Whenever I have seen demonstrations of "Iron-Groin" training within the Chinese community (either inside or outside China) - the men usually expose their groin area. The development in the above video appears to be a nod toward modesty. A "kilt-like" garment is worn so that the genitalia can move "freely" when required to do so - with the spectacle "hidden" from those who might not be attuned to such a remarkable sight. Here, heavy-weights are secured to the penis and testicles by some type of secure cord. When a practitioner first begins this training, a light-weight is added - with the weight steadily increased over-time. The organs, ligaments, and testicles are "strengthened" through a) the application of weight - and b) the "swinging" motion employed. Within TCM - this exercise is thought to build qi (vital-force) and jing (essential-nature) and boost fertility. Within combat - a blow to the groin-area results in minimum pain and does not negatively affect the fight outcome. 

There are other versions which involve the groin-area being systematically struck with ever-increasing levels of power - over-time (see the video). In the old days, when prevailing in combat literally equated to survival within life - groin conditioning made perfect sense. The Ch'an Dao Style involves the groin area being struck - lightly at first (usually with a sword-kick) - with the impact slowly increased over-time. This usually happens as a part of active sparring and is not separated from the act of fighting - as seems to be the case in the two methods above. There are other Daoist methods (involving massage) which are far more gentle in nature and designed as medicinal (for boosting health) - rather than for direct combat effectiveness. Women can also train in this groin-strengthening method - again involving impact of various intensities. 

NOTE: These videos were forwarded to me by friends and colleagues (with permission from their respective Shifu). Therefore, I do not claim to have filmed this footage (or participated in the training) - or personally know the practitioners involved. These videos were not necessarily filmed within the Ch'an Dao Style (although we do practice similar conditioning exercises in private - and can attest to their authenticity). I respectfully present these videos free of charge as a matter of education - and do not claim any Copyright ownership or Exclusive Rights.

Practicing Taijiquan in the early morning (the or evening - when this picture was taken)  is when the air (qi) is at its most inspiring and invigorating! At the moment, although the temperature was -7 last week - today it is +10 degrees Celsius. Whatever the case, the air is cool and fresh and seems to permeate every cell of the body - despite the fact that in reality the breath enters and leaves through the nose and/or mouth. Of course, I am told that a small amount of oxygen leaves and enters through the pours of the skin - but too little for the entire body to exist upon. Still, when breathing deeply (into the lower Dantian) the complete lower lung capacity is utilised giving the feeling that a 'power' or 'entity' is dropping into the lower abdominal area (traditionally two-inches below the naval).

I find it interesting that this special area (which is probably lower than two-inches in reality) coincides with the actual centre of gravity relating to the human (physical) body. The mastering of 'breath' is inherently linked to the mastery of 'balance' and 'movement' all mediated through an enhanced 'rootedness'. The clarified and purified 'awareness' of the mind directs all this activity - which includes the harnessing of the rising (rebounding) force that emanates from the dropped bodyweight impacting with the ground. The dropped bodyweight and rising force is channelled through the epicentre of the perfectly 'aligned' bone-structure (skeleton) which is never lost despite the complexity of the movement involved.

​Of course, part of the qigong used to prepare the practitioner for Taijiquan practice is 'Standing Like a Stake' also termed 'Holding the Ball' - where an individual stands perfectly 'still' both physically and psychologically. We become like a mighty tree which can withstand any weather or unexpected external force! Within the peacefulness of the well-rooted tree is an immense power waiting to be discovered, harnessed and manifest! 

The above is a video on Bili Bili designed for Goju Ryu practitioners in China (or Chinese language speakers around the world). Essentially, Chinese language subtitles have been affixed - with Okinawan-Japanese concepts (cultural interpretations) translated into Chinese philosophical terms. This was uploaded on September 7th, 2022 - but I have not encountered it before. The direction of breathing is explained (stating there are two methods) - with 'kime' (決め) emphasised. This is written as '决定' (Jue Ding) in the Chinese language. 

​决 (決) = jue2 (ki) - certainty, dredge and kill

​定 (め) = ding4 (me) - steady, fix and stabilise

​Interestingly, within Buddhist philosophy the Chinese ideogram '覺' is also catalogued (within modern Pinyin) as 'jue2' - and is related in structure to '决' (jue2) which is used above in 'kime'. This means the ideograms share a common root and depicts a related meaning. Whereas '决' (jue2) suggests a mind-enforced control over the body - '覺' (jue2) refers to the achievement of 'enlightenment' through the mind 'waking-up' - a state achieved only through following the utmost disciplined paths of bodily control. Perhaps the two variants of these ideograms are related. I would suggest this is the case on the grounds that '定' (ding4) - the second ideogram used within 'kime' - is also used to translate the Sanskrit term 'Samadhi' - which refers to a method of 'fixing' the awareness of the mind in one place (preventing the surface mind from moving about without control) - and thereby achieving a permanent 'stillness' of mind (which allows for the perception of 'emptiness'). Again, the physical body is subject to the utmost discipline (through the Precepts as taught in the Vinaya Discipline). 

​The breathing is 'Daoist' in nature and involves a basic filling-up of the dantian with qi (inward breath into the lowest area of the pelvic girdle) - which is then redistributed throughout all the regions of the body (through the outward breath). The retained tension 'pulls' the qi into the dantian - and the maintained muscle tension 'extracts' the accumulated qi into the extremities (both breaths meditated by the awareness of the mind). The 'advanced' breathing is only hinted at and involves the microcosmic circulation of the qi. Qi is breathed into the dantian - which triggers the flow of qi up the Governing Vessel (which runs through the spinal column) and over the top of the head to the upper palate of the mouth. The tongue touches the upper palate with completes the circuit between the Governing Vessel and the Conception Vessel - which starts in the tongue, flows down the front of the body and through the grown and around to the perineum - where the Governing Vessel begins. The Sanchin breathing strengthens and maintains this Daoist breathing. 

Video: Five Animal Interplay! (五禽戲 - Wu Qin Yi)

​I was introduced to these movements in my youth - as a foundation to learning 'Old' (Yang) Taijiquan! In those days traditional training from a Chinese teacher was never questioned. The onus was on 'secrecy' - as if no one else possessed the knowledge just shared (today, the emphasis in China is upon an open sharing). I was told that the outer bodily positions-structures guided the qi energy with greater force into (and through) the five sets of corresponding inner organs thus strengthening and purifying them.

​These exercises are established upon the theory of the 'Five Phases' (五行 - Wu Xing) - first found in the 'Classic of History' (書經 - Shu Jing) - probably linked to the five planets visible to the naked-eye of the ancient civilisations:

​Animal         Organ

Tiger             Liver-Gall Bladder

Deer              Kidneys-Bladder

Bear              Spleen-Stomach

Monkey        Heart-Small Intestine

Crane            Lung-Large Intestine

​As the 'Bear' is the central animal influence of our gongfu family style - this practice was seen as establishing (and enhancing) the rooted and central stability (and strength) this animal represents (the 'spirit' of the bear involves the practitioner suddenly standing-up and appearing much bigger and over-powering). According to the English language Wiki-page - this 'Five Animal Interplay' exercise is linked to the development of Hung Gar and Fujian White Crane (Bak Hok)!

​The way I was taught this exercise involved 'morning' practice (yin moving to yang) and 'evening' practice (yang moving to yin) - with the movements staying the same. Unlike the 'connected' flow shown in the above video (a different style or method) - I was taught 'single' structure exercises that started with feet shoulder-width apart and hands by my sides. After assuming and holding the required position - the structure was completely dropped away back to the 'ready' (neutral) position - in preparation for assuming the next (different) position. I was taught that all these five movements exist implicitly in the Taijiquan Form - and so eventually I was no longer required to practice them separately. 

Wikipedia is a wealth of sagely advice – much of it misleading, incomplete and out of context. For instance, the author dealing with the ‘Tai Sabaki’ page - states that the usual interpretation of Tai Sabali in the West which involving ‘evasion’ is ‘wrong’. However, if an individual can ‘read’ Chinese and/or Japanese ideograms – it is obvious that whatever this concept is - ‘evasion’ forms a central aspect of it. The author in question does not fully comprehend the entire concept of Tai Sabaki and is attempting to join the two ends of an idea together whilst omitting a (vast) theoretical centre-ground!  

1) 体 (Tai) - Japanese Equivalent of Chinese ideogram ‘體’ (ti3) = ‘body’  

This is related to a body (comprised of - and structured by - its internal bone structure) which is augmented in the physical world through musical rituals (involving drumming) and the adornment of jade of jewellery. The body is enhanced by the placement and alignment of its inner structure and the means (rituals) through which this body traverses the outer world. That which is ‘detrimental’ is avoided and that which is ‘nourishing’ is embraced. There is an implication in the Japanese language that ‘体’ (Tai) refers primarily to the trunk and the abdomen – and only secondarily to the limbs. It is the ‘centre’ of the body which has priority over the ‘periphery’ of the body.  

2) 捌 (Saba) - Japanese Equivalent of Chinese ideogram ‘捌’ (ba1) = Disentangle 

This ideogram - (in its Chinese interpretation) can mean ‘eight’ - an alternative form of ‘八’ (ba1). A ‘hand’ which expertly uses a ‘knife’ - cuts through the flesh and bones of a fish so that it is separated into ‘eight’ clean parts (probably a generic term meaning ‘many’). There is also the central idea of ‘disentanglement’ - so that no unnecessary error (or resistance) is met. This is because ‘entanglement’ means ‘hindrance’ - and the skill referred to here involves the ‘avoidance’ of such self-imposed difficulty. Evading ‘resistance’ is the correct path that leads to such a skill. The blade of the knife skilfully feels its way around (and along) the natural contours of the bones – and does NOT cut directly (at right-angles) into the bone-structure at any time. There is a ‘going with’ rather than a ‘going against’. This ideogram is the central element of this Karate-Do principle - and probably means slightly different things within the various styles which make use of it.  

3) き(Ki) - Japanese Equivalent of Chinese ideogram ‘幾’ (ji3) = Skill 

There is an indication of ‘quantity’, ‘measurement’ and ‘refinement’ within Japanese language dictionaries. The suggestion is that the correct manipulation of exact amounts is a great skill which has to be mastered in any successful avenue of life. This idea spans both the material and the spiritual world! An individual can carefully follow the established criterion laid down by those who have gone before – or if such an individual possesses the correct (and right) amounts of psychological insight and physical strength – then they might set out on their own path and become an inspiration for those who are to come!  ​

Conclusion: Meaning 

When taken as an integrated whole – the martial principle of Tai Sabaki (体捌き) suggests that the physical body (its central core and not just its periphery) is skilfully used (manipulated) in a combat situation so that there is no direct conflict between the defender deploying this technique - and an attacker ignoring this technique. Tai Sabaki (体捌き) is NOT just the skilful movement of the arms and legs in ‘protection’ of the central core (the torso). Tai Sabaki (体捌き) is a ‘centre-out’ technique that requires the core and periphery to work in concord. Strength does not clash with strength. The ability to assertively ‘give-way' is the key to this technique. Indeed, when the timing is perfect - ‘giving-way’ becomes far stronger than the momentary strength associated with a dramatic (but short-lived) show of strength! Giving-way, at its highest manifestation, not only ‘absorbs’ and ‘nullifies’ ALL incoming power – but when performed correctly, generates the basis for ‘greater’ power to be produced that is not reliant upon linear (muscular) strength – but rather the ‘circular’ movement associated with the structures of the bones and joints! The bodyweight ‘drops’ into the ground through the shaft of the (aligned) bones and rebounds upwards through the centre of the bone-marrow – producing a seemingly endless supply of ‘muscle-free’ power! As this power is greater than that associated with the muscular ‘tension’ of thuggery – the defender occupies a unique time-space frequency within which the attacker cannot access (or penetrate) regardless of the willpower exhibited. The linear attacks cannot land on an object continuously moving in perfectly timed circles. Once such a level of mastery is achieved – the defender can decide the level damage perpetuated upon the attacker depending upon circumstance. Should the body of the attacker be temporarily or permanently disabled? Should the body of an attacker be only (gently) nullified as if in play? Someone who has mastered Tai Sabaki (体捌き) possesses all these choices. This is why the Wado Ryu Style of Karate-Do posits the highest ideal of a defender possessing the ability to prevent damage to both their own body AND the body of the opponent! An ideal of the highest nobility! 

Blogger's Note: The Chinese martial arts manual mentioned in the below referenced article is termed the '易筋經' or the 'Yi Jin Jing' (or the 'Change Muscle-Tendon-Energy Channel Classic'). Within myth and legend, this manual is said to have been brought to China from India c. 520 CE by the Indian Buddhist monk known as 'Bodhidharma' (who is believed to have 'transmitted' the 'Dhyana' or 'Ch'an School of Mahayana Buddhism to China). My personal opinion is that the data contained in this manual may have been passed on orally - between Master and Disciple - for centuries BEFORE finally being written down and then evolving into the form known today. If this is not the case, then the Yi Jin Ying is a Qing Dynasty construction reflecting key elements of ancient Chinese martial arts practice - ascribed to mysterious and exotic origination! Perhaps the reality is a bit of both. Whatever the reality, the idea of the (Putonghua) '點穴' (Dian Xue) or 'Strike Point' concept and the '點脈' (Dian Mai) perhaps more readily known in the West by its 'Cantonese' expression of 'Dim Mak' (or 'Strike Channel') are well-known concepts within traditional Chinese martial arts. Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - these two terms refer to the same gongfu process of striking the exterior (and 'interior') of the opponent's body in such a manner that the 'Qi' (氣) vital force energy flow is either temporarily or permanently disrupted. This is designed to cause injury along a sliding scale of inflicted damage ranging from a minor (and short-lived) disruption of bodily functions - to devastating damage caused to the internal organs and deep bodily structures - designed to cause 'death' (indeed, it is believed that a true Master can 'strike' a specific medical point even without the opponent knowing - causing death many hours later). It may well be that '精' (Jing) or 'essential nature' and '神' (Shen) or 'expanded empty consciousness' are also 'disrupted' by using this gongfu method - but in different ways. An opponent may be psychologically 'unbalanced' by the presence of his adversary (disrupting 'Shen' with no actual blows being struck) or have the 'Jing' flow disrupted (if opponent is 'male') through a blow delivered to the genitalia or anywhere along the 'Conception' and/or the 'Governing' Vessels, etc. Of course, a powerful blow may be intended to only hit the 'outside' of the physical body structure of the opponent - or be designed to 'penetrate' through these external structures and 'pierce' the inner organs and deep bodily structures. This type of 'hitting' is a routine requirement in the mastery of traditional Chinese martial arts. The concept of '導引' (Dao Yin) or to 'Direct Stretch' - is the traditional foundation for the modern practice known as '氣功' (Qi Gong) or 'Vital Force Energy Cultivation'. ACW (13.4.2023)

2023-04-12 Ecns.cn Editor: Zhao Li

​(ECNS) -- In Chinese costume dramas, people often see a miraculous martial arts skill called Dian Xue (acupoint), which uses pressure points to control or immobilize an opponent. Dian means to strike with a finger and Xue means an acupuncture point.
During fights, martial arts experts use their two fingers to swiftly and forcefully press on a certain part of the opponent's body, immediately immobilizing them.

Compared to Dian Xue, the Yi Jin Jing in martial arts novels is even more miraculous. Yi Jin Jing is known as a classic book about Muscle and Tendon Changing. “Yi” means to change, “Jin” means tendons and muscles, and “Jing”, methods.

Legend has it that anyone who masters the skills in this book can become a master of martial arts and even save others' lives, so martial artists eagerly pursue it.

According to legend, credit for Yi Jin Jing's development is given to Da Mo (Bodhidharma), an Indian monk who lived in the Song Mountains in central China.

Legend said that Yi Jin Jing was left behind by Bodhidharma after he departed the Shaolin Temple. However, there is some debate about the true origin.

But Zhou Weiliang, professor at Hangzhou Normal University, believes that in reality, Dian Xue and Yijin Jing are not as mysterious as they are portrayed in television dramas.

Yi Jin Jing includes the Dao Yin exercises and martial arts exercises. It emphasizes that the core of martial arts lies in internal strength, which is manifested from the inside out. There are no specific martial arts movements in the book. It mainly introduces some exercises to cultivate inner strength. The Dao Yin exercises are related to health preservation via meditation and practicing breathing.

In Qing Dynasty (1636 -1911), some stories mentioned the book Yij Jin Jing. Zhou said that many Qing Dynasty notes are similar to novels, and recorded events are more like stories, in which Yi Jin Jing was described as a "secret martial arts manual".

Zhou believes that some of the descriptions of Yi Jin Jing in current Chinese martial arts novels may have adopted this setting from historical materials of the Qing Dynasty while adding more rich and complex plot lines.

Yi Jin Jing also introduces finger strength training, which involves placing mung beans in a container and repeatedly inserting fingers among the beans to strengthen the hand. Over time, the fingers become as hard as stone and no one can resist them

Some people believe that this may be one of the legendary Dian Xue techniques. However, Zhou believes that the ability to immobilize people with this technique may not actually exist. The miraculous effects are mostly exaggerated in novels and movies.

English Language Article:
​http://www.ecns.cn/m/news/cns-wire/2023-04-12/detail-ihcnkeae0516413.shtml

This Senior Citizen silenced the crowd when she raised her leg above her head! Silence turned into awe when she assumed a perfect ‘Golden Rooster Stands on Guard’ (金鸡独立 - Jin Ji Du Li)! Awe turned into spontaneous applause when she assumed a graceful ‘Single Side Horse’ (一字马 - Yi Zi Ma) Splits! This demonstration of Taijiquan was performed by the 77-year-old Jiang Xuezhen (蒋雪珍) in a park near the ‘White Horse River’ (白马河 - Bai Ma He) - the venue for the 2021 ‘Dragon Boat Race’ held in Fuzhou (Fujian province), Mainland China! This elderly lady was originally an ordinary worker in a garment factory – but is now enjoying her retirement. Not only has she practiced Taijiquan diligently to improve her health and strengthen her weak body - but she also made a name for herself in West Lake Public Park (西湖公园 - Xi Hu Gong Yuan) teaching Taijiquan to the common people! 

Since her graceful and powerful appearance at the Dragon Boat Festival - Jiang Xuezhen's dazzling martial arts skills have aroused the interest of many citizens! Some citizens cannot help but wonder – if this older lady was a professional gymnast before? Was Jiang Xuezhen involved in a lifetime of athletic training and development? The answer to all these questions is a resounding ‘NO’! In fact, Jiang Xuezhen was an ordinary worker employed in a garment factory before retiring - and she had NEVER received any such specialist education in this area before. The advanced pliability of her body (and its ‘ligaments’) stem from the time of her retiring from working in the garment industry. Jiang Xuezhen had to retire from working in the garment industry at the age of 45-year due to a physical issue (for which she successfully underwent recuperative surgery). Jiang Xuezhen admits that this was a very confusing time for her both emotionally and psychologically!  

That is until one day, when she was walking to the West Lake Park (taking exercise), this lady encountered a group of people practicing Taijiquan! At that exact moment - EVERY movement of the Yang Style (the Beijing 24-Step Short-Form) she saw resonated with her mind and body - instantly attracting her attention! When Jiang Xuezhen returned home, she immediately made arrangements to purchase a Taijiquan instructional VCD – which she used to learn Taijiquan through watching carefully and copying the exercises! The next step involved Jiang Xuezhen seeking-out Taijiquan instructors who then corrected and adjusted her ‘Form’ whilst discussing explaining the history and purpose of each sequence - making the revitalising movements much more powerful and effective! Although it took a long time of committed and regular practice, the regular performance of the Taijiquan movements and sequences finally start to transform the natural state and condition of her muscles, joint, bones, ligaments and tendons. At the same time her overall health improved as her inner organs began to strengthen. These changes were so profound that her partner also began to regularly practice Taijiquan! Together, they founded the ‘West Lake Park Taijiquan Practice Group’ - which at the time of writing has at least one-hundred members! 

When giving a recent interview to reporters, Jiang Xuezhen stated: “It is said that with every inch the ligaments stretch – the lifespan is extended by ten years! This is why I stretch my legs every day!” Jiang Xuezhen went on to explain that when she first tried to lift her legs all those years ago – her ligaments were tense there was very little movement with pain! Jiang Xuezhen trained diligently between the ages of 45-60-years old, and then she found that one day ALL the tension in her body completely disappeared and she was able to drop down into the side-splits position – and stand with one leg held-up directly into the air! This is why Jiang Xuezhen is now able to assume the ‘Golden Rooster Stands on Guard’ and ‘Single Side Horse’ Splits with ease! After demonstrating her extraordinary Taijiquan skills, Jiang Xuezhen advises: “Concentrate upon an activity and pursue its perfection with diligence!”  

This is sound advice, as apart from being able to demonstrate her mastery of Taijiquan – Jiang Xuezhen is also a painter! Jiang Xuezhen explained that she liked to draw since a child - and has always kept one or two drawings of the Four Treasures in the study room at home - after retirement. When she was about 65-years old, Jiang Xuezhen accompanied her partner in the study of flower and bird painting in a university designed to cater to the needs of the elderly. After two years of meticulous flower and bird painting - Jiang Xuezhen turned to landscape painting. The landscape paintings provided by Jiang Xuezhen are truly inspiring – with the background and fore-ground scenery featuring lakes and mountains contrasting perfectly! The art of Jiang Xuezhen generates a unique beauty which is enhanced by an atmosphere which is experienced by the observer as being vast and hazy! 

Jiang Xuezhen describes herself as a very serious person. When she learns one thing, she spends all her energy on that single activity. In order to learn landscape painting well, she would only go out daily to practice Taijiquan, but rarely for any other reason. She would often spend a week focusing upon a single picture! Then, in order to match the landscape paintings with the beautiful ideograms that comprised the inscriptions, she also spent a year studying different Chinese calligraphy styles such as seal script, official script, and regular script. "If the font is not good-looking, and the inscription is not well-written, it cannot be regarded as a complete and perfect painting." Jiang Xuezhen explained. This is her true character. It has been nearly 30 years since Jiang Xuezhen retired – yet she has retained the eagerness to learn and perfect everything she turns her hand to! Today, in addition to Taijiquan and landscape painting, Jiang Xuezhen can also perform ballroom dancing! As if all these activities are not enough – Jiang Xuezhen also practices Shaolin martial arts! With her extensive knowledge base and engaging personality, Jiang Xuezhen has become something of an inspiration to the surrounding population – a cultural icon for modern China!  

[Source: Strait Metropolis Daily] 

Chinese Language Source: 

https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20210706A01BBQ00 ​

花30年练太极，福州七旬老太一字马惊艳全场 

高抬腿过头顶，一个爽快的金鸡独立瞬间赢得现场朋友的喝彩，随即她又在地上来了一个漂亮又利索的一字马，把节目推向了高潮……不久前，在福州白马河公园举行的端午节活动现场，一位老太的表演让不少市民自愧不如。这位老太就是福州77岁的蒋雪珍，原是服装厂工人的她，在退休后寻找到自我，不仅苦练太极拳改善了虚弱的身体，还在西湖公园“打”出了名堂，将太极拳教授给了更多的人。 

60余岁练就金鸡独立、一字马动作 

自从在端午节活动中的精彩亮相后，蒋雪珍的花式炫技引起了不少市民的兴趣，有的市民不禁疑惑问，这位老太太以前是不是体操运动员？其实，蒋雪珍退休前是一名服装厂的工人，之前也没有从事过这方面的练习，有着柔软的韧带的起因还要从她退休时说起。 
 
45岁时的蒋雪珍因为身体原因动了手术后，便从原来就职的服装厂退休了。而突然的退休让将蒋雪珍手足无措，每日不知道该做些什么，陷入了迷茫。直到有一日，她散步到西湖公园时，看到了不少人在练太极拳，一招一式瞬间吸引了她的注意。抱着锻炼身体的想法，她购买了太极拳教学碟片，通过不断地的模仿练习学会了太极拳，在与太极拳老师的交流切磋中更精进了太极拳的动作。而在长期的锻炼后，蒋雪珍感到身体逐渐舒爽了不少，更是动员她的爱人一起到在西湖公园中练习太极拳。在30年间，不少市民自发向她学习太极拳，为此，她和爱人还成立了一个西湖如春太极辅助站，学员最多的时候达到了近百人。 

“都说筋长一寸，寿延十年，每次运动后，我都拉拉腿。”蒋雪珍告诉记者，原先的她腿抬高一点腿都觉得筋绷得崩的紧，但在多年的锻炼中，她不断尝试拉伸韧带，到了60岁左右，才能可以做出金鸡独立、一字马的动作。 

“专心做一件事，并要把它这件事做精” 

除了一字马、金鸡独立、太极拳外，蒋雪珍还是一个画家。蒋雪珍说，她从小就喜欢画画，退休后在家里也时常备上文房四宝画上一两副。于是在她65岁左右，她的爱人便带她来到了老年大学里学习花鸟画，在两年的工笔花鸟设色学习入门后，蒋雪珍又转入山水画的学习中。在蒋雪珍提供的山水画作品中，湖和山相映衬的秀丽景色，在苍茫朦胧的氛围中有着独特的美感。 

蒋雪珍自喻是个较真的人，学习一件事时，便将所以精力花在一件事上，为了学好山水画，她除了每日的太极拳练功外，便少有外出，常常花上一周的时间认真绘一幅画。而后为了给山水画配以好看的题款，她还用了一年的时间去学习了篆书、隶书、楷书等书体。“如果字体不好看，题款写不好就不能算是一幅完整、好看的画。”蒋雪珍说。 

正是较真的性格，蒋奶奶在退休后的近30年间，不断地的保持好学的心，并将每件事做到精，如今的她除了太极拳、山水画外，她还会交际舞、少林武术，成了周围人口中“技能点满满”的潮人。 
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【来源：海峡都市报】 ​

Sensei Yoshitaka Inokuma (猪熊佳孝) was born on the 25.2.1920 - and as of 2022 - he is currently 102-years-old! Although he currently holds an 8th Dan Black Belt Grade - he gave-up wearing the White 'gi' uniform and coloured belts years ago as he focuses to an ever greater degree on the 'Chinese' spiritual and physical roots of the martial art he tells everyone should be known as 'Chinese Hand' and not 'Empty Hand'! His Dojo is open twice a week for two 24 hour stints - where students can walk in and out as they please. (During its 'closed' days, individuals and groups can attend through arrangement)! Sensei Yoshitaka Inokuma (猪熊佳孝) does not teach all the classes (which are often directed by Sensei Masahiko Ando 8th Dan) - but can often be seen wandering in and out in a natural manner - very different to the average Japanese Dojo. 

Shuri Ryu karate-Do is a traditional fighting system formed in Kyushu before the Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) - which combines Okinawan Shuri-te (Shuri-Hand) and various elements of old Japanese martial arts. As is typical with many Okinawan martial arts - Shuri-Te has both Chinese and Okinawan influences. By combining these influence with Japanese fighting arts - a more all-round system was produced. This is the martial system that Yoshitaka Inokuma (猪熊佳孝) has taught at the Hasshokan Dojo for more than half a century - where he has established a temple for storing important historical objects and documents relating to the theory and practice of the martial art of Shuri Ryu. This Dojo is located Japan's Kagawa Prefecture, situated within Takamatsu City. Shuri Ryu involves the alignment of the bones and joints, as well as the alignment of the mind, body and environment! The must become calm, expansive and all embracing - whilst the bodyweight drops through the aligned bones and joints before hitting the ground and rebounding upwards - creating a massive counter-force which is transitioned around the body through 'will-power' and 'intention' - so that it can be emitted through the relevant (attacking) anatomical weapons. The Shuri Ryu practitioner is 'still' and perfectly 'centred' - and yet can move with a surprising speed and agility whilst applying an explosive power which is enhanced by a profound relaxation of body and mind! By breathing deeply and fully all these attributes fall into place and the centre of gravity is 'dropped' - ready to stabilise, move and evade, or 'explode' with a surprising force! 

Chinese Language References:

https://www.sohu.com/a/319652408_120134390
https://www.cup.com.hk/2019/04/15/99-years-old-karate-master/

​Japanese Language References:
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https://seisiyoukan.jimdofree.com
http://don110510.blog.jp/archives/17067832.html
​https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/15123