Hong Junsheng

Hong Junsheng (Chinese: 洪均生), born in 1907 in Henan, China, was a Chinese martial arts practitioner, teacher and author. Hong was the longest serving disciple for the Chen-style tai chi master Chen Fake.^[1] Starting in 1930, Hong trained uninterrupted with Chen for fifteen years. In 1944, Hong moved to the city of Jinan in Shandong Province. In 1956, he returned to Beijing to study again with his teacher, Chen Fake. Later, Hong expressed his understanding of Chen Fake's teachings of tai chi through his own teachings and writings. These theories and training principles are now known as the Chen-style tai chi Practical Method.

Throughout the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution, Hong maintained his dedication to the enrichment of his art. During the Era of Restructuring, Hong trained a new generation of Chen stylists and wrote several articles to illuminate the mysteries of Chen-style tai chi. As China opened up to the international community, Hong was rediscovered as an important link to this ancient Chinese martial arts tradition. Tai chi enthusiasts from all over the world came to train with this remarkable man. Fame and fortune did not change Hong; he remained steadfast to the ideals of the Tao. Even in his old age and ill health, he maintained his daily tai chi training schedule and looked forward to doing pushing hands with his students. In 1996, during his 90th year according to the Chinese calendar, Hong passed away. He is survived by his family, dedicated disciples, and the lasting legacy of his Practical Method.