WORKSHOP 2004: Malisa made Direct Disciple by Master Zhu

Tea Ceremony (21/3/2004)

In a totally unexpected development during the Workshop Master Zhu asked Malisa if she would become his "direct disciple".Coming from a World leading Chen stylist like Master Zhu this was of course a great honour for the Club.

Master Zhu explained that he had a great number of informal students throughout the world because of his many years of international travel and teaching.

He has decided it is time to formally organise and recognise certain clubs and individuals through whom he wants to pass down the Chen style TaiChi tradition of which he himself is a "Standard Bearer" from Chen Village.

 

Tea Ceremony (21/3/2004)

He further explained that candidates for discipleship must possess at least four of the following six qualities before he would consider choosing them:

(1) The necessary level of Martial Arts skill, teaching ability and good character.
(2) Practised Chen style seriously for at least ten years.
(3) Practised continuously for at least the last 4 years.
(4) Gained significant ranking in Chen TaiChi competitions.
(5) Demonstrated organisational ability for spreading Chen style.
(6) Presently be teaching TaiChi.

Malisa first sought permission from her original Master (Yap) who himself was taught by Master Zhu. Through an informal tea ceremony, in the presence of Club members on the last day of the Workshop, Malisa became a part of Master Zhu's International family.

Lunch

She is now a 20th generation Chen style Teacher recognised by Chen Village and is only the 5th female teacher world-wide to be welcomed into Master Zhu's family in this way.

Master Zhu concluded by announcing that he is organising an International Chen style TaiChi Convention in Singapore (his teaching base outside of Chen Village China) for Sept/Oct 2005 and invited the Club to send representatives.

His visit really was a great success and a good time was had by all. With the assistance of our new friends we hope to share Master Zhu with Christchurch and perhaps Wellington on his next visit - already confirmed for 2006.