Back to articles index

Master B.P. Chan Remembered
by Ray Hayward

In 1979, at the encouragement of Master Liang, I began looking around for a Hsing-Yi and Pa-Kua teacher. Not finding any in Boston, Master Liang made a call for me to his classmate in New York City, William C.C. Chen. Chen had just recently invited a teacher to his studio to conduct classes in Hsing-Yi, Pa-Kua and many other arts. Master Liang arranged for me to get two hours of private instruction with Master B.P. Chan.

Master Chan was warm, friendly and open. After the basic formalities Chan asked me if I knew Paul Gallagher. At that time, although Paul and I were classmates, I had not yet made his acquaintance. Mr. Chan said, "You should meet Mr. Paul, he is my best Pa-Kua student." In the middle of my class, Chan dashed out of the studio only to return with milk, cookies and muffins, which he handed to me with a smile.

I was introduced to many theories, principles, and some history of both Hsing-Yi and Pa-Kua. The concept of the three centers (which is our Studio logo), was first explained to me there in New York and later refined with Master Liang in Boston. Chan taught me the circle-walk, and single palm change of Pa-Kua, and the metal and water elements of Hsing-Yi.

As I was leaving, Master Chan shook my hand warmly and told me that I was studying T'ai-Chi under a high-level master whose skill in Pushing-Hands was the best Chan had ever experienced. A few days after I had returned home from New York, a letter appeared from B.P. Chan. He thanked me for coming down to study in New York! He also encouraged me to pursue Martial Arts and to learn everything I could from Master Liang. Although I went on to study with many other Hsing-Yi and Pa-Kua teachers, I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Master B.P. Chan-"my first".

Back to articles index