Cheng Man ch'ing

Cheng Man-ch'ing was a remarkable Chinese expert of Tai Chi, Chinese medicine, and the so-called three perfections: calligraphy, painting and poetry. He was born in Yongjia (present-day Wenzhou), Zhejiang Province, during the Qing dynasty. He learned painting from his aunt and became a successful artist and teacher in Beijing and Shanghai. He also studied Chinese medicine and cured himself of tuberculosis. He learned Yang style Tai Chi from Yang Chengfu and became one of his most prominent disciples. He created a shortened version of the Yang form, which he taught in Taiwan and New York. He also wrote many books on Tai Chi, medicine, and philosophy. He was known as the "Master of Five Excellences" because of his skills in the three perfections, medicine, and Tai Chi. He died of a heart attack in Taipei in 1975. He left behind many traces of his art and wisdom, as well as numerous students who continue his legacy.