Xièxiè Hwa Shifu & Shimu

 

My teacher, Master Stephen Hwa, and his wife, Eva Koepsell (Eva M. Hwa), have dedicated decades of admirable work to preserving, deconstructing, and standardizing the internal art of Classical Wu-Style Small Circle Tai Chi. Practitioners widely celebrate Master Hwa for his deep generosity, structured teaching methodology, and exceptional devotion to keeping an ancient lineage alive so it is not lost to time. 

Together, their collective and individual contributions have vastly enhanced the modern practice and accessibility of Classical Tai Chi: 

Systematizing and Demystifying the Art

• Applying Scientific Analysis: Utilizing his professional background with a PhD in Engineering, Master Hwa stripped away the overly mystified, ethereal language often used in martial arts. He replaced it with logical, physiological explanations that non-experts can comprehend.
• The "Square Form" Blueprint: He has actively advanced the Classical Tai Chi Square Form for beginners. This rigid, precise training style breaks movements down step-by-step to prevent shortcuts, acting as a crucial foundation for the fluid "Round Form". The Square Form as a “Blueprint” is a treasure for the ages and helps preserve the integrity of Classical Tai Chi Forms. 
• Deconstructing Internal Discipline: He provided exhaustive instructional materials detailing how true Tai Chi power originates entirely from the body's core (the abdomen and spine), rather than from isolated muscle groups like the shoulders and arms. 

Authoring Core Literature and Curricula

• "Uncovering the Treasure": Master Hwa authored the seminal book, Uncovering the Treasure: Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health, summarizing 50+ years of personal discovery and Wu-style lineage teachings. 
• Digital Video Instruction: He produced an expansive library of meticulously designed online courses and instructional DVDs on platforms such as CLASSICALTAICHI.COM, PAYHIP.COM, and YouTube, breaking down complex forms for home practitioners.
• Accessible Health Exercises: Recognizing that not everyone can learn 108 complex movements, he created simplified, shorter routines focused specifically on back pain, lower-body stamina, and overall vitality. 

Operational and Community Support

• Behind-the-Scenes Infrastructure: While Master Hwa serves as the Master Instructor, his wife, Eva, has provided decades of vital administrative support, co-ownership, and operational management to keep Classical Tai Chi running smoothly as an organization. 
• Fostering a Global Community: Through their joint endeavors, they established global outreach structures—including traveling to offer free workshops and creating dedicated communication groups—to ensure students worldwide can receive direct guidance and exchange experiences.

Ms. Eva Koepsell is widely recognized as a dedicated practitioner, advocate, and educator for Classical Tai Chi. 

Through her decades of community service, she has been a central pillar in preserving and spreading the knowledge of Classical Small Circle Tai Chi. Her efforts have bridged the technical expertise of Master Hwa with a global community of students through several key avenues: 

Community Contributions

Forum Moderation & Guidance: In the Classical Tai Chi Forum and the Yahoo Email Group, she directed new and long-time practitioners to educational resources and explained fundamental principles. To say “actively engaged” would be an understatement for 師母 (Mandarin: “Shīmǔ Eva Koepsell”), Master Hwa’s wife. 

• Email Group Coordination: Managing and sustaining long-running communication networks, the Classical Tai Chi Yahoo Email Group that connects practitioners worldwide.
• Written Articles & Commentary: Producing insightful written content and educational commentaries that analyze the mechanics, physiological safety, and health benefits of internal martial arts. I will always be grateful for her published article in Tai Chi Magazine, “Learning the Internal Dynamics of Tai Chi.”