Testimonial Poem
MASTER YANG
I'd heard about this teacher from a land far away.They said I needed to meet him to study taiji one day.
Yang was his first name and his last name, too.
It took me quite a while, but my wish came true.
I was training under Boswell in a Tennessee town,
Sharpening up my skills for when Master Yang came down.
I Pounded Buddha's Mortar by doing a Single Whip.
Made the White Crane Spread Its Wings and
the Blue Dragon take a dip!
Alas, I was ready when the big day finally came.
When Master Yang came to Knoxville, I was at the
top of my game.
I could Walk Obliquely and Twist Step
on Both Sides.
I could be Lazy About Tying Coat even
if it was buffalo hide!
Master Yang began the workshop
on an easy note. . . I thought.
Did the same moves we were learning . . .
the same as Boswell taught.
I just knew I was looking good as we
Covered Head and Pushed Mountain.
He smiled at my efforts and simply said, "Let's
take a break. . . go to water fountain!"
He did a demonstration that left us
all in awe.
Made the Jade Girl Work at Shuttle
smoothest thing I ever saw!
Well, I thought about my own
game, how Tornado Foot was
such a menace!
Considered turning in my ruler
and going back to tennis.
But, his confidence and easy manner
said I should persevere.
After months and months of practice
it's finally becoming clear.
It's the little things in life that
some may think are dumb.
The greatest reward is for him to see you trying
and give you "the thumb!"
R. Marks
September 12, 2002
Copyright © 2004-2008 by the Center for Taiji Studies.