Product Description
Beautifully illustrated with 330 professional photos to enhance the easy to follow Tai Chi instruction from world renowned Tai Chi Master and Family Physican, Dr. Paul Lam.. Beginning with Six Easy Steps and progressing to Yang 24 Forms ( the world's most popular tai chi form ), Dr Lam teaches authentic Tai Chi for health, wellness and longevity.He explains how tai chi improves health in general as well as specific conditions. Encouraging the reader to approach Tai Chi in a spirit of enjoyment and adventure, Dr. Lam helps the reader build a solid foundation for easy transition to a high level of tai chi.This book is for beginners as well as for those who are already learning and enjoying the ancient art which is clinnically proven to be a powerfully effective tool in improving health, fitness and relaxation.Within this book, Dr. Lam provides an easy step-by-step guide to an enjoyable form of exercise that will last a life time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A good book
This book explains it like you're a five-year-old without being condescending.I live
in an extremely rural area and wanted to learn and practice Tai Chi for improving my
health.I can do it! and all by just reading it and practicing it step by step.

I realize there's a lot more to be gleaned from an instructor, but this book helps
a lot.

Beautifully put together lessons
I came across this book in my doctors office while in for a fibromyalgia follow up. I was captivated by it, absolutely captivated. The quality of the pages in this book is awesome. The lesson illustrations are gorgeous and comprehensible (see the image I uploaded for an example page). My doctor is a 1-year student, and we talked about how it might help me with my fibro issues. Coincidentally (?) the New York Times had just published an article on August 18th, 2010 about how tai chi has been found to help fibro patients. An excerpt is here:

"A clinical trial at Tufts Medical Center found that after 12 weeks of tai chi, patients with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, did significantly better in measurements of pain, fatigue, physical functioning, sleeplessness and depression than a comparable group given stretching exercises and wellness education. Tai chi patients were also more likely to sustain improvement three months later."
([...])

I really hate the need I have to take powerful meds and narcotics to control my symptoms, and I'm hoping Tai Chi can replace some, if not all, of them. So I bought the book, signed up for a 10 week beginner class with my doctors instructor, and I can't wait to get started. I'll definitely be using this book in my practice sessions at home to gain proficiency with the moves.

A word of warning - this book is definitely for the first timers and relative newbies. I wouldn't recommend it for intermediate or advanced students. Unless you just want to have it in your collection or in your office for others to see.

Tai Chi for Beginners and the 24 forms by Paul Lam
This book is excellent and I recommend it to anyone who is planning to purchase any Tai Chi DVD or contemplating to start any Tai Chi program.It is essential to understand the inner working of the forms before one starts Tai Chi and Dr. Lam explains it very well. It will be a lot easier to follow the DVD after the book is read.

great book
This is a great book for anyone who wants to use tai chi to relax and heal their bodies, minds, and spirits.It will help you to center on your breathing and learn the most commonly practiced style of tai chi in the world.This book emphasizes that tai chi can be practiced by people in all walks of life and not only experts.It explains how the unblocked flow of chi in the body can vastly improve all aspects of your life.You don't have to be a master to feel the benefits, and this book explains how tai chi can be a great model for self-care.Tai chi is gentle yet very powerful if practiced regularly, and this book is a good start for anyone.

Tai Chi for beginners
Book was received within promised shipping period. It was rated in good condition but I found it in very good condition, almost unused. I am very pleased with this seller. ... Read more

Product Description
Pairing time-lapse photography with concise commentary, this photo-text offers complete instruction in the simple yet utterly profound movements. Additional essays on the background and philosophy of T'ai Chi Chih are quite illuminating. This meditative T'ai Chi Chih discipline circulates and balances our internal energy (the Vital Force or chi), helping alleviate excess stress, aiding in relaxation, and improving our health, creativity, performance, and intuition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Interesting read
This is a great tool to use to learn the meaning behind Tai Chi Chih. As far as using it to practice/learn the movements, however, it can get a little confusing for people like me who need to actually just see the movement in one action rather than separated by several photos. As other reviews say, this is probably a good tool accompanied by Justin Stone's DVD (but that is very expensive, unfortunately).

Photos Helpful
Photos of movements helpful, however, subtle changes are a little difficult to visualize.Good supplement to DVD.

Excellent Resource
I took a class in T'ai Chi Chih many years ago, but didn't practice enough to get it all to sink in. When I wanted to start up again, I found I didn't have time to go to class. This book, along with Justin Stone's video has really helped me pick up the movements once more. I think that the explanations and photos are very helpful. This is a good resource.

Yinging and yanging to a better life
When Justin Stone developed Tai Chi Chih from several other chinese internal strengthening and healing exercises, he gave folks another way toward self improvement.More active than Yoga and simpler than tai chi chuan, Tai Chi Chih is a satisfying, non-sweaty exercise program.Easy to learn (over the course of eight or so sessions with an accredited instructor)or in a couple of months using the book, a companion VHS tape, or DVD -- a person can learn an exercise routine that can be done in pajamas before breakfast.

Good book to learn by!
I looked up material on this before purchasing the book.I liked the idea of a Tai Chi form that was easy to learn and did not take up a lot of space to execute (you can comfortably do it in a 4' by 3' floor space).You can also do just the arm movements in a chair with low or no arms.

The book was easy to learn from. The written instructions for the movements are clear and the sequential photographs help a lot.I learned this while I was on vacation -- just kept adding two or three movements every couple of days until I was doing them all. ... Read more

Product Description
An extraordinary guide to Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), the "Grand Ultimate" way of health and martial arts. Written by one of China's top-ranked coaches (Liang), the 24 and 48 postures, often referred to as the Short Form, are presented in an easy to understand, step-by-step fashion. Also included are guidelines for breathing, directing the mind, aligning the body and developing Qi (Chi).

* Learn how the practice of Taijiquan can improve health.
* Discover martial applications for each posture that will make your learning more authentic and alive!
* In only twenty minutes a day, you can practice the 24 & 48 postures.
* Gain deeper insight with the explanations and illustrations of the philosophy of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements Theory.
* A practical learning tool for beginners, and an excellent reference guide for more advanced students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

tai chi chuan
both book and dvd are great companions. worth the money to learn tai chi chuan

Ok, but not what I expected.
With all the hype given in the reviews I guess I was expecting too much.It is a good book, but it wouldn't be my first choice if I was a novice and wanted to learn Tai Chi.I would recommend a video to those who want to learn and practice.

DG Ft.Lauderdale

Excellent beginnerto intermediate's book.
I really enjoyed this book since it acts as an excellent guide to students of Tai Chi Chuan.This book seems more of an excellent buy for the Westerners trying to learn Tai Chi.It introduces the person to both the first 24 and 48 form of the book in an excellent way.Going into deep detail about the fighting applications of the first 24 form and then teaching the moves for the next 48 form, leaving the practitioner in a good place to go and find an instructor or more advanced book.

Good book if you know why did you buy it
Good book. The pictures could be better. They are simply gray, informative enough, but not as good as the cover page. Still 5 stars.

24 Step Tai Chi Chuan
This book is about the 'new' 24 step Yang style tai chi, as
well as the 48 step set. The book has good photos along with
well written instructions about the different moves as well
as the actual applications. The author is truly a master, and
he has the ability to explain well tai chi movements in a book.
There are many other books out there about all this, but this
book and the author deserve a 5 star rating. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Sunset Tai Chi review
This DVD provided me with exactly what I wanted regarding learning and practicing Tai Chi. Finding all the data and videos on the DVD was challenging as there was no written Table of Contents. I had to play the disc all the way though and then experiment with searching around to find some great additional exercises on the DVD. Search around as there is more on the DVD than you would expect. The quality of video and audio is very good. Sometimes pausing the DVD to look closer at the exercise was very helpful. Going back and forth was also helpful in getting the motion correct. The DVD was shipped and received in perfect condition and I believe is an excellent value.

The Perfect DVD for a Beginner
I have had this DVD for 2 weeks and I love it. I have only been doing the exercises in order to build up confidence in my ability to do each movement before I try to put it all together. Some times I do them sitting down so I am just concentrating on the hand movements. The different views really helps to see just how each exercise is done. I also love the way the narrator tells you want the movements are doing to your body.

One note of caution. If you are out of shape like I am, don't do as many repetitions as Ramel does in the beginning. Pace yourself.

KUNG FU UND TAI CHI
ÜBER 30 JAHRE PRAKTIZIERE ICH JETZT KUNG FU HEILGYMNASTIK, ABER MIT DIESEM TAI CHI BUCH SUNSET UND SUNRISE BIN ICH MEHR ALS ZUFRIEDEN, DA MEINE ERGEBNISSE FANTASTISCH SIND! DANKE AN RAMEL RONES FÜR SEINE TOLLE ARBEIT!
WAS MICH BETRIFFT, ENDECKE ICH IMMER WIEDER ZUSAMMENHÄNGE ZWISCHEN DEN SPORTARTEN! KAUFE AUCH NOCH PATTERN!

GOOD LUCK RAMEL RONES!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!

Superb DVD
Ramel Rones is definitely an expert and does a great job. Sunset Tai Chi focuses on relaxation techniques which includes breathing. This is a great DVD!

wonderful relief during chemo
This DVD contains a seated version that is very stimulating, but easy enough to do while I'm going through chemotherapy. It's thorough and it's interesting. It helps tremendously with the anxiety I go through during the treatment periods.

Easy to follow and geared to different levels. You simply do a gentler version and gradually increase your effort until you reach a gentle but vigorous workout.

This workout has helped keep me positive. I'm not sitting back doing nothing during my healing process. And the results are obvious in how I feel physically, mentally, and emotionally.

There is also the main standing version which I plan to learn when I'm ready. ... Read more

Product Description
The ancient martial art of Tai Chi Chuan is one of the most effective stressbusters available. In China it is also used extensively for the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and its beneficial effects for health and fitness are now widely recognized in the West. The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan is a comprehensive and fascinating guide to the practical application and potential benefits of Tai Chi Chuan. Packed with step-by-step illustrations for practise at home, it covers everything you would want to know about this ancient art. It is both an ideal introductory guide, and an invaluable reminder for those who have already taken classes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Shaolin Sifu on Tai Chi Chuan
Wong Kiew Kit's "The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan", by the author's own admission, may not be truly complete, but it does cover a lot of ground from history to philosophy to training techniques beyond the forms. In the never-ending debate over whether Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art or a form of Chi Gong, Sifu Kit comes down clearly and unapologetically on the side of Tai Chi Chuan as a martial art. For this reason, those looking for a book on the energy work aspects of Tai Chi Chuan may not be pleased with this choice. It does cover Chi Gong aspects of Tai Chi Chuan, but they recieve short shrift compared to discussion of push hands and applications. On the other hand, those interested in a discussion of the martial arts applications and the minutiae of movement will no doubt gleen much of value.

It should be noted that all illustrations are line drawings, some of which are small and crude. Those expecting detailed photographs will not be pleased. However, anyone who thinks they can learn anything about Tai Chi Chuan (be it as a martail art or as energy work) or any other martial arts from pictures in a book is sadly mistaken anyway. The pages of sequence drawings (and list of form names) may be useful for students.

What was, perhaps, most interesting to me was the discussion of how the various strains (Yang Style, Chen Style, Wudang, etc.) developed and what major points separate them. As someone who only has experience with one style (Yang style), it was interesting to hear about the focal points and a bit of the history of some of the other styles.

It should be noted that the author is, by his own statement, primarily an expert in Shaolin Kung Fu, so some may want to focus there limited reading time on authors whose martial arts careers have been spent on Tai Chi Chuan. However, I found the book to be a good overview of a range of topics, and Sifu Kit seemed to me to write authoritatively and comprehensively on the subject.

good introductory book for beginners
My Tai Chi Chuan teacher recommended me this book after inquiring him on the martial tactics behind the forms.

First of all, let me get this off my chest:
The author makes his view, that Tai Chi Chuan is far superior to other "brute-force" martial arts, very clear.
Something that I think is unnecessary to comment on and shows the ugly political face of the martial art world.
For example he specifically targets Karate, Taekwondo, Judo and Muay Thai with his criticism...but not Kung Fu for some reason...politics.
This attitude gave me a negative view of the author from the start.

You cannot learn any forms from this book.
This book is a good first-book on Tai Chi Chuan for those who have just started or are thinking about trying out Tai Chi Chuan and want to read about different styles of Tai Chi and the general concepts and ideas behind the style.
So this is a very good introduction.
It also shows some tactics of Tai Chi when applied as self-defense.
The text is quite clear and easy to grasp.

As a book on tactics, however, I found that the book is not as informative as Dr. Yang's books on Tai Chi Chuan, Taijiquan Theory of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming: The Root of Taijiquan, Tai Chi Chuan Martial Applications: Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi Chaun (Martial Arts-Internal Series) etc.

Excelent book
Excelent, deep and very interesting book. It provide punctual and sustancial information about the escence of Kung Fu martial art. Also it gives historical information of Kung Fu development. I strongly recommend this book.

Good book for intermediate students
Good book with a helpful grasp of the history of kung fu. Also has some very useful information for proper foundations and stances. I feel that you should already have a grasp of some style of kung fu to properly appreciate and understand this book

The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan
Its a must book for those who are really interested in Tai Chi Chuan as a Martial Art. It provide the reader a clear understanding of what this Martial Art is really about. ... Read more

Product Description
This book gives you all the information you need to undertake a safe, health-improving exercise regimen. These ancient Chinese exercises are fun and low impact and help to alleviate the pains of arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other "senior" diseases. The book presents an overview of the practice of t'ai chi-from the principles of the movements to the history of the art itself. It discusses various positions and helps you understand what you can hope to accomplish. Plus, methods outlined in this guide can be performed standing or seated with no previous experience necessary, and taking into consideration limited range of movement. All exercises are presented in an easy-to-learn style, with true stories illustrating the benefits that other mature adults have gained from these practices. Whether you are just beginning t'ai chi or simply looking for a supplemental text to use out of class, this your guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Yak Yak Yak!
Holy crap, I got through half the book of overexplaination before I even found one exercse.I'm 64, in so-so health, and thought I'd die of old age before I found something useful.The book is helpful, but for an old fart like me there is far too much talk in the beginning.Don't explain so much.Just get into some helpful stretching exercise we can do while we read further.Someone my age really dosen't care about the history as much as the helpful exercises.Trim it down to exercises and leave out your knowledge of the history. I wasn't impressed. Thom

This is a book - you need a Tai Chi DVD
This book is boring.Its illustrations were done on an old black and white copier.It is pretty much a waste of time and definitely a waste of money.I was looking at Tai Chi DVDs and somehow I bought this.Wonderless.

I did however, buy Sunrise Tai Chi and Sunset Tai Chi and these are great.They each have an hour long demonstration section which I am still working on which are done slowly enough so I can see what is happening and follow along.These are 5 star products.

A must have for seniors
I enjoyed reading this book and have already benefited from the exercises.
I recommed it to all seniors.

For all ages
The title says it all...this book shows you in simple terms and easy to follow instructions the path to flexibility..strength and inner peace.I hope to see more books and maybe videos by Sifu Phil.Truly a great teacher. ... Read more

Product Description

TONE YOUR BODY, RELAX YOUR MIND

Whatever your level of fitness, Step-by-Step Tai Chi offers a simple but effective program of exercise and stress reduction, based on the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. In addition to learning the fundamentals of Tai Chi through his carefully designed four-level program, Master Lam Kam Chuen will introduce you to Small Circle Form Tai Chi, an original method he has developed -- based on classical Tai Chi styles -- requiring a minimum of time and space.

Step-by-Step Tai Chi features:

* Detailed and easy-to-follow instruction for the basic movements of Tai Chi, plus Small Circle Form, complete with color illustrations that will guide you through every movement
* Specially selected exercises to help you build up strength, flexibility, and stamina in the muscles and joints of your upper and lower body
* Simple routines that you can perform in half an hour or less, with no previous experience, special clothing, or equipment required
* An ideal foundation if you wish to study advanced forms of Tai Chi

Whether you are looking for a way to reduce stress or a new way to exercise, Step-by-Step Tai Chi will keep you fit -- inside and out. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Step by Step Tai Chi
This "step by step" book is very helpful.So far I have only used the first set of 18 movements, but they are completely and accurately described.The movements are very helpful in increasing balance and strength.

Easy to learn Tai Chi
This is a wonderfully illustrated book, that teaches you step by step instructions on Tai Chi.
It is also great for older adults to learn balance.

A great beginner book
This is a very easy to understand book with simple, easy to follow instructions.I was having very painful sciatic pain in my left hip and after 2 weeks of doing the Tai Chi exercises, it went away over night.Nothing else had helped the problem.I know other people who have struggled with sciatic pain for years so I am very impressed with this book and will continue to do the exercises.

Tai Chi review
Purchased as a gift for a lady recovering from back surgery.Excellent reference book for a beginning Tai Chi student.

Step-by-step Tai Chi
Very useful. The first section provides stretching exercises to improve and maintain flexibility. The next section includes exercises to increase and improve strength.The final section provides easy-to-understand instructions for performing the "small circle" form Tai-Chi routines. ... Read more

Product Description
This book clearly introduces the history and underlying principles of Tai Chi Chuan.Based on a modern and unique teaching approach, the simplified, short Tai Chi sequence taught here is practiced to both the left and right to help you develop symmetry and balance in your strength and flexibility.This program was created as a comprehensive introduction to authentic Tai Chi, allowing you to fine-tune your practice before moving on to more complex, longer Tai Chi forms.It includes suggestions for intermediate and advanced students to help them grow and improve over time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Great History of Tai Chi
Ordered the book based on the 5 star reviews.Found it to dry and hard to read not at all what I was looking for.If you are looking for a book on Tai Chi exercise as I was look someplace else this book is not for you.If you want to read about the origins and history of Tai Chi you might love the book.

Satisfied Reader
Have been through about half of the book and find it to be a very interesting read and even purchased the matching DVD.Recommended to anyone looking to learn more about Tai Chi

Sunrise Tai Chi Simlified Tai Chi for Health & Longevity
Tai Chi is a relatively new form of exercise and mental conditioning for me after a life of Martial Arts. I found this book straightforward, easy to follow and I would highly recommend it to anyone new to the practice. I would like to see his book for Sunset Tai Chi, too. I would recommend also picking up Mr. Rones' DVD of the same title.

As always, I find the YMAA products a highly valued addition to my library and suggest if you don't have any of their works, to find some and include them in your readings or viewing. Health. Peace.

Solid basic information
For someone looking for a solid introduction into basic principles of Tai Chi, this would be a helpful book; especially if you want more than just lists of forms but would like information on eastern ideas of body energy.

However, if you are looking for a simple, effective exercise plan built around Tai Chi principles, I would recommend that you purchase the DVD.

Very good excercises descriptions
I must say I had some energy-work experience not just from Tai Chi or Qi Gong excercises, but also from visualistation excercises and so. But in spite of that I found "Sunrise Tai Chi" useful and helpful. There are some common things to person who is familiar with "chakras" or "energy flow" terms, but excercises, which the book concentrates on, are still really good. So I mixed my expierience with Ramel Rones' teachings and it is very successful mix.

With just one sentence I could describe it as how to pracitise theory learnt earlier and benefit from both. Recommened! ... Read more

Product Description
A handbook of the classical Chinese literature on which the art of t'ai chi is based. First English translation of the classic texts of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. This is required reading for practitioners of every style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

excellent in every way
excellent in every way-- gets you thinking aboutwhat others have thought-- and then some

A must have!
This is a book you will come back to for as long as you practice Tai Chi Chuan. What can one say... they're called the classics for a reason...

Up down left and right
This is a Tai Chi handbook filled with aphorisms from the generations of practitioners. Its not only a very original set of writings, but also indispensable for a Tai Chi player. In a way like a Bible is to a Christian, although the Classics are more about the attitude and the body movement.
Anyhow, if you do Tai Chi you gonna need this one. If you don't do Tai Chi, you may find this interesting as a testement to the history and philosophy.

A great resoource for advanced students.
After 10 years of Tai Chi Chuan practice advanced books like this are becoming a valuable resource.Until you understand chi flow, rooting, adhering, following, and the myriad of other terms that describe the fundamental elements of the art, much of the book may come across as esoteric.A respected elder in the art once told me that the 'classics' will not lead you astray.The trick is to find good translations without too much personal commentary.

This book is a raw translation of many well known Tai Chi Chuan classics.The direct instructions are utterly essential in the art but some of the book can be very difficult to fully understand.That said, this has become my primary resource.I read this book often.

You can't go wrong!
This is classical literature of Chinese internal martial arts. There's no denying it, this book is one of those that you keep on your shelf and constantly refer to - reading it a million times until it falls apart and you have to tape it together. There is so much taoist philosophy and art in this work. Literally, thousands of years of chinese thought and martial arts experience is written in this book to ponder. ... Read more

Product Description
The Chinese secret for youthfulness, health and long life lies at least partly in T'ai Chi, the ballet-like calisthenics they've practiced for centuries. This rhythmical art stresses slow breathing, balanced and relaxed postures and absolute calmness of mind.The practice itself need take no more than ten minutes a day.This book is a complete step-by-step manual for the beginner that will enable anyone to master the sequence of thirty-seven postures that make up the T'ai Chi solo exercise.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Had it before and gave it away.Realize it's benifits and bought it again.
If you really want to learn Tai Chi, don't have a instructor and can learn on your own this is the book.

One of the best Tai Chi books
I have more then 20 Tai Chi books and I think this is one of the best I have.

T`ai-Chi
Old book, but still one of the best references on Cheng's short form variation of Yang style.

The Professor
This book has always been a classic favorite of mine. It was in hard cover for many years and now having it in soft cover makes it more affordable for my tai chi students at Peaceful Dragon School in Ann Arbor. The Professor's explanations add great intellectual insight and the step-by-step photos help students to learn more about the transition movements.Wasentha Young

t'ai-chi
Excellent works. With open mind to let things go and take what it is we will be able to see and feel the real world and get good health. ... Read more

Product Description
T'ai Chi For Dummies gives you insight into the 5,000 year old practice of Tai Chi. This friendly guide explains the mental and physical benefits that you can enjoy through the practice of Tai Chi fitness routines, and it's filled with illustrations and step-by-step instructions on the 24 movements in Tai Chi. Plus, it covers the 5 families of Tai Chi, as well as Qigong and Pushing Hands. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Very detailed and good for the money
Used this book for a report on the basis of Tai Chi and got alot more than that!The other is humorous and candid and does a very good job of explaining concepts.

Not enough graphical illustrations.
Basically there's not enough illustrations for a beginner to be able to get into T'ai Chi. The text part of the book is solid, thorough even, but the graphical examples are few and far between. A book on physical movement meant for beginners should have ample illustrations of everything. This book has very, very few. Buy it if you're new and are more interested in the philosophy and benefits or don't mind reading about how to do a physical act, stay far away if you want images that show you.

You can't please everyone with an overview of this subject
If you compiled a dictionary of words used to describe the Eastern martial arts, you would never find the word "consensus".Nobody agrees with anyone on anything, and this ranges from subjects that are the domain of the martial arts scholar, like jing energy and fighting, to the most mundane, like how to spell the names of the arts!!So, let's say you are faced with the task of writing an introductory text to a subject that is certainly among the most controversial of all of the Eastern arts (even to the point of violent (!) disagreement as to whether this is a martial art or not).What are you going to do??I think that the authors of this book have done a good job of this.There is a lot of info in this book about a very complicated subject.None of it is in a great deal of depth, but that is not the function of this book.The idea is to show readers the vibrancy of the world of Tai Chi Chuan, the wealth of possibility, and the sheer joy of practicing the art.This has to be done without scaring anyone off!The authors worked hard to pull this off, and they did so.Other introductory books are so dry and stuffy as to be unreadable - don't the authors have any fun at all???The authors of this book do.They enjoy what they do, and they hope you do too.

Can you learn Tai Chi from this book?The authors don't think so and ask you to find an instructor.Can you learn a great deal about the world of Tai Chi from this book?Yes - none of it is in great depth but once again, if you are curious to learn more, then for heaven's sake go further than a Dummies book.

I gave it four stars because there are some things I don't understand and don't agree with (see the beginning of this review!), but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and appreciate the effort involved.

T'ai Chi!
What a helpful book! My chiropractor suggested T'ai Chi to help my muscle tone, balance and strength, but I wasn't sure I wanted to do it. This book helped me understand T'ai Chi basics so I wasn't a total goof in my first class. (And it helped decide whether to even go to that first class.)

RECOMMENDED for beginners, or anyone humble enough to improve!
Contrary to the contributer who felt qualified to submit a review despite knowing nothing about T'ai Chi, this book is most useful.

I've read everything in English I can get my hands on about T'ai Chi, and was delighted to find this. Please, all you T'ai chi teachers out there, share this with your students. Despite the cute and off-putting title, it is an excellent and worthy work. The author did her research and knows her stuff. I've studied T'ai Chi a long time, traveled to China to check it out, and find that the author has most successfully translated the elusive art to Westerners.

Congratulations to you if you can get your hands on this!

Buy the book, keep it, study it, then move on to The Tao of tai-chi chuan: by Tsung Hwa Jou. Now there is some challenging reading, worth reading over and over! ... Read more

Product Description
With a new introduction by the author

The ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi explained. This work highlights the different ways Tai Chi can best be focused for optimal benefits: to improve health as exercise, connecting the mind and body through meditation, or as self-defense. Photographs accompany form descriptions to better show the rhythmic and graceful postures that together make the fluid movements of Tai Chi. Regular practice of this relaxed mental-physical exercise, often described as "meditation in motion," increases coordination, balance, and harmony with nature.

Herman Kauz, widely-respected teacher of Tai Chi (and a practitioner of not only Tai Chi but also Akido, Judo, and Karate) here distills the very central theses of Tai Chi lifestyle and practice. A perfect manual for the beginner or the seasoned expert, the Tai Chi Handbook is a classic in its field, now revised for a new generation of readers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Ideal for form reference
This book is ideal for new students learning Yang Tai Family Chi. Each posture is clearly laid out and explained. Pictures have multiple angles to help show both hands and feet positions. It's no subsitute for a teacher, but a great reference tool for when you are practicing outside of the class. Highly recommended for form review, but not higher cultivation methods. Experienced Tai Chi people might want to pass on this book, but they were never the author's intended audience.

Tai Chi form effectively explained
I am a tai chi teacher for over 22 years and use Herman Kauz's book exclusively to supplement my teaching. It is extremely lucid and easy to follow (with pictures) to help a student along in their studies. It's best used as a step-by-step reference point. Anyone interested in studying the Cheng Man-Ching form will find this book extremely helpful.

Great introduction.
This book is a great reference book, however, to really learn and do Tai Chi correctly, the only and best way is to get a qualified instructor to guide and teach you.

I recomend this book for all beginning Yang Style students
I have been teaching Tai Chi for many years and practice Yang, Wu, and Cheng styles intensely. However, I always start my students with this book and Master Kauz's form because it is a precise, small, tightly controlled form which gives the beginner a firm, stable stance while introducing the finer nuances of synchronizing the timing of hips, body, and hands and of using minimal tension.

I met Master Kauz about 15 years ago and I am fortunate to meet with him for about one week every spring. He is a gentle, creative and generous teacher. His mastery of push hands, in particular, far exceeds anything I have witnessed in over 35 years of martial arts training. He completely dominates his opponent without strength or tension. His movement is so small and exact and effective it must be experienced to be believed.

His whole approach to life is the embodiment of the Tai Chi principles that he discusses in this and his other books. For this reason alone I would recommend his books -- you know you are getting Tai Chi from a Master who not only knows his subject, but lives it every moment of every day.

Watch out!
This book is definetly a valuable tool. Take a look at what you're doing and if it looks anything like the stuff in this book you need to stop. Form like this has no structure and can damage joints. You may acually hurt yourself more than help. There is a correct way to do Tai Chi and this isn't it. ... Read more

Product Description
According to Master Liao, the great power of T'ai Chi cannot be realized without knowing its inner meaning.T'ai Chi Classicspresents the inner meaning and techniques of T'ai Chi movements through translations of three core classics of T'ai Chi, often considered the "T'ai Chi Bible." The texts are introduced by three chapters explaining how to increase inner energy(ch'i), transform it into inner power(jing), and project this inner power outward to repel an opponent without physical contact. Master Liao also provides a description of the entire sequence of T'ai Chi movements, illustrated by his own line drawings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Finally, some clarity about how the Empty Force work!!!!!!
IMHO:

This book is for intermediate and advanced students of internal martial arts who are already familiar with the form, the feeling of chi and standing meditation. (for beginners I suggest "Chi: How to Feel Your Life Energy by Waysun Liao")

Liao explains extremely clearly and simply how the empty force, which he calls jing, works. He uses the scientific method to explain it.

I'll summarize the essence of the book in one paragraph. Once you are able to feel the chi in your body it is time to go to the next step transforming chi into jing (the empty force). Liao explains that chi is felt as a tingling and jing as an electric current. While practicing standing meditation and feeling the chi in one's body, the practitioner squeezing chi into hisher bones (bone marrow) by tensing one's muscles and using one's mind to direct and squeezes the chi. In doing that one transforms chi (the tingling) into jing (the electric feeling). By cultivation jing, internal micro vibration start to manifest. In time these vibration increase and allow the person to use the jing in a practical and olso martial way. It is the high frequency of these micro vibrations that allow to move/affect external objects and people. Here is the empty force secret.

for more details on the empty force I suggest this link: http://www.universal-tao.com/article/empty.html

Enjoy!!!

A Good Supplementary
I recommend this book for the study of Tai Chi. It don't do you much good if you don't already have an accomplished teacher, but if you do, it will help explain things in more detail.

A good explanation of the philosophy and intent of Tai Chi
This book has less to do with the physical part of Tai Chi practice and more of the history and philosophy of the art. The author explains such concepts as Chi, Jing, and their uses for martial arts applications. The Tai Chi classics are translated here with explanation and additional comments. I found these first sections of the book especially useful. The book concludes with a description of the form - but I do not recommend learning Tai Chi from a book; seek out a qualified instructor.

Tai Chi Internal work
This book contains very important notes on internal work.
For me, they cover some "blind spots" wich I can not find in
numerous other Tai Chi sources.
It is one of the best Tai Chi books!!!

Great book, but read his other one first....
While this is a great translation of the classics, and has a good history and perspective on Taichi, the jump into cultivating and applying Jing is fairly advanced.I recommend reading his new book "Chi-How to Feel Your Life Energy" first, and then Taichi Classics...whether you are a beginner or advanced practitioner.Why?Becausein it, he gives a thorough overview of Chi, where it comes from, how Taichi helps strengthen and purify life energy, and why this is important for health and spiritual development, and also discusses applications of Chi -- such as martial arts and healing-- . These fundamental yet profound concepts will give you a better feel for the internal art perspective Liao is coming from.His newer books, even Nine Nights With a Taoist Master, are available here now, so you don't have to go through insiders or other websites to get them. Just do a search on this site. ... Read more

Product Description
The ancient martial art that’s swept the nation.

The most popular form of exercise in the world, T’ai Chi can slow the aging process, increase balance and flexibility, lower stress levels, and enhance the body’s natural healing powers. Now, with over 300 illustrations, this updated #1-selling guide has been expanded so that readers can create a practice for themselves. Based on the latest research, this new edition includes:

-A DVD that demonstrates 64 groups of movements that are difficult to learn from print alone

-A new illustrated format

-An expanded and updated T’ai Chi yellow pages resource

-Expanded health/medical benefits ... Read more

Customer Reviews (54)

Tai Chi and Qi Gong
there is a a lot of information on both Tai Chi and Qi Gong in this book .... the only problem I had was the drawings were hard to follow

Great overview
This book is not going to give you the secrets of Eastern Philosophy.What it will give is a good solid over view of T'ia Chi and QiGong, and show you how to get started.

It does a good job of breaking down every move and showing you each step as you move through the forms.It also shows you examples of forms you can advance into such as the use of a sword in T'ia Chi.

Tai Chi book
It is a good book and DVD, but I was hoping for a DVD I could work out with.Now I need to buy his DVD also.

Sandra

This book is as good as lots original Qigong books in Chinese.
I have been a TaiChi practitioner for more than 10 years.
TaiChi is also one kind of Qigong (ch'i kung).
My life experience about TaiChi: it is life, healthy, and powerful, if a learner is on the right track.

I think this book is as good as lots original Qigong books in Chinese.


Sam Song
Author,
Learning Chinese The Easy Way with great fun and joy!

An excellent basic guide for beginners taking Tai Chi or QiGong.
It is amusing reading some of the reviews of this book.In spite of what some of the previous reviewers stated, this is a very good book to learn the basics of Tai Chi and QiGong.As for the author creating his own system, so what?If he has studied these arts under previous masters for many years, he is free to create his own method of doing Tai Chi or QiGong.Most of the so called masters did the very same thing.They learned from someone else and than created their own Tai Chi or QiGong system.This is an excellent text for beginners in Tai Chi who are also taking it from an instructor.Rating:5 Stars.Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art Myths, Season of the Warrior, Never Trust a Politician, Monadnock Defensive Tactics System, Use of the Monadnock Straight baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques). ... Read more

Product Description

Explores the deep, internal work necessary for the effective practice of tai chi

• Reveals the Taoist principles that gave birth to the Yang-style tai chi forms

• Shows how tai chi can circulate powerful healing energies through the body

Taoist adepts developed tai chi as both a martial art and a way to cultivate their physical body, energy body, and spirit body. Like all Taoist exercises, its main purpose is to form a connection to the basic energy that is the foundation of all life: chi. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, tai chi was considered a secret practice that was passed down only within a closely knit structure of family and loyal disciples. Despite its widespread growth in popularity as a martial art and health exercise, many of its underlying internal practices remain unknown.

The Inner Structure of Tai Chi explores the deep, internal work necessary for the effective practice of tai chi. Designed for practitioners at every level, the book contains step-by-step illustrated instructions for mastering the 13 forms of early Yang-style tai chi, also known as Tai Chi Chi Kung. The authors demonstrate the relationship of the inner structure of tai chi to the absorption, transformation, and circulation of the three forces that animate all life--the Universal force, the Cosmic force, and the Earth force--revealing the principles and practices necessary to receive the full spectrum of physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits that tai chi can bring.

Customer Reviews (10)

First step to Tai Chi Chi Kung
If you are trying to teach Tai Chi and you want them to get the feeling of Chi flow quickly, this is a good resource. There are other books on Tai Chi and Chi Kung that are more comprehensive but the beginner may be overwhelmed and think, "I'll never get this." This takes a few easy movements from the beginning of the yang form and a couple of key "visualizations", like the energy body and swimming in golden liquid, (which some Tai Chi teachers don't teach at all) and you can feel chi in short order. Don't wait till you've struggled with the intricasies of a form for a year or more before you experience Chi! Get your energy body on!

Excellent reference book on tai-chi
Mantak Chia has always been comprehensive in presenting his materials in a clear and logical way. It is one the best reference book for practitioners of tai-chi.

Tai-chi has become the no. 1 Chinese martial art system that has re-invented itself into a complete mind-body exercise system with the largest number of practitioners.One won't go far off if one simply practices one style of tai-chi form, and imitates the graceful movement of his sifu (if not enough, one can always go to youtube and learn and imitate the graceful movements of other sifu's).Since the mind of the practitioner is focused on the gracefulness of the form, possible psychological side effect can be avoided (like chi-kung/deep-meditation/kundalini syndromes) That is the wonderful part, and the reason for its popularity.

Having said that, a practitioner certainly can improve faster through following good guidelines like many in this book, for example:

1.Structural alignment: Tai-chi is usually practiced as a flowing circular movement system, which is essential for unimpeded chi-movement for system strengthening.Structure alignment of each position might easily be neglected by a beginning practitioner. Matak Chia advised "holding the (each) position" for up to five minutes.This is actually an important classical approach, often neglected by many contemporary "eager-to-progress" practitioners (or sifu's too!).In some Wu-style, there is a middle-way approach, in that a junior practitioner has to practice a square form first, which essential is a direct/straight-line movement between each position with holding for a few seconds.

2.Power training: the wonder of the tai-chi conditioning system is that power training can be done after graceful form training of structural alignment.Mantak Chia has offered some good training technique such as spiral, knee-twisting and rooting. (Of course, a tai-chi practitioner can also pick up other power training technique from other styles: like the very simple and effective method of fighting-style zhan zhuang of the I-style founded by grandmaster Wang).

3.Training for martial art: most practitioners for tai-chi do not come to tai-chi for its martial art aspect.Mantak Chia has presented a good introduction of how tai-chi practitioners can use the eight tai-chi forces, but more for information than for actual training.These are actually pre-combat training methods only.Tai-chi practitioners fighting in the ring will punch, evade, and kick like any stand-up fighter (one can browse the web and watch Wu-style master Mr. Wu fought in the ring with a famous White-crane master in Macao back in the 50's).For various reasons, some contemporary tai-chi masters (Mantak Chia NOT included) like to mystify tai-chi fighting power using fa-jing demonstrations (like throwing people up through simple touching) or even knocking people down through no contact distant chi power!

One caveat for folks who are ONLY interested to learn tai-chi from Mantak Chia's book: one can do without his other "promotions" (like healing love or chi-weight-lifting) to gain maximum benefits from one's tai-chi practice.

Lotus Guide Magazine Review
The Inner Structure of Tai Chi: Mastering the Classic Forms of Tai Chi Chi Kung
By Mantak Chia and Juan Li

I highly recommend this book for any tai chi student. It is a great introduction to the inner workings of internal energy and gives plenty of practice for more advanced students. It presents understandings of how to cultivate chi and make it work for you. The diagrams are simple and as easy to understand as presentation of this material allows.

Pyramid Michael has been a tai chi instructor since 1985, student of tai chi chuan since 1981, and student of the "life force" since 1972.

Covering both physical and psychological aspects of tai chi in a revealing manual
A Taoist master reveals the deep internal practices needed to become one with the Tao through movement exercises practiced by millions. Tai Chi was originally less a martial arts form and more an expression of spirituality: THE INNER STRUCTURE OF TAI CHI: MASTERING THE CLASSIC FORMS OF TAI CHI CHI KUNG covers both movements and their links to the spiritual forces in life, covering both physical and psychological aspects of tai chi in a revealing manual.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Another Gem from Mantak Chia
Over the last 25 years of so, my students and I have derived a great deal from a careful study of Mantak Chia's written works, and have had the great good fortune to work with several of his senior students.

Not only do most of his methods work very well, but much of his material has not been published elsewhere, except in some works in Chinese. I learned a few of the same exercises while studying in China and I was told that they came from oral traditions. That tends to give more credence to Mantak Chia's teachings. For example, one of the things that he emphasizes is the use of spiral "energy," that is not much mentioned in many books on Tai Chi and Qigong.

Tai chi was developed as both a martial art and a way to cultivate the physical body, subtle systems and spirit. People are often incredulous when they see the slow movements and hear that it is the basis of a martial art. But I have seen experts do some quite extraordinary things with Tai Chi: the key is the development and retention of internal "energy." I put quotes around the word energy, because it isn't really an accurate translation of the word "qi." Which is better translated as "influence." I have commented elsewhere that it's a bit of a misnomer to talk about "energy." This is not a semantic point, but rather something that can be very helpful in practice, particularly when using tai Chi for health and healing.

I prefer to use the term subtle "systems," to be a little more precise than saying "energies," for these subtle systems are composed of the inseparable twins:
1. Subtle energies and
2. The subtle fields that carry them.
Without energy the fields could not actualize, and without the fields, there would be nothing to carry the energy.

This book is full of excellent examples of how to stimulate and strengthen these subtle systems. Some other meditative practices, like kundalini, are not good at retaining the forces that you generate with these practices. Mantak Chia once said that kundalini yoga was a great way to heat a room!

There is a limit to how far you can go in Tai Chi and Qigong without a teacher, but this book will take you much further than most, and if you are already engaged in either type of practice, the book will give you a lot of helpful pointers. ... Read more

Product Description

AWARD FINALIST

How to Get the Most from Your Tai Chi Practice

The Tai Chi Book is a detailed guide for students who've learned a Tai Chi form and want to know more. It also introduces beginners to the principles behind great Tai Chi, and answers common questions that all of us have.

The Tai Chi Book shows you how to use Tai Chi to gain strength in your bones, muscles and vital organs, how to improve your balance and flexibility, and how to achieve remarkable vitality.

The author also introduces complex elements of Tai Chi, including ways to develop the relaxed strength known as sung, how to cultivate and feel Chi, how to train mindfulness, and a helpful chapter on being a student.

In addition, the author explores the debate over Tai Chi breathing patterns, explains in detail proper body alignment, and tells why Pushing Hands is more important than you might think.

The Tai Chi Book is your guide to the fullest health benefits of Tai Chi and to higher levels of skill and ability.

* Like two books in oneâ"basic and advanced Tai Chi training.
* Find out how to choose and relate to a teacher.
* Develop remarkable vitality and longevity.
* Includes the Cheng Man-ch'ing short form.
* More than one hundred photos and illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great book, highly recommended
This is a great book on taijiquan. Chuckrow communicates what taijiquan is from a variety of approaches, something that is missed in a lot of other works.

Good overview of tai chi
This book was recommended by my sensei and it is well worth the price. It talks about the principles of the art and discusses the inter-relationship of Chinese medicine, martial arts and art forms (i.e. poetry, flower arranging, calligraphy).

It also intelligently discusses the various styles and forms of tai chi.

The description of chi and it's uses was interesting, but I'm not really sure I buy into the author's philosophy, but this is just a smallpart of a very comprehensive book.

The book is intended for people who are studying the art of tai chi, and should not be purchased as a "how to" book. It does discuss various postures and their effect on joints and energy movement, but it does not attempt to actually teach the forms. In my opinion, this is it's greatest strength.

Another Great Book by Chuckrow
All of Chuckrow's books will become classics in this way. I've read many books on the martial arts. The originating principles of Tai Chi are fundamental to the most effective methods of self-defense. I've talked at length with Waysun Liau, one of the top masters of Tai Chi who teaches a few miles from my house, and read his books, and I'd have to say Robert Chuckrow is on that level of essential instruction. A book to be read and reread. This book will increase your awareness on how you should carry yourself, lighten your spirit and improve your health. The energy of expanding rooted strength and relaxed torque is here waiting to be discovered by you.

Solid basic, but comprehensive overview of Tai Chi
To be honest, I was hoping for a lot more from this book.I thought-- wow, Chuckrow is a PhD in experimental physics,
perfect!

I was hoping for a book written by a smart man of Western science to provide some insight into this most esoteric of Eastern "mythological" topics.I was hoping for a breakdown of at least basic biomechanics, some Western-style research into physiology, so that those concepts would be used to elaborate on this author's insights into the learning process of understanding and mastering Tai Chi.

Not to be.

This book covers a surprising amount of material in a short amount of time.Training tips-- basic concepts, methods, do's and don't's.Philosophy.Some history.Finding a teacher.Using Tai Chi in life.Anecdotes.Ahh, those anecdotes.Some just killed me.

As a practicioner of Tai Chi, I understand the need to utilize personal experience to help define one's own comprehension of Tai Chi, not to mention to communicate that comprehension.But Chuckrow will take it further-- use stories that he's heard second-hand to try and convince us that we can use Tai Chi to heal others, or that a certain method will reverse various medical problems.I'm sorry-- Professor Chuckrow-- since when did a second-hand story become validation?You, a man of science of all people!I know there isn't enough research out there to accomplish all we'd like to understand, but second-hand stories?

Yes, use your first-hand experience, your own epiphanies!Say: "This is what helped me understand..."If you have to use a second-hand story, admit that it does not prove, but use it as a point of interest and let it be...

Finally, on the few occasions that Chuckrow did apply some modern physiology concepts to his discussion-- it was clear that he had done no outside research, had made no real effort to understand the human body from a late-20th century perspective.For me, this really ruined his credibility for the rest of this book.

Aiyaah.Still, this book succinctly addressed basic concepts all over the map.Alignment, breathing, weight-shifting, mental focus, resting, training, training tips, teaching methods, learning methods, finding a teacher.A lot of good solid advice on how to train, why to train, ideas/insights into different methods to both diversify training and how to focus on areas that commonly need extra attention.Chaper 11-- on push hands-- is especially good, with some detailed descriptions not only of concepts, but an analysis by Professor Chuckrow, using Newtonian physics-- of the "Tai Chi uprooting process".This last was very nice, although the numbers in his example certainly did not add up what most of us know Tai Chi can accomplish.

All in all, this book lives up to its title.But don't be mislead, as I was, by the author's credentials.There is very little physics-- very little science-- in his approach to Tai Chi.

good tai ji book
This book covers many aspects of tai ji, explains them clearly, and is probably the best tai ji concept and practice book I have read so far. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is a manual for individual human to maintain andimprove health and to develop self-defense techniques.

In ChapterOne, the writer presents to the readers and Tai Chi doers the step-by-step instructionsto complete the whole sequence of 100 postures in 100 days. TIME is the main factor indoing Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is an exercise for people to make, collect,and conserve energy, "Ch'i", the vital energy of life. Tai Chi is an individual whoneeds Tai Chi, the exercise, to refill the energy to fulfill daily activities. InChapter Two, Energy, the readers will understand "Ch'i".

The Mindand Body are examined in Chapter Three. The theory in psychology is applied to the TaiChi theory explaining that the mind leads the body (movement) in order to make, tocollect and conserve energy. The interrelations of Mind, Body and Energy are fullyillustrated.

In Chapter Four, The Experience, the writer stateshis experience in doing Tai Chi. The yard stick is set for the doer to measure his/herlevel without examination, which is unnecessary in the process of Tai Chi.

Health is the primary goal in doing Tai Chi. Without health onecan hardly develop self-defense techniques. Health is a very individual matter andshould be taken care of by the individual him/herself. Medical Care is sickness care forthe public, while Tai Chi is Health Care for the individual. In Chapter Six some finepoints on Health are found.

In Chapters Five and Seven the readerswill find the way to develop the powerful self-defense techniques. New theory isintroduced and the Tai Chi doers will see why Tai Chi is so powerful.

In Chapter Eight the writer tells the history of Tai Chi in a newand interesting way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

THE REAL THING!
IF YOU REALLY WANT TO LEARN TAI CHI AND USE IT TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH, POSTURE, MOVEMENT - EVEN CALM YOUR MIND - THIS IS THE BOOK.JOHN KONG GOES THROUGH EVERY ABSOLUTE DETAIL OF HOW TO DO THE MOVEMENTS STEP BY STEP THROUGH HIS 100 DAY PROGRAM - 3 MONTHS TO CREATE A SOLID BASIS OF TAI CHI.I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF ACTUALLY WORKING WITH JOHN KONG AND TRAINING FROM HIS BOOK.IN MY OPINION - A MANUAL OF TRAINING AT THIS LEVEL IS A RARE FIND.SOME OF THE BEST MARTIAL ARTS MASTERS OF KUNG FU AND KARATE IN THE NIAGARA REGION OF CANADA TRAIN AND HAVE TRAINED WITH JOHN KONG. ... Read more

Product Description
Gordon Muir began his martial arts studies at the age of twelve, followed by years of serious study of a wide variety of disciplines including judo, kyokushinkai, karate, kempo, several kung fu styles, and kickboxing. Eventually he discovered the internal martial arts, which led to t’ai chi and Master T. T. Liang, renowned teacher of Yang style. The culmination of the author’s longtime study of this style is this enlightening look at the Yang style of t’ai chi. Focusing on the revered traditional form rather than the more recently created short form, the book describes in depth the type of movement t’ai chi strives for that distinguishes it from other martial arts. Clear and concise instructions help students understand how to move in order to create internal strength. Numerous photographs and detailed descriptions showcase and simplify the movements, which include the traditional Yang stances, hand and arm positions, and moving and powering. Written in a simple, engaging style, the book is designed to help new students get started in this rewarding tradition and more advanced practitioners deepen their knowledge of it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

T.T. Liang's Teachings
Excellent resource for Tai Chi practitioners.T. T. Liang's instructions are well worth the study/reading as written by Gordon Muir.As a continuing student of Tai Chi, one should read this to learn more about the 'principles' of the Art.Muir explains it well, and the photographs are a great resource also.

True to the form
I studied the Yang Family T'ai Chi form for years with Tom Tam of Gin Soon Chu's lineage, and teach Unity Practice Chi Gong. There is no substitute for a qualified teacher, but this book is an accurate and complete reference. It's a good addition to your library.
Jon, Author
The Next TestamentThe Next Testament

Fine discussion and explanation of the Yang Long Form
Master Liang has shared his knowledge and experience in this work, and in doing so has created an excellent adjunct text to be used -- preferably along with a Sifu's instruction -- in learning the intricacies of the Yang Long Form. I have been studying this form for over two years, and have gained several new insights into my study as a result of reading Master Liang's writing.

This makes an excellent addition to one's martial arts/internal study library.

Enthusiastically recommended for anyone wishing to learn and master long form T'ai Chi
Long form of Yang T'ai Chi is not as well known as the more traditional short forms of T'ai Chi taught in this country today. In this descriptive teaching of traditional long form Yang T'ai Chi expert and author Gordon Muir provides the non-specialist general reader with an illustrated, step by step, 'beginner friendly' approach to learning the style and form which distinguishes it from other forms to T'ai Chi. Robust with illustrative content "Yang Style Traditional Long Form T'ai Chi Ch'uan As Taught by Master T.T. Liang" includes all 150 postures of the traditional Yang style long from, hand and arm positions, and moving and powering instructions. Clearly formatted with an easy reference to take the reader to each individual posture, this is a must have for those wishing to learn the technique, style and understanding of Yang Style Traditional Long Form T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Abundant with photographs and detailed descriptions providing concise and methodical explanations concerning the movements of traditional long style Yang T'ai Chi, "Yang Style Traditional Long Form T'ai Chi Ch'uan As Taught by Master T.T. Liang" is enthusiastically recommended for anyone wishing to learn and master long form T'ai Chi, as well as a core addition to both academic and community library Martial Arts and Health/Exercise reference collections.

Nice reference for Master Liang's 150 posture form
I am currently learning this form from the senior disciples of Master T.T. Liang. While the form as described in the book (as one might expect) is not exactly as we do it at my school, I found the book a valuable reference.

The descriptions of the particular mechanics of different postures were alsobetter than those found in a lot of taiji books. Every teacher has a different perspective of taiji and I believe Muir does a good job expressing his point of view.

If you're expecting to learn taiji from this book without an instructor or prior experience - I would recommend against it. I found the text very complementary to what I had learned in my classes but being a beginner I was unable to "skip ahead" through book-learning alone.

The photos of the form are relatively numerous, one for each "count" employed in the system Master Liang invented. As with most taiji books I would have welcomed more though. It's far from being a flipbook that let's one visualize the form, but again the descriptions were above par (in my novice opinion).

Worth noting is the fact that the back of the book says Gordon Muir holds the title of Master in the Chen Style Practical Method while the book is about Yang style taiji. Does this mean his perspective of Yang style is colored by his experience with Chen? Who knows? I just thought it was an interesting factoid.

At any rate it's good to see a book about Master Liang's version of the long form in print again. ... Read more

Product Description

Learn to Practice and Experience Tai Chi as a path to Balance, Integration, and Sheer Joy in your Life
Tai Chi offers you the prospects of better health and vitality, peace of mind, and increased stores of personal energy. To realize this potential you must delve into the world of Tai Chi minutia, which is exactly where the essence of Tai Chi lays in wait for those ascribing to its regular and correct practice.

This book looks deeply into Tai Chi's technical intricacies and nuances, offering guidance and practice tips, replete with step-by-step directions, on how to bring your Tai Chi to a higher level of correct execution. Seasoned Tai Chi teacher and author John Loupos offers wise and helpful guidance in a personable tone to help you recognize connections, feel connections, and keep connections. Tai Chi Connections...will help you to narrow the gap between where your practice is now and where you'd like it to go.

Some of the subjects included:

* Opportunities within slowness
* Attention/Intention as dynamic ingredients
* Tai Chi as a path to congruence
* Tapping into earth force
* Putting the brakes on momentum
* Unspoken nuances of Tai Chi stepping
* Training tips to optimize your Tai Chi experience
* Moral / ethical mandates of being a teacher ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

connected on many levels
This book really connects the many levels of tai chi play. It's not just martial, it's not just physical, it's not just spiritual, it's all connected. Sifu Loupos has the genuine connection to the heart and soul of tai chi. His writing is clear and his photos even clearer.As a tai chi player for many years, I have discovered that students learn and process in many different ways. For myself, one of the most valuable lessons I learned from an early teacher is that it is sometimes good to show how to do a posture the incorrect way. For instance, a teacher might tell a student to follow his example and perform a posture. The student thinks he/she is following exactly, however the posture may be off. The teacher may then say, "adjust your knees, or don't lean". The student then thinks, "are my knees too far forward? turned in? turned out? am I leaning forward? leaning backward?." That being said, showing the correct posture, then giving examples of just what the student is doing that does not follow principles is a very valuable tool. Sifu Loupos does just that in this book. His very clear photos will show the proper position, and a photo of the same move, done not quite so properly.

That makes this book a very valuable reference in my extensive martial library.I would buy any of John Loupo's books. He is truly connected on a deep level to the art.

Advance your practice and move forward on a path of personal growth and development.
"Tai Chi Connections: Advancing Your Tai Chi Experience" by Sifu John Loupos is a book for serious Tai Chi practitioners that have the basics down and are looking to advance their training to maximize the benefits obtained by training.If you are a beginner, or looking for a beginning tai chi resource, this book may be a bit advanced for you, and I'd recommend looking at alternate resources.But if you are an intermediate or advanced practitioner, this book will undoubtedly assist you with taking your training to a higher understanding.

The first part of the book consists of four chapters that focus on topics such as the opportunities found in slowness, the benefits of group vs. individual practice, loose ends, and tai chi as a path to congruence.This part is more academic, and will provide you something to think about regarding your practice, or as the author states, points to ponder.

Chapters five through eight comprise the second part of the book.In this section, Loupos covers arranging your body in a tai chi way.He explains transitions and connections, moving force from your earth root, the role of momentum in tai chi, and the three-treasures guide to proper stepping in tai chi.I found the photographs and explanations in this section very good, but sometimes I do feel that video would assist with the concepts Loupos is explaining.(My understanding is there is a DVD to accompany this book, but I have only read the book)Regardless, for the tai chi practitioner to really benefit from the information presented here, he or she will have to actually practice the movements covered in the chapters and "feel" what Loupos is describing.

Part three of the book contains three more chapters that are titled other topics and lectures.These include optimizing your tai chi practice, other lectures (A chapter with a collection of useful and interesting tidbits), and thoughts and musing on being a teacher.As a martial art instructor, I found this last chapter especially interesting.I always enjoy hearing other's thoughts on teaching to make myself better at teaching so I can provide the best for those I teach.

This really is a great book for those that want to explore the nuances and technical intricacies of tai chi training.The back of the book claims that Loupos takes great joy in encouraging and motivating Tai Chi students everywhere to advance their practice and move forward on a path of personal growth and development.Well, Sifu Loupos can feel very pleased with this book, because it does just that.It will definitely help students of Tai Chi advance their practice and move forward on a path of personal growth and development.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.

Another Winner From the Folks at YMAA
Having been a practicing martial artist for almost three decades now, I can say that I have a very minimal understanding of the art of Tai Chi, but a HUGE amount of respect for it. As a matter of fact I use a lot of the same principles in some of my various teaching methods in order to have my students get the most out of their techniques. As I read this book, I found myself immediately thinking how I could apply some of the techniques and explanations that the author so eloquently stated in my own teaching. Believe you me, I found a ton of good information in this book, and I don't practice or teach Tai Chi. Just imagine how much information a practitioner/teacher would find in this volume. It's staggering!

I would highly recommend this and literally any book (or DVD for that matter) from the fantastic people at YMAA. They definitely know what they are talking about.

Shawn Kovacich
Martial Artist/Krav Maga Instructor
Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence book and DVD series.

Great read for beginning to intermediate tai chi practioners
I think this book is a decent read for intermediate tai chi practitioners.Without repeating the contents of this book as presented by other reviewers, John Loupos covers many components of tai chi practice from the more esoteric to the physical.I particularly enjoyed the first and third sections of the book, Points To Ponder and Other Topics and Lectures.Within these sections are many of Loupos' personal insights into the more mental and non-movement aspects of tai chi practice.These insights are windows into advanced understanding of theory and tai chi practice.A favorite chapter of mine was Chapter 11: Thoughts and Musings on Being a Teacher.As an instructor, I really appreciated the author's commentary.Other tai chi practitioners may find some great insight into rooting and understanding of particular movements and postures in Part 2, which concerns itself with the specifics of motion.

Overall however I found the publication to be almost too generalized.Mr. Loupos covers rooting, breathing, principles of meditation, structure, movements, postures, transitions, teaching, and more.Hundreds of authors have written upon various components of tai chi; dozens of books exist on the various specifics of each component.Here, the author presents what amounts to an overview of nearly all the intricacies of tai chi practice within some 185 pages, not including the glossary.Because of the vastness of principles and concepts presented by the author, I consider this publication to be just another among many.YMAA Publications actually publishes more in-depth and advanced publications about the various components of tai chi practice.While I would consider this book to be valuable to beginners to intermediate students, more advance students should check out other YMAA publications and DVDs, particularly those authored by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming.

Tai Chi Connections- advancing your tai chi experience by John Loupos
Tai Chi beginner student

(Montgomery, AL USA)

Tai Chi Connections advancing your Tai Chi experience by John Loupos

Having only practiced Tai Chi for one year, I was concerned that I would not be able to grasp the information in this book.However the art I practice is Taoist Tai Chi Society's Internal Art of Taijiquan.Although the form is different from that of Mr. Loupos, as well as some of the moves and the names of the moves, I have gained more insight on the concept of rooting, intention, congruence, etc.

A good deal of the information was over my head.For now this book has been a helpful reference. I am sure that as I grow in my practice it will continue to be more helpful.

As a result of reading this book I plan to get his earlier books.I believe they well be of greater help to me at my current level.

In conclusion, if this book was helpful to me as a beginner then I'm sure it can benefit the intermediate and advanced students.There is a wealth of information in this book so beginners don't shy away from it.This book can be a great help to you as you grow in your practice.
... Read more

Product Description
Walking should be one of the most natural things we do.

Most of us have been walking almost all of our lives. However, many have learned walking in a haphazard way. Wearing improper shoes, modeling ourselves after others whose walking is inefficient, and wrong ideas about how our body works are all factors that take their toll on us over time.

Because walking is natural, it is not hard to improve it to the point where it becomes meditation and improves our health at the same time.

For Tai Chi practitioners, walking provides an excellent opportunity to augment, refine, and reinforce Tai Chi principles and bridge the gap between formal practice and everyday life.

For non-practitioners, Tai Chi Walking trains us in walking concepts for improving health, balance, peace-of-mind and safety.

* If you hurt after a long day on your feet, this book is for you.

* Learn how to walk properly and naturally.

* Discover why poor walking posture can damage your health.

* Understand how proper walking can increase longevity and vitality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

I Don't Get It!
I have to say that I was rather disappointed in this book.Yes, there was good information in it about Tai Chi and yes, there was good information in it about walking, but I don't feel the author did a very good job of marrying the two.Tai Chi Walking?Maybe not.

Recommended Reading
Tai Chi Walking is an informative book that is easy to read and follow.The author covers topics from proper alignment, different ways of walking, taking care of your feet, even footwear.If you are having foot, ankle, leg, or knee problems due to walking incorrectly - buy this book.

Walking andhealth using the principles of Tai Chi as a guide.
[ASIN:188696923X Tai Chi Walking: A Low-Impact Path to Better Health]]
Robert has been my Tai Chi teacher for a few years and his classes are like this book. Each chapter gave me a new understanding about the ways I could improve the way I move and also insights to finding a new more healthy and fulfilling journey in other parts of my life. Chapter 1 deals with some of the basic principles of Tai Chi. Chapter 2,3,4 and 5 explore the benefits of correct walking, alignment problems that can occur, dynamics of walking and ways to walk naturally using many of the Tai Chi principles that involve moving with awareness and mindfulness. Chapter 7 speaks about the diffferent ways of walking. Other chapters deal with vision, care of the feet, footwear, walking safely, etc. I and many of my friends have found his hints about, sunburn, poison ivy,dehydration,walking surfaces, etc. very helpful. I had back surgery in Feb 2007 and Robert's Tai Chi classes which begin with some of the stretching exercises described in this book and discovering a more healthy way to walk have helped me to live a normal active life. My feeling is that anybody who wants to explore a different, possibly a more rewarding way to live their life should read this book.

Highly recommend
This book covers a useful range topics all centered on walking and wellness.

Recommended reading for all students of the martial arts
Tai Chi Walking: A Low-Impact Path To Better Health by Tai Chi Chuan expert Robert Chuckrow is a superbly presented, "user friendly", instructional compendium on the health benefits and practices of walking, employing Tai Chi principles for meditation and improved health at the same time. Readers will learn how to walk properly and naturally, why poor walking posture can actually damage physical health, and how proper walking can significantly increase longevity and vitality. Tai Chi Walking is confidently recommended reading for all students of the martial arts, physical fitness, and alternative health resources and practices. ... Read more