Master Chen in Houston, Texas

Taiji enthusiasts in Houston, Texas were treated to an unexpected treat, a visit from Master Joseph Chen due to a flight layover.  Master Chen’s disciple in Houston, Jeff Clevenger, arranged for a get-together with Master Chen which included breakfast, a training session at a local park followed by lunch at a good BBQ restaurant, before Master Chen had to fly out in the early afternoon.  Although it was short notice and during the work week, five participants showed up to meet and train with Master Chen.

I have been a fan of Master Chen for a while, am a member of his web site and have watched many of his videos.  I learned the Practical Method Yilu form and the various training exercises but had never met Master Chen before.  When Jeff called and told me about the opportunity to meet Master Chen I knew this was something I had to take advantage of.  I found Master Chen very personable and easy to relate to.  His knowledge of taichi is vast and his skill is very impressive.

We began with doing the positive and negative circles with Master Chen correcting us and giving us specific pointers.  We went on to cover many other aspects of the Practical Method body mechanics and structure.  Although it was just a morning session there was a lot of material covered and I learned a lot and it helped me understand much better how I need to proceed with my taichi practice.  The session also answered quite a few questions I had and renewed by commitment to deeper taichi practice and study.  The session was concluded with Master Chen giving each participant a specific analysis and recommendation of what we each need to work on for improvement, I thought this was very “cool” that he would do this for each one of us.

Just to be able to work with Master Chen was a special opportunity I will never forget.  His skill is definitely high level, he makes everything seem so easy and effortless while I struggle to apply the principles, but it gives me something to “shoot for”.  Again, a big ‘thank you” is warranted to Jeff Clevenger for thinking about us and setting up this impromptu meeting.