A Journey of a Thousand Steps

In Testimonial on May 8, 2019

I started learning taiji under Laoshi in August 2017. Prior to that, my husband and I were learning from a community class, but we wanted to learn the Chen style, so I searched on the Net and found Laoshi David Bao’s youtube videos. Of course we were thoroughly impressed, so I wrote in to Hua Ying and made enquiries. We then drove to the studio to take a look. The six flights of stairs up to the studio was rather daunting, especially when I had very weak knees which a specialist had diagnosed as stage 3 osteoarthritis (with no cure).

Despite the six flights of stairs and the fact that I did not understand Mandarin, I was very, very determined to learn. And not just to learn, but to learn it correctly and properly. Something told me this would be the place, and Laoshi would be the teacher.

We started with the Chen Fan class (which proved to be difficult because we did not have any Chen basic at all). Then, we joined the Chen 56 (which had already started 6 months before!). In order to catch up so that we would not be left too far behind, we took two private classes.

In no time, we realised what an excellent instructor Laoshi was. We looked forward to every class with enthusiasm that we would learn something new and personally, I hoped my health would improve too. I have not had good health for a long time. I have mitral valve regurgitation which means I always have insufficient oxygen in my body due to a floppy mitral valve. In all my life, I could never do sports, especially vigorous sporting activities. I also have directional dyslexia and therefore, very poor coordination.

Coupled with numerous other health problems, sports and I had always been like oil and water. We cannot mix. I am hopeless in any kind of sports. My husband, on the other hand, is a natural sportsman. He can do any kind of sports without having to put in much effort. I am the total opposite. Learning taiji was therefore very challenging for me because of my various health problems, poor coordination, weak muscle tone and to top it all, I do not understand Mandarin!

It took time, patience and a lot of hardwork and effort for me. At times, I did feel like giving up but decided this was my only chance to at least learn a sport in my lifetime. I chose taiji because I wanted to learn something from my ancestral cultural background (despite not knowing Chinese) and also, because it is slow-moving (not vigorous which my floppy mitral valve would not have permitted me to pursue). I also think taiji would be good for averting dementia and Alzhemer’s, both of which is present in my family genes.

From Chen Fan and Chen 56, we joined the Sword 42 class. I think it was the private classes that really took a turn for the better, for me. We signed up for private classes because we needed the Taiji 42 as basic for the Sword 42. We had previously learnt Taiji 42 at the community class and “thought” we already knew it! How wrong we were when we saw Laoshi’s other students performing it – it was a world of difference from what we had “learnt” before!

It was in the private classes that my interest in taiji grew even more. Laoshi was able to pinpoint our exact mistakes, and explain in much greater detail the philosophy of taiji. Laoshi also had more time to explain all the intricate details of every single movement. We had to unlearn our previously learned Taiji 42 and relearn it all, but very correctly and properly now – step by step, movement by movement. Learning taiji soon became a very meaningful and exciting experience. By nature, I always learn things very seriously so I practised daily. I needed to do so because I already have almost zero affinity and prowess in sports, so I know I needed to work extremely hard, which I did.

In time, Laoshi could see the hard work I had put in and he commended me for it. He gave me a lot of encouragement and I never felt ignored or left behind (which I usually do at any sporting activity!). Soon, not knowing Mandarin was not so bad anymore. Somehow, I could make out Laoshi’s instructions because he demonstrated the steps very clearly. I was also picking up some Mandarin, which was an added bonus!

Laoshi pointed out to me that my knee problem (which I had given up on) can actually be improved with prolonged taiji practice. I did not think it would be possible since the specialist had said there was no turning back. It was already stage 3 osteoarthritis and it would only get worse with time. Bending my knees had been a very, very painful task for me for almost a decade now. But Laoshi told me that it need not be so and that by learning taiji properly and correctly, my knee pain can be alleviated.

By now, we had finished Taiji 42 and we decided to learn the traditional Yang 38 and Yang 85 in our private class. Laoshi explained that the traditional styles are for health and with constant practice, my legs would grow in strength and this would help my knee problem. Of course I trust Laoshi, but I wondered if I would ever achieve that. For someone who is often labelled “hopeless” in sports, I had some doubt on myself.

Little did I know that in a matter of weeks after doing Taiji 42 and Yang 38 in our private classes, my legs showed marked improvement in strength, and “bending the knees” became easier too! I realised that it was not the knees that had to work, but the legs. I could now do the horse stance more easily and maintain the pose much longer than before! Even Laoshi commented that I was very much more steady and I was more grounded. I am extremely thankful to Laoshi for making this possible.

Now, I can feel that my health has also improved tremendously. I continue to be amazed that taiji, a slow-moving exercise, can bring about so much improvement in health, strength and muscle building. Never underestimate its slow and gentle movements. There is much strength and power in them!

The experience of learning taiji at Hua Ying made me realise that it is of utmost importance that one must learn under a good, experienced and dedicated instructor who has a passion to teach and bring his students to greater heights. By far, Laoshi has all these qualities and more. He is an excellent instructor. He is strict but caring; he demands the highest standards and he can make you reach there by leading you step-by-step, to realise your fullest potential.

For once in my life and finally (!), I think I can do a sport! And not just do, but hopefully do well. Laoshi explained that through the proper learning of taiji over time, a student will definitely achieve greater health benefits and physical prowess. This progress will come automatically and gradually as long as one practises diligently, correctly and with understanding. I am instantly reminded of Lao Tzu who said, “Nature never hurries, yet all is accomplished.”

My journey of a thousand steps has begun.

I look forward with confidence and enthusiasm, at achieving progress in taiji, step-by-step, under the dedicated guidance and tutelage of Laoshi.

Thank you so much, Laoshi David Bao and Hua Ying Academy!!

Dr Chan Kah Yein
Mathematics lecturer

May 2019

We offer Tai Chi and Wushu classes in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Contact us at 012-2211430 or email us at huayingwushu@gmail.com for more details.

May 8, 2019

Categories:Testimonial