Coincidence, I guess… I was re-reading a bit of Fu Zhongwen’s final interview earlier tonight; I saved a copy on my desktop for future reference. Then later I was doing a quick search to see if I could find out anything about Yang Luchan’s birthplace area. After glancing at an article or two I chanced upon this one centering around James Fu.
http://www.yongnian-taiji.co.uk/Article%20Layout.pdf
Possibly many readers will be familiar with both of these pieces (on GM Fu Zhongwen and Master James Fu). What caught my eye this at time was yet another “beware of praise” anecdote. Broadly speaking, it seems that if you are hopeless at taiji, many true masters will simply say “Very good, very nice!” after viewing your form.
Conversely we often hear that if a master troubles to criticize you, you should be honored that he feels there might be hope for you. And truly, why hang out with martial artists, fighters, if mere words trouble you overmuch? Pride goeth before a fall, it’s said.



