Those even slightly familiar with our site, might note the name C. S. Tang. Sifu Tang is a familiar figure in Chinese martial arts (CMA) and also the co-author with Liu Jing Ru, of a popular Bagua Zhang book, “Dragon Stretches its Claws”. We went by his school and were warmly greeted by Sifu Tang. There had been years of correspondence but this was our first meeting with this enthusiastic and convivial teacher. In typical CMA manner we sat and talked about common links and people we all know. He informed us that Kung Fu was thriving in Hong Kong (partly because of entertainment) with a lot of instructors all around and even an invitational weekly demonstration every Sunday in Kowloon Park.
The next day we met again in the school and interviewed him, mostly on the subject of Yi Quan. I didn’t ask just technical questions, but tried to get at the heart of those things which really bother us. In the case of Yi Quan, it was the wide diversity of opinion about how functional the training is (We hope to post the complete interview some time during the next week.) One thing came through, Sifu Tang is a fan of the style and, as archivist and secretary of the Hong Kong Yi Quan Association, he speculates that he has filmed just about every practitioner whose has come to Hong Kong, and therefore might have the largest collection of Yi Quan film available today.
A short bus ride then we sat in the “dance room” at the Sheung Wan Sports Centre as the class warmed up. We spotted a Tai Chi Sword (a very faithful editon of the 13 powers sword), Yang Style Tai Chi Long Set, Gao Bagua Line practice, and Bagua Gao style two person applications . The Gao style caught my eye because it relied heavily on teacup spinning palms and even encouraged leaning and turning to complete its tight spinning actions. Two people might practice individual lines than stepping together practice the same line with each other. The partner work was true to Bagua with much body turning and spine twisting. The partner work was also distinguised with a lot of China Na and sticking with the body, not just the limbs. This form of training helps to make Gao syle very clear in application, and therefore it looks like a branch that may well become very popular
After class tea at a local shop, all of us crowded with two tables. We were offered a “local speciality” which turned out to be a sort of French toast sandwich. The significant variation being a thin coat of peanut butter in the middle. Yes, that’s what I said and—as always—food reflects culture; Hong Kong is a dynamic place where innovation and fusion go hand in hand yet, while the city models itself around traditional activites such as Kung Fu. Particularly in this case, this might be the perfect formula for survival.
(UPDATE! See our new interview with the author of the new book, Complete Book of Yiquan, Sifu Tang.)
C, S, Tang: Hong Kong location
Yang Xin Studio 15/F., Block B, 68-76 Hennessy Rd, Wanchai, Hong Kong
