In a simple ceremony at the Seishinkan dojo in New York, John Upshaw was accepted as Master Chen Zhonghua’s disciple in the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method system. Other disciples present at the event: Michael Calandra and Todd Elihu. [nggallery id=182]
John Upshaw became Chen Zhonghua’s recent disciple
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Congratulations John Upshaw. You worked hard, all differences aside, I am proud of you, and acknowledge your determination and effort. It is true I was not there to work with you as you continued your journey, but you found your own way. It was my pleasure to introduce you to Master Chen.
With all sincerity, welcome to the Practical Method Taiji Family!
William Krumm
Congratulations John!
Words can not do justice in expressing the significance of becoming one of Master Chen Zhonghua’s disciples…A monumental life event that requires ongoing recognition through continued diligent practice, and being a humble ambassador of the Practical Method.
Many people contributed to my growth on this journey. I am thankful to William Krumm for introducing me to Master Chen and instructing me the first few years, a very difficult task I realize to teach concepts that are paradoxical to our perception and much that can not be seen. I am greatly indebted to Tim Duehring and Levi Sowers for taking me under their wings and mentoring me for the past 3.5 years. They lead 7 full weekend Practical method training camps in the Midwest, met with me privately, and have made themselves available for guidance. Additionally, Erwin Ramthun, Jeff Clevenger, and John Brown, my Upper Midwest Taiji Family, for they involvement in our training camps. Todd Elihu, Carl Lindburg, and Junefung Qu for taking time out of their day to teach and train with me last March in Georgia, I greatly appreciate. I am grateful to Allan Belshiem for his guidance and feedback on the sword form.
Congratulations John! Sorry to have missed meeting you in New York….especially since it was you who made me aware of the workshop and encouraged me to go….
Congrats to you John. I would like to say that it has been a wonderful experience teaching John and watching him become a disciple. I would say that he is one of the most dedicated students i have ever met. He is regularly up at 5:00am to do Yilus before his family wakes. I have seen wonderful progression in him over the past 3.5 years. Always eager to learn and never allows ego to get in the way which makes for an amazing student. It is great to have you in the family and i hope that you continue train with the same passion that few people have.
Levi
Congratulations John!