Grand Master Chen Po Hsi-I is the legendary founder of Hwa-Yu T'ai Chi Ch'uan (Liu Ho Pa Fa). He lived during the early part of China's Sung Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD). Master Chen spent long periods of hermitage and meditation in the mountains. He grew up in the village of Ching Yun in the Ho Chow district and spent much of his time as a boy playing by the water near the shore. Always watched over by his "green dressed lady," Master Chen developed a fascination for the fluid, ever-changing character of water. Later, no doubt, his observation carried over into the Taoist belief that nothing is so yielding, yet possesses so great a force.
Chen Hsi-I was, by all accounts, understanding, clever and studious, possessing what today might be termed a photographic memory. Although his boyhood had all the earmarks of correct preparation for grooming of a young man to become a high official of the Sung Dynasty, Chen failed the examination necessary to become an official. What reaction he had towards this failure can be measured by his short-lived ambition to become an officer of the court. Quite soon after that decision, Hsi-I gave up the inclination and decided to become a traveler. He devoted the rest of his life to travel and to long periods of hermitage--usually in the mountains beside streams.
It was during the mountain hermitages that Master Chen authored four books: Chee Hin, Ko Yung, Du Tam and The Fable of Sam Fung. He also wrote a treatise on Twenty-Four Ways to Guide the Chi Throughout the Body. Chen also developed an exercise called Lop Hop pak Fat (Liu Ho Pa Fa) or "Six Combinations Eight Methods."
The story goes that Emperor Chen Hong Yuen, who had long admired Chen Hsi-I's exceptional prowess as a Kung Fu warrior, asked the Taoist monk to assist him in war strategy. Although Master Chen was indeed an expert in Kung Fu, he nevertheless refused the Emperor's bidding. Aggravated assault was not part of his Taoist way of life. Instead, Chen invited the Emperor to a chess match. If Chen Hsi-I should win, the Emperor was to give him the Hwa Shan mountain range, but if he should lose, Chen would comply with the Emperor's plans to defeat his enemies. Chen Hsi-I, who was nobody's fool, easily won the match over the pre-occupied Emperor. Master Chen was therefore able to reveal to his distracted opponent the short comings of a troubled mind, while at the same time gain land for no payment. The Hwa Shan mountain range was given to Chen Hsi-I and there he developed the exercise Lop Hop Pak Fat. This exercise was later named Hwa-Yu T'ai Chi Ch'uan after the Hwa Yu mountain peak, the highest peak among the mountain range. Today, a shrine stands atop Hwa Yu in the exact spot where the match took place.
"Those who set out to learn the exercise, do not misjudge the value of The Chinese Five Word Song."
Verses 133-134
"The Chinese Five Word Song" was written by Master Li Tung Fung during the early part of China's Sung Dynasty. Master Li learned Hwa-Yu T'ai Chi Ch'uan (Liu Ho Pa Fa Ch'uan Fa) from Master Chen Hsi-I, creator of the martial art and health exercise. Master Li Tung Fung took refuge in the mountain of Yun, southeast from the Lok district. While living on Yun, he authored the famous Chinese Five Word Song, which serves today as the only extant treatise explaining the principles of the original Liu Ho Pa Fa.
Hwa-Yu T'ai Chi Ch'uan was a closed-door martial art for almost 1,000 years. Master John Chung Li opened the door to hundreds of students in China, the United States and Europe. Master Li translated The Chinese Five Word Song and added his commentary to each of the 134 verses to help students understand the truth within Internal Martial Arts. We are privileged to now offer the insights to this phenomenal martial art and healthcare science through the publication of The Chinese Five Word Song.
We are extremely pleased to announce the publication of The Chinese Five Word Song. It's filled with tremendous insights into the philosophy and guiding principles of Internal Martial Arts from one of the true masters of the 20th Century.
You can purchase "The Chinese Five Word Song" from top online book sellers (Barnes and Noble, Borders Books, Amazon.com and Books A Million).
Contact Mark McGee by e-mail if you would like to receive a signed copy of the book.
You'll also enjoy the new book by Master Glenn Newth titled "Hwa Yu T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Five-Word Song." You can purchase this book through any of the major booksellers websites.
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