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by Tony Wong (in 1994)
On Tuesday, November 29,1994, I observed a very unusual incident which goes against the grain of Chinese martial arts tradition (keeping one's technique/forms to oneself). At Master Kenneth Chung's Wing Chun Kwoon in San Francisco, I watched two masters (Master Kenneth Chung and Master Chen Qingzhou) of different kung fu styles openly exchange training techniques and share their experiences.
Master Kenneth Chung gave a brief introduction of Master Chen. In his closing sentence was a Chinese phrase meaning: "I throw you a stone and hopefully you will give me a jade in return." This was his humble way of offering to share his techniques with Master Chen with the hope that Master Chen would be generous enough to do the same.
Master Chung began his technique sharing by having his students perform three principle forms of Wing Chun, followed with a sparring exercise routine. Master Chung also demonstrated the "sticky hand" technique with one of his students. In return, Master Chen had his student demonstrate the Chen Taiji first form as well as the training technique for the transmission of the coiling energy from the leg up to the dantian to the shoulder, down to the elbow, out to the hand. This is the first time I saw the practice of spiral power done in this way. Master Chen demonstrated this technique by using a short 90 degree wooden log. Master Chen also demonstrated "fa jing"; and the push hand technique with his student.
Master Chung then demonstrated the practice of Wing Chun's explosive impact power that can be generated within an inch by shaking a 6 feet pole. This 6 feet pole was then handed to Master Chen for him to demonstrate the Chen Family pole shaking technique (they probably use a different pole to shake in the Chen Village). This demonstration session ended with both masters verbally discussing their experiences and answering questions from students and guests. OOPS! The final closing of this gathering was interrupted by two SF cops who were curious as to why there was such heavy traffic going in and out of the Kwoon. Ironically, one of the cops wanted to test this "Old Taiji Master" from China by trying to lock him down. Unfortunately, he was no match for Master Chen. Within a split second, the cop was effortlessly thrown to the ground. The room exploded with laughter! As the cop stumbled to regain his balance, he dusted off his behind and made a deep bow to Master Chen.
It was an awesome experience watching two masters openly share their techniques. Most of all, I was impressed with Master Chung's generosity in initiating the offer to share techniques and the graciousness of Master Chen's acceptance. I am extremely grateful that I was able to witness this unique experience. I think it would be great if more masters were willing to share their techniques and experiences among each other in front of their students. This way, everyone benefits.
