I remember when Chiang and I went to have our pictures taken at a local mall in Springfield, Pa. It was a sunny afternoon. I had the day off and asked Chiang if he would enjoy having some lunch and just spend a day together. One thing led into another and the next thing you know we're having our pics taken. I'm not gonna show you mine 'cause it's messed up! Ugh!
A little bit of info on Chiang. How I met him, or how he "found" me will be posted elsewhere on my blog. Mr. Chiang started studying Tai Chi a little late in life. It was during the mid 70's when it was suggested to him to study Tai Chi for his health. He was feeling a bit "out of shape", so to speak. He was a bit over weight, as he fondly admitted, and his overall health was slowing down. After a thorough check-up by his family physician the prognosis was that he was just getting older and to take it easy for now. Nothing major in the way of his health. That wasn't enough for Chiang and his family. He needed a way to gain back the energy he once possessed. That's when his daughter suggested going back to Taiwan to seek out a competant Taiji master. There were many instructor's to choose from since he had several contacts there (in Taiwan). He chose Hsiung Yang-ho. Upon his arrival in Taiwan he soon began what was to be about a three year intensive study with Hsiung. Chaing started out as an eager student among about 60 other individuals. They would meet daily in a local gathering spot to train. It was soon discovered by Hsiung that Chiang was a hard working 'student' that practiced daily until the moves taught to him were imbeded solidly in his mind. Chiang soon became what was known as an 'indoor student' of Hsiung. This meant that he was to receive almost a one on one training with Hsiung. Some would say that three years of study is minimal when it comes to Tai Chi training and that may be true. What matters most is how the student grasps the concepts and is digilent in practice. This was Chiang to a T!
Chiang continued his training with Hsiung in his style of Taiji along with several other forms of QiGong and Sword. He also learned the two man set of San Shou and push-hands training. Upon Chiang's return to the USA he continued the practice and soon taught the form(s) to others. Oh, I should go on to mention that upon his return to the USA, he lost the extra pounds, was more flexible, a better sleeper, better appetite, and so on. No medication, no prescriptions, just daily Taiji practice. What an accomplishment! Believe me when I tell you this to be true. I saw the "before" and "after" pictures! I also heard the stories from his family countless times in the past as I was very close to them as well.
