Maui is home to quite a number of ancient traditions that refuse to die out with the passage of time. Chiefly due to the fact that their exponents are not willing to let their knowledge fade with time.
In China doctors regularly prescribe Tai Chi Chuan as therapy for high blood pressure, heart problems, poor circulation, asthma, impotence, nervous diseases as well as arthritis and all manner of neck, back and joint problems.
Enter Mark Cohen, foremost exponent of the Tai Chi Chuan tradition and Chi Gung practitioner in the Hawaiian Islands.
Mark Cohen is the direct lineage holder of the Wu family style of Tai Chi Chuan. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to talk and expound on the ancient discipline that he is privy to.
Mark was the disciple of Master Kumar Frantzis, who was the disciple of master Liu Hung Chieh, who was the disciple of Master Wu Jien Chuan, who was the son and best student of the founder of the Wu style of Tai Chi Chuan.
Sigung Cohen explains this style as follows: "Although all forms of Tai Chi are equally good for self defense, the Original Lineage Wu Style has proven itself time and again to be clearly superior for healing (especially joint and spinal problems) and for meditation (advanced forms of Taoist alchemy can be experienced in both the subtle and physical bodies simultaneously during practice)".
The movements of this method of Tai Chi Chuan create internal pressures and stretches that cause every muscle, ligament, tendon and bone in the body to be used and every lymph node and internal organ to be massaged. Eventually these movements cause the spine to elongate thus relieving the pressure on the vertebrae and discs. It is this pressure that causes the back and neck pain that sends so many people to doctors and chiropractors. This form also overhauls, strengthens and calms the central nervous system and as such is also an excellent Stress Management System for releasing physical, emotional and mental stress.
Original Lineage Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan was deliberately designed to not show what is really happening internally. Therefore these methods cannot be learned from a video or even from watching a teacher in class. They must be transmitted directly from a lineage holder to the student one on one.
With this transmission and 2yrs daily practice, an individual in their 50's or 60's can add between 10-20 healthy years to their life while becoming functionally younger."
Sigung Cohen continues in saying that, "power does not come from the muscles, rather from the use of the fluids of the body. There are three(3) types of Tai Chi Power: Gang Ging - Hard Power, Rou Ging - Soft Power and finally Hua Ging - Transformational Energy. Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan is different in that it is good for healing and fluids of the body are used instead of the muscles."
We were sincerely honored to talk with Sigung Mark Cohen and look forward to the many years ahead with his enlightenment.
Sigung Cohen conducts one on one training sessions at a inexpensive rate. We feel this is well worth the expenditure and the time. For those interested in setting up a session with Sigung Cohen or would like more information; contact your local OMAS chapter office and we will gladly set up an appointment under our "Instructor Referral System" free of charge.
Once again Aloha Nui Loa Sigung Mark Cohen!
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