Interview with Master Fu; 10.8.2012 1.

How do you see taiji on the west' What are the most common problems? Physically there is no difference between China and the west. Difference is only in cultural tradition / 'izroilo'. Chinese already in the school hear about yin/yang, qi and its channels so they know it is connected with health. While in the West this is not so. People in China usually get quite good training while still yang, so they are more flexible; while westerners are taller and not so flexible. They are more stiff in the hips and waist. But when it comes to practice there is no difference. Taiji is for all people, no matter what countra, age, sex same as with music. 2. Do you think that we study too much theory? If you want to practice taiji well you also have to know the theory. But only theory is no good. If you practice besides theory it helps a lot. However if you are only in theory and you may be a university professor you will not have much from your taiji. In taiji we have to combine theory and practice together if you hope to reach the high level. When you practice taiji you have to know the requirements and theory about chen style. There are also other styles with other theories. Once one student told Master Fu that what he practices is not taiji. Master Fu asked him why he thinks so? He said that because his taiji is not slow but is laso fast and slow? Master Fu asked him how does he know that taiji has to be slow? He said. I know it, because I read it. Master Fu asked what kind of book have you read? He said I read yang style book. Master Fu said: Do you know where yang taiji comes from? Then he said: go back and read the other books in order to find the answer. 3. Is chen style appropriate for old people? Taiji can be practiced with old people or young people or children. Everybody is equal to learn it. However with different kinds of people we have to see the differences, because the body is different. The creator of chen style Chen Wanting, he created chen style at a very high age. There is a common phenomena in China that mand people who practiced martial art, when they get old they start practicing taiji in order to make better their kungfu. To old people who practice taiji, can help relax and move their joints more so that they do not fall down, it help them to keep balance, relax and keep their joints felxible. It you teach elders you have to be carefull and see how long they practice time. Yo must be sensitive to their special requirements. For example you don't want them to do faiji very strong, you want them to relax. For example you do it slowly, with careful eye. You want them to practice more slowly and in higher stance. What that you teach for a while and then you can change the methods, depending on the skill of individual. For begginers no matter whether old or young you have to practice in a high stance or middle. When you teach old people you want to help them flexible movements of joints

and also combine with breatihing. To help them find the inside feeling. Old poeple and middle aged people easier find and feel inside qi, so it is easier to teach them. To old people you will not teach attack and defence but you want to develop the feeling of safety in them. 4. In what way it taiji suitable for small children. And how to teach them, because slow movement is boring to them. It is not so important which form you teach, you teach them to practice the form a little faster, but you can still teach them to practice good taiji. 5. Is it suitable to start with more dynamic forms as erlu because they are bored with slow movement? Yo can teach the form in a fast way. At the same time you can ask them to stretch, more straight, more open. Yo can make the children practice more and you want to leran them combat. You want them to concentrate on the outside. Practicing taiji will help the child to calm down. 5. How much should a beginner practice? That depend what he is trying to get out of taiji. Is it for recreation or something higher. After he learns the form it is important to keep practicing. Is he practicing for a hobby? Then one hour or two per day is enough. But if you want to become more proficient then you have to practice more preferably in the morning and afternoon. Yo can only have some improvements and understaning of taiji when you practice at least one hour a day. But it doesn't matter when you practice in the morning or in the evening, as suitable to your lifestyle. 6. In Slovenia there are more schools of Grand master Chen Xiaowang. Many students are asking what is the difference between the teachings of Chen Xiaowang and Chen Zhenglei? Is it in the form or in the teaching? They are from the same family. They are cousins. They have the same teacher. Differences in their body size, their experiences and time of practicing are different. The first requierements of the master are the same. After some time when they practicing by themsleves, they got differnt results there also became some differences and characteristics in their forms. Because their forms become little differnt then also the requirements and methods of learning become little different. But a lot or requirements or rules are the same. Master Fu says he does not know much about Chen Xiaowant, but he knows a lot about his own master. Many people who saw master Chen Zheglei videos and books want to study his style. China has also recognized the form of Chen Zhenglei as representative form of chen

taijiquan style. He has very detailed technique and body requirements, also teaching requirements. 7. One last thing about competition. There are very rare competitions of taiji in the west but they are quite common in China. What is the purpose and what are the benefits? Is it helpful in the proces or learning, to compete? Competitions are one kind of presentation of taiji performance on the stage. It is one way to prove yourself. It also makes a bridge to communicate with your friends. Performance is also a way, like meditation to calm down your mind. Is one way of representing or practicing taiji. In China people compete it is a way that people get approved, to know at what level you are. Through competition you also communicate with other people and find friends. You meet different people, you see different skills. The result you get at competition it can also help you if you want to teach or in your way to become instructor. It is a proof that you skill is appropriate. Every performace at competition is always a form not the result. When you reach a certain level you are able to compete but not for the results. In China the competition is also like coming all together like a family. In China you can enjoy yourself when practicing taiji. It is also a way to communicate with your friends. If there are any chance that there are performances or that people come together it is good to join. 8. That's all, thank you Master Fu. Now we'll be loking forward to having you amongst us soon. Thank you too. I'm also looking forward to come to Slovenia.