April 5, 1998 - Patience T'ai Chi Association mourns the passing of Master Zhang Lu-Ping, who departed this life last week after a long struggle with cancer.

Master Zhang was a great and illustrious teacher and a good friend of Patience T'ai Chi where he taught many seminars over the years. Master Zhang held a Doctorate in Mathematics and was known in the academic community for his ground-breaking work in differential equations. Master Zhang studied extensively in China and was noted for his deep knowledge of five styles of Tai Chi, superb applications and highly developed internal power. Master Zhang made his home in Massachusetts with his family where he also taught many students. In an age where many great martial arts teachers remain reluctant to share their highest insights and techniques, Master Zhang will always be remembered for the openness and generosity with which he shared his knowledge of the art he so loved. He was a beloved husband, father, friend and teacher. His death diminishes us all. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

For More on Master Zhang's Legacy, see William C. Phillips' Some Thoughts on the Passing of Two Masters.

Master Zhang was from mainland China. He was the Tai Chi champion of Zhejiang Province. Over a 25-year period, he was the student of many famous instructors including:

Cai Hong Xiang: Hua Mountain Kung Fu, Yang Style Tai Chi, Praying Mantis

Accomplishments - five-time national champion of the
mainland in full-contact kung fu.

Wang Zi Ping: Shaolin Kung Fu

Accomplishments - Head of national Kung Fu association. Took part in the Boxer Rebellion.

Xu Jin Ming Nan Quan
Southern Style Kung Fu

Accomplishments - Champion of Southern Style of the mainland.

Sun Ryu Zhi:Wu Style Tai Chi

Accomplishments - Senior student of Wu Jian Chuan
(Wu Style originator)

Xie Bing Chan: Yang Style

Accomplishments - Senior student of Fu Zhong Wen.

Zhang Hai Shen: Hsing-I, Pa kua, Xin I, other Wu style, Sun style.

Accomplishments - second champion of mainland China.

Fang Nan Tang: Shaolin Style, Praying Mantis

Accomplishments - Elder master of Northern and Southern styles.

Dong Xiang Gen: Chen Style Tai Chi

Accomplishments - Senior student of Chen Zhao Kui.(Chen style originator)

Du Wen Cai: Chen Style Tai Chi

Accomplishments - Senior student of Chen Zhao Kui.