Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing has moved on and is now in Seattle. Here in San Diego, we reviewed Laojia Erlu, Laojia Yilu, Push Hands, and the first section of Xinjia Yilu. A taste only, but at the same time, such an incredibly deep level of instruction. The first 5 moves of laojia yilu provide a richness that offers a lifetime of practice. The xinjia yilu? – well, several lifetimes of practice!
The clarity of the principles in GM CXX’s movement is evident in each posture and each transition. Learning from him requires no translation into English, his hands-on corrections communicate exactly where to go in the move, and his thumbs-up and/or laughter tell you exactly how far you have (or haven’t) advanced since his last visit.
There is ongoing debate on the value of these short seminars. For me, they are always valuable because of the gems they contain. I am not looking to learn an entire form, although some students do come for this brief exposure, and I think that’s absolutely fine and it has it’s own value. I am looking for the small pieces of understanding that I can apply to my practice, that will help advance my level. GM CXX provides this to the nth degree. He doesn’t just teach choreography, he teaches principles and theory in each move, and I treasure this knowledge.
Next opportunity – Stephan Berwick in July! Details on that seminar coming soon–
