My Tai Chi Journey
Yesterday I had a dream, I had a drop of molten gold on my hand. I woke up with feeling of a small miracle ❤️
Yesterday was a very important day for me. I not only received the rank of Tudi, but also acquired a Chinese name – Chen Chengfenglong 陈诚凤龙 which means Dragon and Phoenix.
Disciple “Tudi (徒弟)” means a Disciple who has been specially chosen and accepted by his Master “Shifu (师父)”. Once elected, Tudi takes on the deep responsibility of upholding the Chen family’s Tai Chi Chuan traditions and principles as a lifelong commitment.
That is, a Tudi Apprentice is a privileged Apprentice who has undergone a formal apprenticeship ceremony and is accepted as a member of the family. This disciple had the great honor of representing the Chen family as the successor.
The diploma you see in the photo says:
“To sincerely develop Chen Style Tai Chi skills and contribute to human civilization, balance and health, today Maria van Bruggen, Netherlands, becomes a Tudi Disciple and receives the name Chen Chengfenglong (Phoenix Dragon).
Chen Cheng Fenglong is ready to become a direct disciple of master Chen Zhenlei, the 11th generation successor of Chen style Taichi, and Mei Henglin, the 12th generation successor of Chen style Taichi. Once you become a Tudi Disciple, you will respect your teacher and the Tao throughout your life, abide by the rules of the Chen family’s martial arts, obey your teacher’s instructions, train hard, practice both peaceful and martial skills, and be determined to inherit and develop the cause of Tai Chi throughout your life.”
In the diploma you see a photo of my amazing master.
Wu Heng Dong (Master Kim) Founder and director of the Traditional Tai Chi School in Yangshuo.
Master Kim has over 30 years of experience in Tai Chi and Qigong.
On the right side of the diploma is a photograph of a Teacher of Master Kim – Chen Zhenlei
Wu Heng Dong (Master Kim) had the honor of becoming the 12th generation disciple and one of the last disciples of Chen Zhenlei, one of the four “Warrior Servants of the Buddha (Si Jingang)” – the four prominent representatives of the Chen family in Chenjiagou – who was recognized as one of the Ten in December 1995 the best martial artists of our time living in China. He was given the title of “The Most Influential Figure in Chinese Tai Chi”. In recognition of this achievement, he was given the name Chen DeHao.
Master Kim specializes in teaching Chen style Tai Chi. He has been teaching international students since 2000 and has taught people from many countries ranging in age from 4 to 88 years old. He hopes that his students will return home to spread the teachings of Tai Chi in their countries. He believes that although Tai Chi originates from China, it belongs to the whole world. Its principle:
“Let the traditional Chinese culture of health spread to every corner, so that everyone can achieve the effects of balance, health and self-defense.”
My heart is full of gratitude, and how amazing it is that I was able to share this moment with my students and patients who were here with me.