On Feb. 3, 2011, Chinese New Year, Levi Sowers of Iowa City, Iowa, USA became Master Chen Zhonghua’s 80th indoor disciple in a ceremony in Bentonville, AR. USA. Levi started Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method with John Brown in 2006. He attended all of Master Chen Zhonghua’s Iowa workshops and in 2009 he attended the Wisconsin workshop sponsored by Tim Duering. He has been study with other disciple such as Bill Krumm and Tim Duehring. In 2008 he studied Mandarin in Beijing and Taiji with Master Sun Zhonghua at the same time. In 2010, he attended a Chen Zhonghua workshop in Maple Ridge, Canada. He is finishing his doctorate at the University of Iowa.
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Welcome to the family Levi. Now the real work begins. I wish I had been there.
There has been tons of push hands at this workshop. Everybody really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the honor of being present for the discipleship ceremony of Levi Sowers in Bentonville, Arkansas. This was an especially rewarding experience for me, as I was Levi’s first Taiji teacher. I remember well his first class, in Hawkeye Center, University of Iowa, about 6 years ago. As a complete beginner, he was totally perplexed by his inability to copy the circle, but he assured me he would practice diligently and get it down. Within about 6 months, Levi’s form in Practical Method was superior to any of the other students. We were fortunate to have Master Chen come for several workshops during the following 3 years, which Levi found most inspirational, as he expressed his desire to get to the mountain and to become a disciple.
So now he has attained another goal. For me to see my students progress to this recognition of the great value of the system and the tradition Master Chen is offering them, is also my great shared joy. I trust that Levi will continue to derive great benefits from his new status, upholding his added responsibility with honor, to contribute greatly to the taiji community, and effectively promote the profound knowledge and experience of the Practical Method.
John,
I appreciate your introducing me to the practical method. It has been a wonderful journey. I also thank you for writing about my discipleship ceremony.
Levi
It was great to meet Levi and participate in his discipleship ceremony. Levi embodies the qualities a disciple needs, enthusiasm, determination, hard work and a great attitude. I believe he will go far.
It was a privilege to get to know you Levi. I hope we can push hands many times in the future.