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[Martial Arts] Me and Master Shih XingzheAutor: Jeffi Chao Hui Wu Fecha: 28-6-2025 Sábado, 6:03 a.m. ········································ [Martial Arts] My Relationship with Master Shih Xingzhe In 2008, I first met Master Shih Xingzhe, and from that moment, our fates were intertwined. This master, a direct disciple of the 32nd generation of Shaolin Temple from Songshan, is not only a master of Shaolin Zen, martial arts, and medicine but also a true practitioner who embodies compassion and insight, cultivating both inner and outer aspects. Since that year, we have maintained contact, exchanging ideas and meeting from time to time, with each gathering providing me with immense benefits. The initial meeting took place at a martial arts cultural exchange event in Hong Kong. The master, dressed in simple attire, had a gentle demeanor yet a clear aura; he immediately sensed that my practice was unusual. We quickly engaged in deep discussions, covering topics from traditional stance training and internal energy cultivation to my independently realized concept of "structural hip sitting," and even my then-embryonic idea of "the universe as the dantian." What was astonishing was that the master did not cling to the traditional Shaolin system; instead, he listened with great openness and respect, seriously considering the paths I was exploring, even those I was still figuring out myself. Since 2008, we have met in various cities, including a deep meeting in Shenzhen later on. Each time we meet, the master responds to my evolving system with a commendable humility and steadiness, offering high praise for my martial arts. Master Shih Xingzhe practices in all aspects of life—standing, sitting, lying down—he is both a martial artist and a healer, as well as a Zen practitioner. Although I have taken a different path, I have never strayed from empirical evidence and logic. Over the years, we have not experienced any barriers due to our differing schools; rather, we have repeatedly found deep consensus through dialogue. Regarding my core practice of "leading energy to practice boxing" and my experimental training in high-intensity exercises in extremely low temperatures, he has responded with affirming eyes, once earnestly saying, "You walk far and steady. One day, you too can reach the realm of a master!" I often share my training insights with him and seek his guidance. I have never focused on the dantian in my practice; for nearly thirty years, I have almost always slept on my back. This position may naturally maintain the smooth flow of meridians, without any artificial folding or pressure on the pathways of energy movement. Many practitioners emphasize intention, while I take the opposite approach, pursuing a free exchange of breath between my body and the universe, allowing energy to operate spontaneously. I adhere to the principle of "slow and gentle energy accumulation," avoiding explosive force and accumulation, instead resonating in harmony with the natural rhythms. Now, at the seaside in just 6-degree weather, I can stand in a stance for 3 to 5 minutes and break into a uniform sweat without needing to warm up or relying on mental intention. This is empirical evidence of my body’s automated operation, a true manifestation of being connected with the universe, flowing freely without obstruction. I always remember a phrase he once told me: "Our generation's mission is not to cling to the old but to continue the bridge that connects the heavens and the earth." This statement, like him, is understated yet profound, constantly reminding me not to settle for existing achievements but to continue breaking through and validating. To have the opportunity to connect with Master Shih Xingzhe and maintain over a decade of continuous exchange and mutual learning is an irreplaceable strength in my martial arts journey. In 2008, from left: Mr. Wu Chaohui, honorary advisor of the Hong Kong Qigong Tai Chi Association; Master Shih Xingzhe, the 32nd generation disciple of Shaolin Temple; Mr. Lin Wenhui, president of the Hong Kong Qigong Tai Chi Association, and his wife. Master Shih Xingzhe (right) with Mr. Wu Chaohui (left) in Shenzhen, April 2024. Mr. Lin Wenhui, president of the International Tai Chi Academy (left), Master Shih Xingzhe (center), Master Huang Guolong (right). From left: Master Shih Xingzhe photographed at Yongfu Temple. Source: http://www.australianwinner.com/AuWinner/viewtopic.php?t=696547 |
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