Students Enjoy Lessons For The Mind, Body, And Spirit

By Tanjua Damon

Master C.H. Ch’en did not need to speak Monday afternoon when he began his Mind, Body, Spirit class for middle school students. His body language was clear enough, and the students followed along.

Master Ch’en is originally from Taiwan and does not speak fluent English. His wife, Deborah, was his interpreter for the first class sponsored by Newtown Youth Services. The ten-week class will allow students to experience not only physical challenges, but will also work with their minds and their bodies. The students looked a little apprehensive at the beginning of class, but once Master Ch’en began, the students fell right into place.

Every Monday from 4 to 5 pm until November 13, students will learn an ancient form of Chinese kung fu called Pa Chi Ch’uan. It is an active form of exercise that will work the whole body as well as mind/body coordination.

“As a physical exercise, it is a quick and active exercise,” Master Ch’en said. “It is well suited for young people. As a spiritual exercise it cultivates upright character, integrity, and loyalty.”

The kung fu is famous in Taiwan, China and Asia, Mrs Ch’en said. Personal guards of the emperor used this form of exercise to be physically fit because one wrong move by a guard could mean the death of the emperor.

“Th opportunity for the children to study this is quite rare,” he said. “This form is very high level and rare – one of the prized fitness exercises. I chose it for the children to give them a chance to study something they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do.”

There are 17 students signed up for the weekly class at the Newtown Youth Service Office on 41A Main Street. Students will be able to work on concentration skills and releasing emotions that are troubling them.

“They will gain the ability to concentrate their minds and focus on a goal or task,” Mrs Ch’en said. “[They can] release their emotions that tie up the mind, something else they are worried about. They will develop their self-confidence coming from a true accomplishment. In that process of helping each other to succeed, they will get the chance to learn how to control their own temperament and give to others.”

Hopefully the students will take with them the notion that that “I can be helped by others and I have the ability to help others too,” Mrs Ch’en said.

The middle school students appeared to be enjoying themselves on the first day of class. Some admitted it was not what they expected, but it was interesting and fun.

“I like it. It’s really fun,” seventh grader Meghann Carter said. “I thought it was going to be like gymnastics class or something.”

Master Ch’en, a native of Taiwan Province, Republic of China, began rigorous kung fu training at the age of six, encompassing a wide range of physical arts, Chinese medicine, and esoteric disciplines. He has been a teacher and practitioner for 20 years.

For more information on Mind, Body, Spirit contact Newtown Youth Services at 203/270-4335.