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Martial-Arts Magic in Orange
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Business New Haven
5/13/2002
By: Anne-Marie Brungard
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Master Aiping Cheng, an international expert in Wushu-Kung Fu, has relocated her action-packed studio into what she says is the largest Tai Chi/Wushu Center in southern Connecticut dedicated to Chinese martial arts, at 206A Boston Post Road in Orange.
Wushu is a Chinese martial art form popularized in the film Crouching Tiger - Hidden Dragon. But Cheng's success is not built on the whims of avid movie-goers.
In 1973, Cheng was selected to be one of a few talented young martial artists to perform at the White House for President Richard M. Nixon. She was joined in that early delegation by current Hollywood star Jet Li. In China during the early 1970s, young Aiping was chosen from thousands of children (along with young Jet Li) to be among the first from their ancient culture to be allowed to travel and perform in the U.S. They subsequently demonstrated their skills for world leaders and dignitaries in dozens of foreign countries.
Although Jet Li went into the movies to perform, Cheng stayed in China for many years training to be an “all-China national champion,” the highest achievement in that nation's competition.
Cheng later suffered an injury that temporarily limited her physical activities. During this period she began to learn the philosophy and art of Tai Chi Chuan. Tai Chi is recognized as offering health benefits to its practitioners throughout the world. The union of art and science, Tai Chi is expressed as a moving meditation combining calm mental concentration, coordinated breathing and slow, fluid body movement.
Cheng was selected as one of 16 masters from throughout China to establish the first World Tai Chi Chuan Competition Standards. Currently anyone studying the art form internationally may study her movements demonstrated on video.
Cheng returned to the U.S. in 1998, and was granted a visa in the category of “Person of Extraordinary Ability.” She is sought after for workshops, demonstrations and judging competitions for both Tai Chi and Wushu. Cheng studied the ancient art of Wushu (once used to protect Chinese emperors). But her dream was to continue an ancient tradition in search of excellence and to develop the “next generation” of Wushu and Tai Chi Chuan masters.
Cheng's martial arts studio opened three years ago in Orange. Cheng's goal was to develop a center where she could teach traditional cultural arts and where Americans would come to understand Chinese customs. She has attracted students of all ages from five to 94 years old, she says, from beginner to advanced levels. As the popularity of the classes grew, space to handle the overflow of students in her classes grew increasingly scarce. The cramped space and expanded class schedule prompted the move to the new Post Road location.
According to Cheng, she is always in search of the next child with “Wushu eyes and spirit.” Her Tai Chi classes for adults promote well-being, balance and energy.
“Practicing Tai Chi has been a challenge and a thoroughly enjoyable way for me to improve my body, mind and sense of well-being,” says Martin Reichgut, a student and assistant teacher at Aiping's Center. “I feel fortunate to have been able to learn from this world-class practitioner.”
Although getting acquainted with the American way of life, Cheng makes sure that her business gives her the opportunity to share her culture in a different way. “I now have the pleasure of returning each year to bring my American students to visit China and enjoy the beauty of my home city,” she says.
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