at Omei mountain in Sichuan province in China in 1942. Then in 1959 Master Tchoung learned Old Yang Style Tai Chi from Shi Diao-Mei. In 1961 Master Tchoung started to study Tai Chi from Master Cheng Man Ching, notably Cheng's push hands technique. He also studied with Master Hsiung Yang-ho in the fighting style of tai chi chuan.
Master Tchoung's taught in
Taiwan then his teaching career outside of Taiwan started in 1970 when he was
recommended by the Taiwanese government and the CTCCA (Taiwan) to teach Tai
Chi Chuan to President Bongo of Gabon. Later in 1971 Master Tchoung established
the South Africa Chinese Health and Self-Defense Club in Johannesburg. When he
came to Canada, he established the Chinese Tai Chi Chuan Association (Canada)
in Vancouver. The Northwest Tai Chi Chuan Association was set up as an
independent Organization in the USA.
Many students came to learn from Master Tchoung because of the completeness of his Tai Chi Chuan. With the Double Yang Style that he created, Master Tchoung teaches a balanced form in that there is a left side and a right side to the forms. Believing that Tai Chi is not simply a set of exercise, Master Tchoung also teaches applications for Tai Chi. This is accomplished by instilling in his students his personal belief in the need to practice and master push-hands, San Shou (the two person fighting form) and Section 9 the Fast Tai Chi form. Master Tchoung also believes in the need to preserve the classical route to attain full mastery of the art. Consequently, he also teaches various weapon forms: Tai Chi Walking Stick, Tai Chi Sword, Tai Chi Broad Knife, and Double Sword.
Master Tchoung have always held the view that Tai Chi Chuan is a living cultural treasure of China and that it should be globally disseminated so that all can reap the benefits from studying Tai Chi. Consequently, Master Tchoung's club was one of the handful of martial arts club that opened it's door to all. As his reputation grows so does the number of students who come to learn from him. As a consequence there are instructors in Vancouver, White Rock, Toronto, Kitimat, Terrace, Nelson, Seattle, and Southern California (Riverside - Loma Linda) who are certified by him to teach his Double Yang Style and who also hold the belief in applying the techiques of Tai Chi in various situations.
To celebrate Master Tchoung's
25th Anniversary in Vancouver there will be a Tai Chi Chuan conference in
Vancouver which is jointly presented by the Chinese Cultural Center. This
festival will be the first of its kind in Vancouver and will feature seminars
and workshops on the theme of "Tai Chi Chuan And Modern Lifestyle". There
were 19 presenters. The topics will range from Qigong to health benefits of
Tai Chi to applications of Tai Chi Chuan.
Sifu Tchoung grew up as a sports enthusiast and picked up Tai Chi in 1942 when he learned Chi Kung and tai ji on Omei Mountain from a senior Taoist monk. In 1959 he studied Old Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan from Sifu Shi Diao-Mei, and san shou from Hsiung Yang Ho, then in 1961 from Sifu Cheng Man Ching. Sifu Tchoung taught in Taiwan then in 1970 he became Tai Chi Chuan instructor for President Bongo of Gabon. The next year he established the South African Chinese Health and Self Defense Club in Johannesburg. He moved to Canada in 1972 and established the Chinese Tai Chi Chuan Association where he has to date taught for a quarter of a century. His students, hence teaching, have spread to many places in the world.
 |
||
| Chinese Cultural Center | Chinese Tai Chi Chuan Association | |
| Proudly Present | ||
| Date: | June 8 & 9 (Sat. & Sun) 1996 |
| Time: | 9am to 4pm (Each Day) |
| Place: | Chinese Cultural Center 50 East Pender St., Vancouver B.C. Canada V6A 3V6 phone: 687-0729 |
To promote Chinese Culture to the public,
the Chinese Tai Chi Chuan Association and the Chinese Cultural Centre will
proudly present a Tai Chi Conference called "Tai Chi Chuan and Modern
Lifestyle" on June 8 and 9, 1996 in Vancouver, Canada. The impetus for this
event is the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the
Chinese Tai Chi Chuan Association by its Master, Tchoung Ta Tchen, who has
brought this art to all cultures in the Vancouver area. Furthermore, his
students have enhanced the Tai Chi Chuan community in Terrace, Kitimat, Nelson,
Seattle, California, Taiwan and Gabon.
Tal Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese martial art based on the more ancient
philosophy of Taoism which emphasizes the balance of nature's complementaries as
represented by the yin and yang symbol. 
Unlike other martial arts, Tal Chi Chuan movements are soft and slow resulting
in the practitioner having a flexible and strong body, and at the same time
leaving the body and mind relaxed, supple, refresh and alert. Over a long period
of time the practitioner is better at fighting off the ravages of a modern
lifestyle: diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and stress leading to a
longer and more fruitful life. Because of its supple and soft moves Tai Chi
Chuan can be done by males and females, young and aged, fit and unfit.
This conference will be the first of its kind in Vancouver of Canada, and will feature seminars and workshops on the theme of "Tal Chi for a Modern Lifestyle". So far we have scheduled 19 presenters. Some of the presenters are: Xu Gong Wei, who had judged competitions of all levels in China, as well as instructed in China's Nanjing University; Harvey Kurland, a lecturer at University of California Riverside, and Chair of the annual Tai Chi competition in UC Riverside, has a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology and will speak on "Tai Chi and Correcting Knee Aligment". Master Tony Bok Tong Jay, who teaches Lama Style Kung Fu will speak on Wu style Tai Chi. From Toronto, Mr. Tran Wu's various topics will focus on how Tai Chi can help to normalize high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes etc. Andy Dale, an instructor in Seattle's Internal Wu Shu Arts will show the relationship between Tai Chi and its sister art -- Pa Kua. There will also be a session by Mr. Lawrence Der on Qi Gong -- an ancient Chinese method to cultivate internal energy to assist in healing. To encourage participation, admission to the 2-day conference will be minimal cost.
As this conference features eminent speakers and presenters, it will attract
participants internationally. To achieve further success this conference will be
publicizing through the local media. Posters will be sent out to Toronto,
Seattle, California, Kitimat and Nelson. International advertising will be done
on the World Wide Web. Our promotion campaign will include newspapers, health
food stores, alternate health practices, massage therapists, chiropractors,
physiologists, and others.
Please click on above for short biographies of the list below.
|
Name |
Presented Topics |
Camp, John |
Tai Chi Chuan Rooting |
Chan, Philip |
The Modern Role of Tai Chi Chuan |
Dale, Andrew |
The Tai Chi Chuan, Pa Kua Chang and Chi Kung Connection |
Der, Lawrence |
Health Benefits of Chi Kung and Tai Chi Chuan |
Dickson, Peter |
Concept of Tai Chi Chuan in Teaching Seniors |
Eastman, Eric |
Play the Tai Chi |
Fu, Victor |
Fu Style Tai Chi Chuan |
Glasheen, Tim |
The Role of San Shou (Two Person Form) in Tai Chi Chuan |
Harris, David |
Chin Na: Applications |
Houghton, Robert |
The Relationship Between Tai Chi Chuan & Hsing Yi Chuan |
Jay, Tony |
Tai Chi Chuan and Nei Kung |
Kurland, Harvey |
Kinesiologist's Perspective on Tai Chi Chuan: preventing injuries and the health benefits |
Lee, Douglas |
Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan |
Lee, Martin |
8 Part Talk on Yang Tai Chi Chuan |
Li, Dr. Kwok Chu |
Health Perspective of Tai Chi Chuan |
Sue, Ron |
Tai Chi Chuan Weapons |
Tchoung, Ta Tchen |
Tai Chi Chuan and Modern Lifestyle Keynote Speaker |
Tran Wu |
The Martial Arts and Healing Arts of Tai Chi Chuan |
Xu, Gong Wei |
Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan |
Camp, JohnMr. Camp has been involved in martial arts since 1975 and has been instructing since 1986. He has studied martial arts with several masters and has learned several styles, such as Tai Chi, Ba Qua, Hsing Yi, Push Hands and Chi Kung. He has taught workshops around B.C. and Yukon and maintained on-going class in the Vancouver area. He is interested in discovering ways in which the skills and techniques of the internal martial arts can be accessible to all.
Chan, PhilipSifu Chan had cardiovascular problem during his middle age, but recovered through practicing Tai Chi Chuan. In the 70's he belonged to the Sifu Wu Kung Yu's Tai Chi Club in Hong Kong under instruction of Sifu Wu Tai Kwei, then continued to learn Tai Chi Chuan and Sword, push hands, and Tai Chi Chi Kung from Sifu Cheng Tin Hung. Since immigrating to Canada in 1983, he gives free lessons, promotes Tai Chi Chuan through his Philip's Tai Chi Club in Vancouver. He is an expert in Tai Chi health for seniors.
Dale,
AndrewSifu Dale started to learn Tai Chi from Sifu Tchoung in 1972. Other styles Sifu Dale has studied include: Pa Kua, Chen Tai Chi, and Qi Gong. In 1974 he began teaching Internal Wushu Art in Seattle. He currently teaches Yang Tai Chi, Chen Tai Chi, Pa Kua, and Chi Kung in Seattle. One of the original Members of NWTCCA. www.wuji.com
Der,
LawrenceSifu Der is President of Cosmos Chiology Society of Vancouver, with twenty years' teaching experience of Healing Tao System. Student of Sifu Tchoung since 1972, he has taught Tai Chi in Chinese Cultural Center for over a decade.
Dickson,
PeterSifu Dickson became a student of Sifu Tchoung Ta Tchen in the summer of 1984. In 1987 Sifu Dickson was certified by Sifu Tchoung to teach the Yang Double Style. Sifu Dickson is instructor of both Kitimat and Terrace Tai Chi clubs.
Eastman,
EricSifu Eastman has been studying Tai Chi since 1969 and began teaching in 1974. In 1980 he founded the Kootenay Tai Chi Center in Nelson BC and he also organizes various Martial Arts events, notably the Tai Chi Chuan Summer retreat. Furthermore, he also runs special events such as Tai Chi and Ski the French Alps, and Tai Chi and Surf Costa Rica. Certified by Grandmaster Tchoung.
Fu,
VictorSifu Fu was born in a Wushu family. His grandfather was founder of Fu's Wu Dong Chuan. Since early childhood Sifu Fu learned Wu Dong Chuan and weapons from his father and later he assisted in his father's lessons. Sifu Fu had been committee member of GuangZhou Wushu Association and a certified National referee in China. Since moving to Vancouver, Canada in 1989, he has taught in various community centers, senior homes, secondary schools and BCIT. He is currently Chinese Secretary of the Western Canadian Chinese General Association of Guoshu.
Glasheen,
TimSifu Glasheen started Martial Arts training in Montreal in 1971 with Aikido. He learned Tai Chi Chuan from Ms. Wong in 1977, and Sifu Tchoung in 1978. As past president of the Chinese Tai Chi Chuan Association and a Professional Engineer Sifu Glasheen enjoys Tai Chi Chuan, yoga, reading, and other activities.
Harris,
DavidSifu Harris's martial arts history includes karate, Aiki-jutsu, Wing Chun, Pa Kua, and Yang Tai Chi. Sifu Harris has taught martial arts in the last 32 years. He studied with Sifu Tchoung for many years. One of the original members of the NWTCCA
Houghton, RobertMr. Houghton started Tai Chi Chuan in 1976 and began teaching in 1982. In 1985 he studied with Sifu Tchoung and was introduced to Xing Yi Quan. He continued his Xing Yi studies with 5 months in China studying with Sifu Shang Ji. Mr. Houghton also studies Chan Men Tai Ji, Chen's Tai Chi. He is currently studying with Sifu Tchoung, Fu Family Gong Fu with Fu Zhen-song, and teaches in Crescent Beach.
Jay,
TonySifu Jay learned Tibet Lama Fist Style in order to overcome poor health in childhood. He practiced for decades before studying Wu's Style Tai Chi Chuan, various weapons, and Nei Kung from Sifu Cheng Tin Hung in Hong Kong. As expert in both streams of Wushu, he is president of Tibet Lama Fist Style Kung Fu Club of Vancouver,
Kurland,
HarveySifu Kurland holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education and Biology, a Master Degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology, and in addition his postgraduate work was in Community Health Education. He is a member of the advisory panel for the LA Police Academy. He currently teaches at the University of California Riverside, and has written over 120 articles on health fitness, scientific training, and Tai Chi Chuan. His interest is the biomechanical alignment in t'ai-chi ch'uan to prevent injuries and presenting tai chi in a clear demystified manner to the public. He is one of the original members of the NWTCCA. Sifu Kurland teaches tai chi chuan, chi kung and pa kua chang. He has been studying with Sifu Tchoung since 1972 and has studied internal arts with several other masters, including TT Liang and Kuo Lien Ying, but he primarily follows the method of Sifu Tchoung. He is currently Chief Instructor of the SW Branch of North West Tai Chi Chuan Assoication www.dotaichi.com .
Lee,
DouglasSifu Lee first started Tai Chi Chuan in 1964. Till now he has learned from 6 teachers. In the past 32 years Sifu Lee has continued to practice, teach, learn, and research Tai Chi Chuan. At the moment he is teaching the following styles of Tai Chi: Yang, Chen, Wu, and Fu.
Lee,
MartinSifu Lee began his Wu's and Yang's Tai Chi Chuan lessons at the age of 13 with many famous masters in his hometown and Macau. Later he learned Yang's Tai Chi Chuan from Sifu Tung Ying Chieh in Hong Kong. He has practiced studiously for over 50 years, and has also taught Yang's Tai Chi Chuan, push hands and weapons for over 30 years. Now he teaches at Chi Keung Tai Chi Chuan Club and Philip's Tai Chi Club.
Li,
Dr. Kowk ChuDr Li. received his degree from Hong Kong University in 1954 and in 1973 became a specialist in psychiatry in BC, Fellow of Royal College of Physicians of Canada. Dr Li is currently a consultant in the Greater Vancouver Mental Health Services, having retired from UBC as Clinical Assistant Professor in Psychiatry, and as Chair and Director of various community groups. He is the holder of many merits and awards.
Sue,
RonSifu Sue studied martial art since early childhood. Later from Sifu Tony Jay he learned, and became expert of, Tibet Lama Fist Style, Wu's Tai Chi Chuan, push hands, and weapons. In 1972, he studied Yang's Tai Chi Chuan and chi kung from Sifu Tchoung.
Sifu Tchoung grew up as a sports enthusiast and picked up Tai Chi in 1942 when he learned Chi Kung on Omei Mountain from the senior Taoist monk. He also studied the Natural Style of Boxing. In 1959 he studied Old form of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan from Sifu Shi Diao-Mei, and San shou from Hsiung Yang Ho, then in 1961 from Sifu Cheng Man Ching. Sifu Tchoung began teaching in 1970 when he became Tai Chi Chuan instructor for President Bongo of Gabon. The next year he established the South African Chinese Health and Self Defense Club in Johannesburg. He moved to Canada in 1972 and established the Chinese Tai Chi Chuan Association Canada Branch where he has to date taught for a quarter of a century. His students, hence teaching, have spread to many places in the world. He also formed the NWTCCA in Seattle. More at www.dotaichi.com
Tran
WuSifu Tran Wu has studied Tai Chi for over 30 years and studies with Sifu Tchoung. He is also trained in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. He authored a few books in Chinese medicine and wrote foreword to Sifu Tchoung's book.
Xu,
Gong WeiSifu Xu learned Wushu since early childhood. He started teaching Wushu in 1944 in Nanjing, then taught in, among others, Nanjing University, Southeast University. He also served as referee and adviser in numerous competitions in China. Sifu Xu moved to Canada in 1988, and now serves as director, International Institute of Qigong Information; adviser, All Canadian Chinese General Association of Guoshu; executive committee member of Western Canadian Chinese General Association of Guoshu.
