Steve James wrote: I'd like someone to explain why Chen style wasn't represented.
Yang Chengfu was named the Institute's head instructor of T'ai chi ch'uan; Sun Lu-t'ang was named head instructor of Xing Yi Quan; and Fu Chen Sung was named head instructor of Baguazhang.[6]
Steve James wrote:Yes, it's a clear presentation that states what most of my Taiwanese teachers have said. The thing I found most interesting was that the head of the "Shaolin" section was a Chinese Muslim who did Chaquan (?). But, I'd like someone to explain why Chen style wasn't represented. Otoh, the fact that poverty forced many to remain in China when the communists took over implies that those who did had to at least pretend loyalty to the party.
chenyaolong wrote:Steve James wrote:Yes, it's a clear presentation that states what most of my Taiwanese teachers have said. The thing I found most interesting was that the head of the "Shaolin" section was a Chinese Muslim who did Chaquan (?). But, I'd like someone to explain why Chen style wasn't represented. Otoh, the fact that poverty forced many to remain in China when the communists took over implies that those who did had to at least pretend loyalty to the party.
As I said, Shaolin was just an umbrella term they used for all "external" styles, so no connection to actual Shaolin style.
Also, I think you'd be surprised at the amount of genuine support the communists had.
Steve James wrote:The story is that they went all over China for the best martial artists. The Nationalists of the 1920s and 30s weren't in competition with another party; it was nationalism against the Japanese (specifically, but against foreign influence generally). There were well known Chen masters in Beijing by the 1920s. Of course, it's possible that the Chens never allied themselves directly with the nationalist. It's also true that the Yangs and Wus (who were also in the south) did ally themselves politically with the nationalists. So, when the communists came into power, the Chens didn't have any reason to flee.
And, of course, the current PRC doesn't seem to care what anyone has said about the Yangs, but is forcing Xu to apologize for insulting CXW.
Btw, I had a copy of the original manual for the 1928 Academy, and YCF was the highest paid instructor overall; but, Wu and Sun style tcc were also taught. Not to mention, YCF and Wu Jianquan were only at the Academy for a year. They were in Shanghai by the end of 1929. In fact, the old rumor is that they left because the Chens (i.e., Chen Fake) were finally getting attention.
Fascinating about the manual. In any case, it sounds like Yang, Fu, Sun, and others were more connected with whomever was in charge of assembling the institute for whatever reason, not necessarily anything against individual Chens or Chen style.
Steve James wrote:But, I'd like someone to explain why Chen style wasn't represented.
Steve James wrote:Otoh, the fact that poverty forced many to remain in China when the communists took over implies that those who did had to at least pretend loyalty to the party.
I must have missed something. Why do you say Chen style wasn't represented?
Many Chinese were imprisoned and re-educated under the communists.
Steve James wrote:I must have missed something. Why do you say Chen style wasn't represented?
It wasn't taught at the Nanjing Academy.
Steve James wrote:Many Chinese were imprisoned and re-educated under the communists.
That's not exactly a contradiction of what I wrote. I totally agree that many Chinese were imprisoned --either for being disloyal to the party or for suspected disloyalty. My point there was that either one complied with the party or one suffered. However, I was responding to the point that many Chinese agreed with the communists and were Not pretending allegiance.
Steve James wrote:Otoh, were many Chen style masters imprisoned?
Steve James wrote:My point about their being represented at the Nanjing Academy was that they were not on the political 'ins' with the nationalists.
everything wrote:Steve James wrote:The story is that they went all over China for the best martial artists. The Nationalists of the 1920s and 30s weren't in competition with another party; it was nationalism against the Japanese (specifically, but against foreign influence generally). There were well known Chen masters in Beijing by the 1920s. Of course, it's possible that the Chens never allied themselves directly with the nationalist. It's also true that the Yangs and Wus (who were also in the south) did ally themselves politically with the nationalists. So, when the communists came into power, the Chens didn't have any reason to flee.
And, of course, the current PRC doesn't seem to care what anyone has said about the Yangs, but is forcing Xu to apologize for insulting CXW.
Btw, I had a copy of the original manual for the 1928 Academy, and YCF was the highest paid instructor overall; but, Wu and Sun style tcc were also taught. Not to mention, YCF and Wu Jianquan were only at the Academy for a year. They were in Shanghai by the end of 1929. In fact, the old rumor is that they left because the Chens (i.e., Chen Fake) were finally getting attention.
Fascinating about the manual. In any case, it sounds like Yang, Fu, Sun, and others were more connected with whomever was in charge of assembling the institute for whatever reason, not necessarily anything against individual Chens or Chen style.
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