Greetings,
Erle Montaigue came around during the time when Tai Chi Chuan was considered a deteriorated martial art that was good for exercise and long life. Our images of Tai Chi practitioners were shaped by the images of Marshall Ho'o, Bruce Tegner, etc. Here in the USA, we really didn't see too much Tai Chi beyond Form and Push Hands. Andrew Lum's books on Combat Tai Chi Chuan were more like mutant abberations to be ignored than as true insights to a combat art. The doors of China were closed at the time. Yet, Erle Montaigue pushed the combat effectiveness of Tai Chi and the internal styles long before it became fashionable.
Though I never met Erle Montaigue, I respect his existence. I appreciate the journey he took. And I hope he has graduated on to even more fantastic experiences.
My respect to him and my condolences to his family, friends, and students.
mickey