I am businessman from southern Germany in his mid-50s. I normally spend my days at my desk and on the phone. After almost 30 years in business, I decided to take time off and revive my spirit and body. I wanted to experience something new and rethink direction of life too. To do so, I took a three months sabbatical from work and daily life to dedicate myself to the art of TaiChi.
I had been interested in martial arts and TaiChi for a long time, first exposed to Karate and Yang-Style TaiChi in the 90s. I had taken up lessons in Chen-Style TaiChi in Germany three years ago again. Such prepared, I reached out to improve my capabilities at the very source of it, in Taiwan. Luckily, I was introduced to Master Lin by a travel agency and scheduled to attend a 10 weeks intensive course in Chen-TaiChi consisting of group lessons on 6 days and an additional three private lessons per week.
I was prepared to empty myself from all experiences and start from scratch. Already during the first lessons, it became obvious that I indeed needed to forget everything I had learned so far. My shoulders were stiff when they should be soft. My hips were wobbling when they were supposed to provide stability. My knees were bent and my stance not straight. My body was just not ready for the task. I had virtually to re-learn movements and motions starting from the simplest postures.
Master Lin and his teachers worked hard and patiently to introduce me to the principles of each body parts motion and tenderness. With creativity and special exercises, they practiced with me to remove tension, provide smoothness to my motions and stability to my postures. Alfred Chiang went to great lengths to teach me the principles and theory of the bodywork behind – valuable insights I can build on.
Master Lin taught me the movements but moreover the concepts and practical applications of 24 and 48 forms as well as many helpful exercises for me to continue my practice and learning back home. I would rate this a big achievement of my stay.
When I was trying in vain to produce the movements expected, Master Lin, the teachers and experienced learners in the groups were never short of helpful advices and explanations.
Especially, I would like to appreciate the big support and help I received from everyone – learners and teachers – to overcome the language barrier and integrate me as full member into the groups.
Despite the intensity of the program, it was always fun too. I experienced Taipei as a lively and inspiring city with a busy but relaxed atmosphere, with friendly and welcoming people and everyone I met during my TaiChi learnings has been a great ambassador for Taiwan.
Thus, beyond the forms and techniques I learned, I take away a redefined body feeling, a new and different sense of body motion and the conviction that this is just the beginning and so much more to learn. I take with me what a beautiful and impressive place Taiwan is and that I know I will back some time.
I want to extend my thanks and gratefulness to Master Lin and the teachers for their kindness, patience and of course the deeply founded expertise in how to perform and how to teach the art of Chen-TaiChi.