Beijing is not on my list of favourite travel destinations, so I was hesitant at first to join this Conference, but I am glad I went with the Principal and fellow students who competed. I learnt more about HunYuan Taijiquan, Chinese culture, cuisine, various art forms (like calligraphy), customs and etiquette from this trip.

With regards to HunYuan Taiji, I learnt more about the origins and the late Founder, Master Feng Zhiqiang, who is revered by generations of disciples (currently in 3rd generation). He was proficient in many forms of martial arts / wushu before creating HunYuan Taijiquan, which is mainly a fusion of Chen Style Taijiquan (陈式太极拳) and LiuHeXingyiquan (六合心意拳) forms. At the conference, they distributed a book explaining this is more detail, as well as, what various accomplished practitioners interpret HunYuan Taijiquan to be. So, you can read this in more detail.

For me, it was also the first time that I had witnessed so many people practising HunYuan Taijiquan, sword, sabre and even spear, and students from different countries, age and gender. I also finally got to see what is “Push-Hands” competition, although it was not what I expected. More about that later.

On the Registration day, I saw a teacher instructing 2 small children on the various strokes and moves of HunYuan Taijiquan. It was quite refreshing to how the children learnt, and how the teacher explained to them: things like the shifting of the body weight, and the movement of the hands. It helped me to reflect on my own practice, and also assured me that while different teachers have different understanding and methods, the fundamentals we learnt at our school is true to what they practice in China.

Along the corridor to our hotel rooms, we bumped into one of the 1st students of Master Feng, and he was kind enough at Principal’s request to share some of his experiences. He gifted the phrase: “太极真谛,开合两字“ and proceeded to explain that each movement has a purpose, an intent, and always composed of opposing parts: where there is an open, there is a close; where there is up, there is down; that which becomes big, will become small. (Later, our Prinicpal also explained that the “Open” also refers to the openness of the chest and relaxed shoulders when executing the various Taijiquan movements). He also explained that one objective of using the Taijiquan is to achieve maximum outcome with minimum effort. He demonstrated these principles in a few strokes, but we were interrupted halfway. It left me curious to explore more how we can put the HunYuan Taijiquan to practice.

On the first day, there was a special early morning event where they wanted a thousand people to gather and practice with a special wooden batton that we were given the day before. The Taiji baton (太极棒) was quite heavy and used to practice certain Taiji movements. I haven’t woken up so early for a long time, and the weather was much cooler, but it was another interesting experience as I donned the Taiji robes I bought specially for this occasion. We held both ends of the baton in our palms and followed the instructors, while music played in the background, and as drones swopped overhead filming this spectacle. After that, we had a photo taking session, which took place on a temporary 4-tier steel platform. It was somewhat chaotic and there was pushing the shoving, as there were so many people and groups squeezed onto the semi-circular platform. I’m just glad no one fell down the back of the platform which was open.

On the second day, I observed a man and lady practicing across the end of the passageway. Clearly one was the instructor, and both probably in their late twenties or early thirties. Their style was very similar like ours (crisp and clear), but what struck me was the way the Instructor moved. His movements were very smooth and flows from one to the other with no pauses, and from a distance, it felt like his arms were making elliptical circles in waves at a constant speed. While he didn’t have the same grace or softness (he seemed more the wushu type who moved faster) of the more experienced practitioners, there was something beautiful and natural about the flow. So in terms of knowing more about HunYuan Taijiquan, I definitely gained new knowledge and a better appreciation for the principles behind it.I also observed the participants of the Taijiquan, sabre and sword competitions for individual and Group. Some were very good (including our team), while some of the local Chinese were clearly not proficient, but I applaud them for trying. After a while, I noticed some of the common mistakes and noted to myself to avoid them.

Congratulations to our team for wining a Gold and 2 silver medals!

Besides Taijiquan, I also had the chance to experience Chinese culture and customs. A lot of people at the event shove and push you around to get to places or a better view without saying “Excuse me” or any warning. I quickly learnt the “power of Taiji and Qi” when surprisingly I could feel the force nudging me aside, even for ladies almost half my height and weight. During the conference, there was also sessions where the experts shared their wisdom, experiences and tips on HunYuan Taijiquan but we missed some of it due to miscommunication on the organisers part on the starting time. At one session, we witnessed how passionate the Chinese folks can be when a large group of people rushed forward to grab some notes from one of the experts. There was Pandemonium and it was quite a sight to behold. But seriously, I can see that those who have been practicing HunYuan Taijiquan for a long time, seemed to have a calm and grounded presence and positive energy about them. So, I am glad that I took up this Taijiquan for health and exercise.

I also witnessed the “Push-hands” competition. There are 2 types, one where opponents compete on solid ground within a square area about 5mx5m, while another type takes place on 3 raised small circular platforms where the participants stand on. Two opponents stand facing each other, each with the right leg forward on the centre raised platform (or in the centre of the square area) and a referee will start each round. The person who successfully pushes the opponent outside the area, or makes the opponent touch the ground (for the raised platform) gets a point. I just couldn’t see the application of the Taijiquan – there was more random pushing and jostling your opponent then the intelligent use of the hand and leg movements from the Taijiquan. Only this part of the Conference left me slightly disappointed as I had high expectations.

After the conference, some of us went sightseeing but I missed it as I took an earlier flight back. From their pictures, there is clearly more beauty that China has to offer for sightseeing and views.

I wish to thank Principal Tan for convincing me to attend the Conference as it was an eye-opener. Finally, I heard from the Grandson of Master Feng that talks are under way, and the next event may be in Year 2020 at NingBo. It would be a mainly competition format and not an Exchange Conference. I hope more students from our school will take part in the next event.