Oriental Philosophy, Exercise Unite Couple

VILLAS – In Christian sacred Scripture is found the story of the Magi, wise men from the East who followed a star that led them to a house in the Judean town of Bethlehem and the baby Jesus. They also discovered the enlightenment they sought. They then returned to their own countries by a different route.
Two local teachers, husband and wife, Cheryl Crews and Francis Farrell, have made a similar journey of their own but they travelled from West to East.
The 20th century saw many in the United States welcome teachers of ancient philosophies with origins in the Far East such as Buddhism, yoga, Taoism, and Hinduism.
They were also accompanied by non-religious practices such as tai chi and various martial arts that have become wildly popular among the general populace.
Some have become masters in these practices.
One such master is Fran Farrell. He lives with his wife in Villas. The Herald interviewed them about their remarkable journey.
Entering their modest home, one steps from an ordinary Lower Township street into a sanctuary of tranquility. The garden is an oasis of reflection and peace.
Farrell was seated in a plastic garden chair and no one would suspect that the curly-haired man was the first American to study in Beijing, China in the 1990s under such renowned teachers as Liu Guanjua and Xu Hong Tao.
Despite the oppressive conditions, he recalls having a “minder” courtesy of the Communist government and rifles pointed in his direction; his dedication to learning was such that he accepted it as the required tuition.
His interest in the Asian martial arts began decades prior to his China journey in Pennsylvania. Born to a devout Roman Catholic family after high school Farrell went off to study with the Benedictines at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina.
He had begun the study of the Chinese style of self-defense as a part-time exercise and as with many discoveries it was a matter of convenience. “The school was convenient to where I lived,” he laughed.
But it was after graduation that in addition to teaching public school he began teaching American Chinese karate. He loved the discipline. “I learned I could help people,” he said.
He taught in Havertown, Broomall, Drexel Hill, Villanova and Philadelphia.
Pretty soon he opened his own school. He had found his life’s calling to bring practices long known in the East to benefit people living in his own community.
Tai chi, qi kong, karate, kung-fu have existed in the Orient for millennia. Western science is now echoing what the Asian practitioners knew all along, they work.
Several years ago he moved to the shore and opened his own school in Upper Township. His expertise was such that he attracted a large following. He credits his own outstanding teachers with developing his own talents. William CC Chen, Cheng Man Ching, Maggie Neuman and Michael Hackshaw Stout have all had an influence.
“I’ve studied with the masters,” he said humbly, discounting the fact that in 1996 he was the first American recipient of the International Tournament of Kung-fu held that year in Seattle, Wash.
Suffering from the lingering effects of a stroke seven years ago he sold his school in Upper Township. He continued to advise former students who were then teachers. It was in that role he met his wife, Cheryl Crews.
She had begun the study of tai chi. “I was drawn to the flow and movement of it,” she said. Referencing her husband she said, “I always had heard the most wonderful things about Fran,” she recalled.
Due to the stroke, Fran had suffered some disability and so would sit in the back of the room while the instruction proceeded. He offered guidance when asked.
“I remember the first time I saw him. I watched him just sit. I heard he gave private lessons. I knew he had to be my teacher, so I asked him,” she said.
That was 12 years ago. They were married on the beach.
Crews is a college professor who teaches various art classes at Atlantic Cape Community College.
She is also an accomplished artist whose works are visible throughout the county. Most recently she is a teacher of tai chi at various venues throughout the county.
Her spirituality has expanded beyond the formal tradition of her childhood. “As an artist and taking on the responsibilities of a teacher of the great wisdom that Fran embodies I see so many possibilities opening up. I see the universe expanding, even in a physical sense, so there is growth possible for all of us.”
To facilitate in this growth she will be working with other community members to use the newly-restored Fishing Creek School as place of learning.
In fact she has convinced her husband to conduct a workshop on meditation there Sept. Although he is in the midst of opening his own school with Kevin Ison in Green Creek. It will be called “Phoenix Tiger.”
That name is because he feels that he, like the mythical phoenix, has risen from the ashes, much in part due to the love of his devoted wife.
“When I married him I never set out to be the master of tai chi just the wife of one. He has the knowledge of the right stuff to help people. I just want to help make it happen.” 
Her husband flashes a smile in her direction. “Cheryl has brought me a sense of balance and peace,” he says.
Working together he wants to bring that same peace into his own community. Farrell ended the interview with these words, “My spiritual practice is love. Remember God is love. Jesus loves you. Let your inner light shine and show people the love within.”
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey @cmcherald.com.
ED. NOTE: Faith and religion are important facets in the Cape May County community. The author plans to do stories on various aspects of religion and what impact it has on those who practice it. She encourages those with ideas on subjects to email her at hmccaffrey@cmcherald.com for consideration.