Sussex Zhong Ding Tai chi chuan and Chinese martial arts Association 2.03

Malaysian Zhengzi (Cheng Man Ching) Taijiquan

Taijiquan is known throughout the world as a Chinese movement art, whose gentle, slow movements are beneficial to health and wellness of both body and mind. What is less well-known is that the art is a truly effective fighting system, as well as a repository of many aspects of Chinese culture.
The taijiquan of Master Zheng Manqing (Cheng Man Ching) first came to what is now Malaysia in 1958. Zhengzi taijiquan is an offshoot of the popular Yang style, which, thanks to the genius of Grandmaster Zheng, was developed and reformed to make the art the very embodiment of ancient Chinese philosophy.
Zhengzi taijiquan consists of a solo form of 37 postures, two-person sensitivity exercises, known as pushing hands, and the practice of a 54 movement sword form together with accompanying sensitivity and sparring exercises.
At the same time that the above forms and practices are being learnt, the student learns to organize their body so as to make the most efficient use of its energy and power. Such structural training is then combined with visualization and breathwork . This work is known as neigong (internal work) or qigong (energy work), and enables the exponent to unify and make the most efficient possible use of body, mind and spirit.
The first teachers of Zheng’s taijiquan in Malaysia, including Grandmaster Zheng himself, proved the efficacy of their art as a fighting system, in challenge matches with practitioners of other Chinese martial arts systems. With this proven, the gentle and effective movements of the art were transmitted as an effective system of health promotion.
This art, based as it is on a consistent theoretical foundation, is straightforward to learn, and its numerous benefits may be attained with a small amount of regular practice. With a firm grasp of its essential principles, the taijiquan practitioner can take positive, daily steps to improve wellness of body, mind and emotions. This art is truly a great cultural treasure and one that is now available to the world.

Nigel Sutton