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Shifu Wang Yongsheng was born in Zhenhai City, Zhejiang Province, PRC on 12 April 1921, sadly passing at 2.58am on 15 April 2007. Wang Yongsheng was the dear father of daughters; Wang Qing and Anna, sons, Wang Xingli, Wang Xingwei and Wang Xiaohua and is also survived by beloved wife Wu Bihua.
Wang Yongsheng was a lifelong devotee of physical culture. He excelled in athletics and basketball, winning a gold medal for pole vault in the Chinese Five University Games during the Second World War. A dedicated all-around competitor, Wang suffered long term back pain as the result of an injury during a platform diving event in his youth. He graduated from China Central University in Chongqing in July 1943, majoring in physical education. Soon after, he returned to Hangzhou to join the staff of Zhejiang University as head coach of basketball. An experienced and respected national level athletics referee, he acted as chief referee at numerous China National Games. Wang retired from teaching at Zhejiang University in September 1986.
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Wang Yongsheng commenced Taiji Quan and sword training, research and teaching in 1969. His many students are widely distributed throughout Zhejiang province. Wang competed in both Taiji Quan and sword at local and provincial levels on numerous occasions, winning the gold medal for 48 Taiji Quan in national competition in Zhejiang province in the early 70’s and representing Hangzhou at the Zhejiang 1st Taiji Championship, held in Shaoxing in 1986.
Amongst many other achievements, Wang Shifu authored a book on Taiji sword method entitled, ‘54 Posture Traditional Taiji Sword’ (Wushisi Shi Chuantong Taiji Jian) published in November 1989. Wang’s Taiji Boxing was the epitome of the art. Having studied under great masters of Yang family Taiji and diligently practiced over three decades, his form was flawless, a graceful and powerful display of the highest level of mastery in bare hand and weapon skills. Wang reluctantly retired from the daily practice of teaching Taiji Quan in September 2001 when he was first diagnosed with a heart condition.
After a long and typically brave struggle, Shifu Wang Yongsheng peacefully left the world at the age of 86.
The following heartfelt eulogy was prepared and delivered by youngest son Wang Xiaohua on 18 April 2007, as Wang Yongsheng’s funeral service simultaneously took place at 9.10am in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province.
Amongst many other achievements, Wang Shifu authored a book on Taiji sword method entitled, ‘54 Posture Traditional Taiji Sword’ (Wushisi Shi Chuantong Taiji Jian) published in November 1989. Wang’s Taiji Boxing was the epitome of the art. Having studied under great masters of Yang family Taiji and diligently practiced over three decades, his form was flawless, a graceful and powerful display of the highest level of mastery in bare hand and weapon skills. Wang reluctantly retired from the daily practice of teaching Taiji Quan in September 2001 when he was first diagnosed with a heart condition.
After a long and typically brave struggle, Shifu Wang Yongsheng peacefully left the world at the age of 86.
The following heartfelt eulogy was prepared and delivered by youngest son Wang Xiaohua on 18 April 2007, as Wang Yongsheng’s funeral service simultaneously took place at 9.10am in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province.
Dad was a Professor in Physical Education at Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. He passed away at 2.58am on 15 April 2007 in No 1 Hospital of Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, at an age of 86. Dad has devoted his entire life to Chinese sports and Martial Arts. Under his influence and encouragement, I have also become a Martial Artist myself and studied Taichi from him. Through Martial Arts, I have not only gained fitness and discipline, but also wisdom and friendship. The common interest in the Martial Arts has brought me closer to dad with respect and love. His advices to me about life and work have always been insightful and wise therefore benefited me greatly throughout my life. Dad has physically left us, but his spirit will live forever. His Martial Arts will be always with me, and with his two grandsons Max and Alex who have also started training. His wisdom and knowledge will be passed on to our future generations.
Dad, we wish you rest in peace.
Xiaohua, Jianing, Max and Alex.
Dad, we wish you rest in peace.
Xiaohua, Jianing, Max and Alex.
Shifu Wang Yongsheng’s martial legacy is carried on with pride by son Wang Xiaohua
and his memory will be eternally cherished by beloved wife Bihua and each every and member
of the Wang family.
Rest in Peace.
Brendan Tunks and Nang Ho -
On behalf of Shifu Wang Xiaohua, family and friends.
16 June 2007