​A community is a group of people that live together in close proximity on a daily basis. This cooperation maybe loose in affiliation but consistent in existence. Passage in and out of the community can be fluid – whilst different sub-groups contribute to the cultural texture of the collective. When there is peace throughout the land – and there exists ample resources – then threats to any community will be at a minimum. However, should these conditions change at any time – then conflict might erupt both within and without the community structure. Scapegoating and buck-passing often leads to friction between different ethnic groups so that violence replaces peaceful discourse and profitable commerce. Violence becomes the only currency through which individuals and groups communicate.

​When this violent situation develops – it is often beyond the control of any single group or individual - and appears to take-on a life of its own. In other words, there is a force of motion away from peaceful co-existence and toward violent interaction. Human organisation reverts to primitive instincts similar to the situation portrayed during the beginning of the (1968) Stanley Kubrick film entitled “2001 – A Space Odyssey” – which sees a group of Hominids (early humans) suddenly develop the ability to use objects in the environment as “weapons” against one another. This evolutionary process quite literally changes the balance of tribal power around the local watering hole. The human brain develops an extraordinary power to dialectically “think” about the physical environment it inhabits – and together with an opposable thumb – the evolved human-being eventually develops advanced technology and space travel! 

Survival against external attack is the primary purpose of genuine self-defence. Although political and religious beliefs (which vary considerably from one culture to another) might contribute to fighting-spirit and the ability to self-sacrifice – these attributes should not distract from the primary point - which states that combat effectiveness equates to a greater chance of survival. This being the case, and given that we practice traditional (Hakka) Chinese martial arts, the broader point is not the specific conditions that define our martial reality – such as Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism (as well as Asian politics) – it is important to remember that we are also British and possess a rich texture of English and Irish cultural input, as well as Welsh and Scottish influence. All these things give us strength when we take our place in the frontline. Once we manifest our cultural strength of bravery and stoicism – it is the efficacy of our martial technique which will define the course of events.

In other words, regardless of cultural influence, the manner in which a fight (or combative experience) will unfold relies entirely upon the individual’s mastery of their mind and body - whilst experiencing extreme environmental pressure. In such a situation, “grace under pressure” is required – so that each punch, kick, elbow, or head-butt, etc – will be dodged when incoming - and landed cleanly when outgoing the moment such a blow is required to do so. The ideological programming of the aggressive opponent will be short-circuited by the superior martial technique of the group (or individual) being targeted – proving that correct martial training, positioning, and movement overcomes any purely "cerebral" ideological programming – regardless of what that ideology might (or might not) include. Simply believing something to a pathological extent will not necessarily generate the desired effect in the physical environment. Manic ideology is not enough to cause a lasting change – if various other groups retain a superior (and more realistic) approach to martial training. Genuine self-defence requires the perfect mastery of the martial moment. 

Translator's Note: My attention was recently drawn to the fact that Japan very rarely grants full Japanese citizenship to non-ethnic Japanese-born people - this includes Chinese and Koreans born in Japan (who have to carry ID cards to prove that they are NOT ethnically Japanese despite possessing a legal right to live in the country) - but the Japanese government did eventually grant Welshman "CW Nicol" (1940-2020) full Japanese citizenship in 1995 after he had lived in the country for many decades as a person of permanent status. In his 1975 book entitled "Moving Zen - Karate as a Way to Gentleness" - CW Nicol describes an encounter he had with an ethnic Chinese Master of Taijiquan - also living in Japan. I have included this story below - interspersed with a newspaper article regarding a Japanese Exhibition celebrating the life of CW Nicol held in 2020! ACW (20.8.2020)

I visited Redhill probably around 2005 and the Scout Hut - which I think was just to the left of Redhill Train Station was still there - in what is today the extended car-park. Today, this Scout Hut is no longer present. I refer to it as a "Scout Hut" - because that is what we called back in 1984. Me and friend (we had met at school in Exeter) had attended a College in Reigate (in the days of "free" education) - and we both decided to take-up a local hobby in the form of Karate-practice. We both had our reasons and I have explained my own in a different post. 

A member of staff at the College had recommended this Karate-Class - which turned-out to be Wado-Kai Karate-Do - a branch of Wado-Ryu that stated that it was maintaining true purity of the Wado Ryu-Style. This situation came about as various Karate-Clubs broke-away from their root-styles - and entered the world of Sport-Karate. This involved an ideological shift from transcending-ego - to encouraging and strengthening-ego. The reason for this shift was money - as student numbers that had been high in traditional classes were falling and for many instructors a new approach was thought to be needed.

We originally trained at the Sovereign Leisure Centre between September and December - 1983. Following the Christmas Holidays of four-weeks (over December-January) we returned for a new term in 1984 - to find that the Karate-classes had suddenly moved to the Scout Hut near Redhill Train Station! I do not know why - but the interior of the hut accommodated around 20 committed Karate-ka once a week (I think Tuesday evenings). This was under Sensei Alan Bound 1st Dan who did a very good job moulding our minds and bodies in this ancient martial arts!

Our family style of Hakka Gongfu involves "Rucksack" running as both an "External" and an "Internal" practice method which builds muscle and joint power, bone strength, and psychological determination and indomitable spirt! As the pack weighs 56 lbs at its maximum weight (it can sometimes be raised to 76 lbs - but this is rare) - it is also a good indicator of developing and maintaining (skeletal) body-alignment - important for dropped body-weight and rebounding power found in the Internal method found in Taijiquan. When young, rucksack running is "External" - whilst for the older practitioner rucksack running becomes "Internal" - and has to be modified as a practice. Long distance running can be interspersed (or changed with) the shorter distances involved in circuits-training. Either way, the positive effects on the mind and body are absolutely the same:

I have been pursuing a three-month circuit-training of five-days a week running three-time around the block (Monday-Friday) - carrying the 56 lbs pack. Running in urban environments is easier in one way as the surfaces tend to "flatter" than their "cross-country" (off-road) equivalents. However, running with a weighted rucksack is dangerous as when falling down the impact with the ground is magnified by the extra weight being carried. Falling upon grass, in mud or through water, for instance, is preferrable to falling upon concrete, as such a tumble "cushions" the fall. Yesterday (Monday), at around 830 am, I was slightly distracted whilst running over a broken piece of tarmacked pavement. This happened during the 66th run of my intended 70 - a training stint which will conclude this Friday (December 22nd, 2023). 

My legs were cut-out from beneath me and I fell onto my hands and knees - with the rucksack propelled upwards and over my right-shoulder. My palms soundly struck the pavement - saving me from a face injury - with my well-conditioned hands suffering no damage. Most the weight, however, entered the ground through my left-knee. My right-knee took about half as much impact. the friction (heat) between the surface-skin of my knees and the fabric of my running-trousers caused the surface-skin to "rub-off" - as can still be seen above. This is why I now have substantial knee-abrasions. A passing neighbour - who was astonished to see me tumble past him - stopped to help me up. This was not as easy as it might have looked - as I had to readjust the heavy pack, and rearrange my legs and knees to attempt an upward thrust from the ground in good order (from a kneeling on one-knee position). This I successfully achieved - thanking my Muslim neighbour for his truly caring attitude. This is why I replied "Peace to you - my friend"! I then reassumed my training - showing a "straight" and "committed" mind-set in the face of adversity - finishing that day's training. When I got home, my partner - Gee - carried-out her usual "nursing" function of repairing the war-wounds of her Hakka Warrior husband using the family Dit Da Jow to clean and dress the wounds. Today, I was up early to continue my training in the rain!  

I think that about 40 people from Hereford boarded a coach during the Spring or Summer of 1986 - and headed to Poole, Dorset - a journey of 134 miles in a Southerly direction! This journey took about 4 hours to complete and when we arrived we all booked into a hotel - with two-people per room. If memory serves me correctly, we trained on Saturday and Sunday - before returning back to Hereford on the Sunday evening. I am featured in this video in the photographs listed below. If it was 1986 - I would have either 18 or 19 years old depending on whether this event took place before or after the end of May! 

We all trained in Shukokai Karate under Sensei Tom Beardsley at the Hinton Leisure Centre - although occasionally I understand that Tom Beardsley also taught at a number of other places. (I once graded on a Saturday morning in a small school training hall I never saw before or after)! I left the style in 1987 - along with many others - when the direction of the style started to locally depart from that advocated by Sensei Kimura - whom I got to talk to on the Course. As part of my overall gongfu training - I thoroughly enjoyed my time training with Shukokai and I learned a tremendous amount about hard-hitting! When Kimura's Shukokai was at its peak in Hereford - it was a thing of considerable beauty - and I will never forget the military connection or the kindness I experienced. 

This is 'me' - a 'hard' and 'ferocious' warrior - on a secret gongfu mission to learn as much as I can about Japanese Karate whilst still in education, before returning to the practice of our family gongfu style! The above video was forwarded to me by my Goju Ryu Karate-Do teacher - Sensei Tony Smith 5th Dan - as I had no idea it existed! Although it is difficult to tell - I am either a 'Purple' or 'Brown' belt at the time! 

​These ideograms are written in Old Chinese Script - but pronounced using Japanese and Okinawan language.

[square] brackets = Chinese pronunciations
(round) brackets = Japanese-Okinawan pronunciations

​a) 補 (Ho) = [bu3] - increase, aid, repair, supplement, mend, compensate and nourish

​b) 助 (Jo) = [zhu4] - help, support, augment and assist

​c) 運 (Un) = [yun4] - transport, carry, utilise, revolve, buoyancy and fate

​d) 動 (Do) = [dong4] - move, act, alter, momentum and touch

​It seems that the four ideograms are deployed using two couplets:

​1) 補助 (Hojo) = supplement and auxiliary [Buzhu]

​2) 運動 (Undo) = sporting and competitive vigorous movement [Yundong]

​The following is a contemporary webpage from Taiwan (auto-translated into 'English' entitled '法規內容-教育部運動發展基金補助各級學校運動團隊作業要點') continuously uses the term '補助運動' (Hojo Undo - Buzhu Yundong) - which is used exclusively to refer to 'supplementary sporting exercises':

​The inclusion of the terms 'buoyancy', 'touch', 'transport', 'momentum' and 'fate' - all suggest an 'internal' management of the 'external' (physical) body (through the attainment of an 'effortless momentum'). Therefore, although this term is common-place in China - the mastery it refers to is certainly not common-place. On the one-hand, a man or woman might train to win a Gold Medal or World Title - but these achievements (as important as they are for the 'Nation') only fall inside the 'external' component of this term. On the other-hand, Karate-Do Styles such as Goju Ryu exemplify the principle of the 'internal' superseding the 'external' - even though a lifetime must be spent subsumed in the 'external' whilst attempting to understand this relationship and transition into the infinitely powerful 'internal' position. Of course, ultimately, both the 'external' and the 'internal' integrate into a perfect, functioning 'whole' - as can be seen during a perfect execution of a Kata.  

Dear Tony (Sensei)

Exactly - well said. As you already know (these are really 'Notes' to clarify my own understanding - as I know you know) - real combat is fluid and requires an instantaneous adaptation. My view is that this ability stems from years of experience endlessly repeating the same movement - or patterns of movements (in a disciplined manner) - whilst participating in sparring (or various other types of fighting) - where all this ingrained activity comes out (due to necessity) and manifests in all kinds of weird and wonderful ways!

Usually, simplicity prevails over the complex in such situations defined through 'immediacy' - and much of the modern 'Bunkai' is so very intricate and diverse that I doubt any of it could be realistically applied in the few seconds required to nullify an attack AND take away an opponent's ability to effectively respond. (Whilst holding one of their arms - the opponent still has a head, one arm and two legs free to respond - more than enough to be effective).

When I think back to training with yourself in Hereford and Cardiff (and the Tensho Kata you demonstrated in Sutton) - I remember your weight being firmly 'dropped' (rooted) whilst you also seem to 'float' - like a cork bobbing about on the surface of the water! This manifestation is continuous and effortless whilst being retained whether you are standing still, moving (in any direction) or even sitting down.

From this foundation your arms and legs are 'moved' depending upon the Kata, Basic or exercise being demonstrated. I suppose what you are saying is that modern Bunkai focuses too much upon the movement of the arms and legs - but tends to by-pass (or 'ignore') the need to be 'rooted' and to 'move' properly from this root.  

​Thanks

​The funny thing is that component movements of the Islamic martial art of 'Chaquan' looks identical to our 'Hakka' Longfist Style - even down to the applications - but Longfist is generic and certainly not rare! It comprises hundreds (or thousands) of Northern Styles and is common-place (it has even penetrated a number of Southern Styles). We all approach these movements from our different lineage perspectives - but all traditions use the 'external', 'Internal' and 'Integrated' aspects of ancient Chinese science.

​My research suggests that the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) instigated a country-wide martial culture - probably through a specially constructed manual comprised of illustrations and basic directions. As the Qin Emperor expanded the model of the Qin State (originally situated in Northwest China) across the whole of the conquered territories of what is today considered 'China' (which excluded at the time the swamp-infested area of what is now Fujian province) - this 'unity' of culture spread over a massive geographical area and converted every village into a military barracks - and ordered that every local man, women and child became a 'soldier' serving the Qin State whilst having to train in a standardised martial art (both 'armed' and 'unarmed').

This makes Longfist over two-thousand years old - and pre-existing the arrival of Muslims in China by about 1,200 years! The Arab merchants constructed their Chaquan version of Longfist from what they saw around them in the areas of China they had settled within (possibly acquired from the families of the Chinese women they married). Of course, this specialised Longfist was then taught to non-Muslim Chinese people (for various reasons) over-time - so that today Chaquan is practiced by millions of ethnic Han people - as well as Hui Chinese-Muslims. Hakka gongfu is typically 'Confucian' with Buddhist and Daoist overtones. There are theories, however, that suggest the 'Qin' and 'Han' Dynasties may have been 'Hakka' - that is founded by displaced peoples who originally lived on the edges of geographical Northern China (before migrating Southward) and which had developed cultures that mixed 'Han' and 'non-Han' (Barbarian) cultural elements together. 

​This history is disputed, but certainly DNA studies have linked (modern) Hakka women living within South China with (Evenk) women living today in Siberia. Certainly, our Spear Forms were originally practiced (in-part) whilst riding a Steppe pony and gripping and steering the animal with the legs - whilst keeping the hands free to wield the spear from one side to the other without striking the animal's head. Later, when ponies were nolonger available - the 'Horse Stance' was developed to take their place in training. The 'Horse Stance' used to prepare the practitioner by building the lower-body strength for riding a Steppe pony through 'holding' the stance for long periods of time. Today, most practitioners use this method for strength-building - but have no knowledge of the historical development behind its structure.

Dear Tony

​It turns out that the Wing Chun KO I forwarded earlier occured around 17.7.2020 in Guangzhou:

​I was a little confused as to who was doing the knocking-out (I still do not know their names or 'why' the fight took place) - as the termed used is '拳击爱好' (Quan Ji Ai Hao) - literally 'Fist-Striking Love Admire' or more succinctly - 'Fist-Hitting Enthusiasts' - which turns-out to be how Mainland Chinese people refer to Chinese practitioners of Western Boxing! As this is not my area of expertise within Chinese culture (I only discuss Boxing in English) - I was not used to seeing it! There is a movement within modern China that views Western Boxing as pragmatic and vastly superior to indigenous Chinese martial arts (which are interpreted to be ineffective and steeped in useless and pointless superstition).

​This attitude probably began with the British cannons and muskets of the First Opium War (1839) and was confirmed in the massive casualties inflicted upon the Imperial Chinese military forces by the modern armies of Japan, Russia and the West during the so-called 'Boxer Uprising' (1898-1901)! Invincible qigong (dao-yin) turned-out not to be that 'invincible' after-all - when (Chinese) human bodies were struck by cannon-balls, grape-shot and musket balls! Those who managed to close the 'distance' between competing armies (surviving the incoming fire) were usually so psychologically and physically debilitated that they were useless as a fighter upon reaching enemy lines - being easily killed. 

​I have also read Chinese language descriptions of accomplished Chinese martial artists coming unstuck when confronted by well-trained (but quite 'ordinary') British Infantrymen fighting with bayonets (and no ammunition)! These tough working-class men just 'stood their ground' and kept to their basic training (lunge, penetrate, twist and withdraw)!

​Apparently, this British ability so impressed the Allied Japanese at the time that a special 'Bayonet Art' was established in the Imperial Japanese Army and may well have been the motivating force behind what would become known as the 'Banzai' charge famous throughout the Pacific War (1941-1945)! Although the Japanese would later give some flannel about 'Sanurai' charges and the like! I gather that the mass produced Samurai Swords of WWII often harmlessly bounced-off opponents - or snapped the first time they were used to strike! 

​Interestingly, all the way through the above clip, the taller (Wing Chun) man is repeatedly landing 'training slaps' to the face of the shorter 'Boxer' - demonstrating where his opponent is 'open' in defence! This approach works in a disciplined training hall - where the point is collective self-improvement - but obviously NOT in a situation like this where the 'Boxers' are attempting to prove a point regarding effectiveness. If the Wing Chun practitioner had landed full-powered shots instead of slaps - the outcome might have been different. 

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。 
​
【来源：海峡都市报】 ​