Presently, the development trend of Tai Chi practice has been hijacked by specific movements. There exists an appearance of Tai Chi forms without the essence of Tai Chi's philosophy. The focus on producing so-called "Tai Chi movements" has gradually replaced understanding how to execute movements in accordance with the principles of Tai Chi.
This has become the mainstream approach to learning Tai Chi. Moreover, various medical centers worldwide continuously publish research reports stating the health benefits of Tai Chi. However, these references primarily emphasize the gentle external movements of Tai Chi, although they hold positive evaluations and encouragement for Tai Chi. Yet, they also once again obscure the true nature of Tai Chi, burying its precious essence deeper for those unaware.
some thoughts by a student of teacher Wu Guozhong
Mr. Zheng Manqing, a remarkable individual, was the Tai Chi master of Mr. Wu Guozhong, the captain of the Frogmen Team. Mr. Wu Guozhong is my (Professor Bookworm's) Tai Chi instructor [Note 1]. This article refers to the two venerable predecessors as "Master Zheng" and "Master Wu." After Master Zheng passed away in 1975, Master Wu established the Sheng Long Martial Arts Hall, fulfilling his commitment to his teacher's legacy and began teaching Tai Chi extensively.
Appledog wrote:
"I will not be known for my teachers, I will not live in the shadow of a person's name or the name of an art. I will teach people who seek me out, not as a representative of an art, but as a great person."
Example of differences in eastern and western thought.