My name is Bill Gallen. I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. I’ve been practicing T’ai Chi and Chi Gung for the past 35 years. I’ve lead a small group of interested friends as the Senior Instructor of High Desert T’ai Chi for the past 20 years. For the last ten years Dr. Fung has been my primary teacher and the Grand Teacher of our school.
My work with Dr. Fung was preceded by practice under the tutelage of Cheng Man-ch’ing’s great student in North America, Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo, affectionately known as Ben Lo. I spent 15 years as a student of Ben Lo where form practice, holding postures in standing meditation, and push hands were the primary methods of training.
In 1996 I also became a student of Robert Tangora, disciple to Tok Sem Gin (Malaysia). Robert introduced the study of Chi Gung, Taoist breath control and meditation to my practice. Robert Tangora was a Push Hands champion in Singapore in the 1980s. I’ve had the great good fortune to work with these teachers of eminence.
In 2015 my good fortune continued when I met my current teacher, Dr. John Fung of Sydney, Australia.
Dr. Fung stands out in my mind as an exemplar of excellence. I’ve come to know Dr. Fung as a teacher who rests his message on practicality and effective manifestation. Dr. Fung works diligently to promote understanding of the basic principles (he’s usually busy with research and writing on a myriad of topics both around martial arts and the spiritual traditions associated with meditation). He’s a gifted workshop presenter, blending a serious approach to the subject with a light hearted sense of humor.
Dr. Fung has developed and presents systems that promote competency in the practitioner. His book on “Practical Tensiometrics” is a text aimed at developing human capacity. In the study of sword, and the play of intent (yi) and spirit (shen) arising out of a variety of martial traditions, Dr. Fung brings the classic curriculum of T’ai chi and Taoism to life.
It’s also clear, to those that have eyes to see, that he is an exceptional student in his own right (a disciple of the late Grand Master Wei Shu Ren), driving himself to continually deepen his understanding. I’ve come to know Dr. Fung as a restless seeker.
In spite of his many achievements, in and outside of martial arts, Dr. Fung retains a humility of spirit. He is generous and kind. He’s devoted to both his family, as father and husband, and a life that includes service to others and the world.
And finally, having pushed hands and practiced with some of the preeminent players in North America I can report that the Kung Fu I encounter in the touch of Dr. Fung is second to none.
I’m ever grateful for having encountered his presence in my life and can unequivocally encourage others to do so as well.
Hands folded in respect. With gratitude and appreciation.
Bill Gallen
Santa Fe, New Mexico Sept 10, 2024