Product Description
Written nearly four decades ago in China, this is the only book the highly regarded Kuo Lien-Ying chose to publish in English. Rare photographs of Kuo performing this graceful martial art and his reflections on T'ai Chi will provide readers with unique insight into the art, its origins, and its movements. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great Book on Kuo!
While it is not an instruction book on T'ai Chi it does cover a lot of the philosophy of Taoism and the fascinating life of Sifu Kuo.

If you are looking to learn all 64 forms he taught I would suggest The Healing Art of Tai Chi: Becoming One With Nature by Martin and Emily Lee. They were students of his and the book is much more detailed on the postures.
Another book of theirs is Ride The Tiger To The Mountain: Tai Chi For Health (Portable Stanford). While it has less forms it extremely detailed, making it great for beginners.

Absolutely don't....
This book is just a celebration of Lien Ying Kuo.
Asolutely too much pages for celebration with family and relatives photos.
Just something (really something...) general and elementary instruction on tai chi practice.
The form.
Do you know the kind of tai chi book where the form is described with just a big picture on each page and with only the name of the posture? That's it.
Probably this book could have a very high emotional value for the pupills of Lien Ying Kuor (as it would also be for me if I were his pupill)but, absolutely, no any "Tai-Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice" in this book neither in theory nor in practice.

I'm lucky to know Simmone Kuo
Simmone, the wife of Kuo Lien Ying, is my professor at SFSU.She teaches Elementary Tai-Chi Chuan, Advanced Tai-Chi Chuan, and Shaolin Chuan on campus.This book is an excellent supplement to what she teaches and lectures.Tai-Chi is a very relaxing exercise.It teaches patience and concentration.Pick up this book if you feel you need that in your life.

An interesting look attai chi
Kuo's book on tai chi chaun is an interesting look at his style of the martial art. The text of the book seems to be drawn mostly from the tai chi classics, though organized through the author's own understanding of the art. The photos included are good, and illustrate the postures of his tai chi form. This book also contains a brief introduction to Chinese philosophy as it relates to tai chi, which is useful for readers new to the subject. This book is not a training manual, but more of an overview of the style of tai chi practiced by the author.

Tai-Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice
This book is for those who are into the theory behind the practice of T'ai-Chi Ch'uan.There are no form instructions but it does have some information for standing meditation which will dramitically improve whatever T'ai-Chi Ch'uan form you do practice. ... Read more

Product Description
Senior's Tai Chi Workout is the first complete guide for mature adults to help themachieve their goals of greater mobility using Tai Chi exercise. This easy to followformat starts with a detailed description of each exercise, accompanied by a clearseries of photographs of Master Domingo Colon himself showing each movementstep-by-step.

Master Colon has developed a unique method ofteaching Tai Chi so that each practitioner is able to perform the exercises safely andefficiently for maximum benefit. Special attention has been given to the correctalignment of the knees, spine, shoulders and neck, which are areas of concern for manyolder adults. His concise approach combines his training as a physical therapist and his40 years of Tai Chi experience to help re-establish healthy patterns of movement to makeeveryday tasks much easier to accomplish.

There are so manyphysical and mental benefits to be gained by learning the exercises in this book, whichinclude: better balance, increased flexibility, greater blood and lymphatic circulation,deeper and easier breathing, superior muscle tone, and better memory, focus andconcentration. And the best part is that the reader will start feeling some of thesepositive results right away after just a few practice sessions, because the explanationsare very easy to follow.

This workout guide begins by discussingthe principles and concepts of Tai Chi so that are important considerations.

Then the Meditation Section provides a method to calm and focusthe mind before the more challenging exercises to follow. This technique emphasizesdeep, diaphragmatic breathing, positive visualization, and physical postures that helpto invigorate the body and mind.

This is followed by a series ofChi Kung (energy and breathing exercises) that increase general flexibility, circulationand flexibility in individual areas of your body. Many may choose to perform theseexercises on a daily basis to maintain or improve their conditioning. The exercises aregentle enough that they may be done every day.

The next sectionis a detailed step-by-step description of the Wu Chi Tai Chi Form. This is the series ofbeautiful and graceful Tai Chi flowing exercises usually seen in demonstrations of TaiChi. Clear and simple instructions, with accompanying photos, allows anyone to easilylearn these movements and immediately begin to benefit from them. Extreme attention isgiven to providing safe instructions, breathing techniques and all required informationwithout burdening the student with unnecessary detail.

At the endof the book, there are several sections that act as additional references about thebenefits of the exercises, correct breathing techniques and advanced meditation andrelaxation exercises. Information is provided to allow all readers to convenientlycommunicate with us to have questions answered. ... Read more

Product Description
Western medical studies demonstrate that Tai Chi — "the perfect exercise," according to Time magazine — combats immune deficiencies, mitigates arthritis, improves circulation, decreases high blood pressure, and helps the elderly regain physical balance. This comprehensive guide reveals how and why. Rather than teaching a specific style of Tai Chi, the book gives readers the intellectual foundation and inspiration to use the practice as a potent preventative healthcare routine and regain control of their health. Written by one of the first Westerners to become a Taoist lineage master, the book is full of practical, down-to-earth information, and covers wide-ranging topics including choosing an appropriate style and teacher; using Tai Chi to boost mental stamina and improve workplace productivity; how it enhances sexual, athletic, and intellectual performance; Tai Chi’s relationship to Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy; and how it can be used as a moving meditation and spiritual practice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

More like a tai-chi book by a journalist than by a seasoned practitioner
The writer certainly wrote with clarity covering some essential topics, like the various benefits of tai-chi, the learning objectives at different levels, different schools, and, oh, how to choose a teacher too.It would be a great study or research of the practice had it been written by a journalist who is new to the subject matter, and certainly would have meant having done a great job in presenting an enlightened perspective "from someone new to the subject matter", having shown a good grasp of the overall-structure of the subject, albeit at an elementary level of understanding.

In short, good promotional material for tai-chi as a practice, but disappointing to be from someone who claimed to be a proficient master of the art.

Start Here
It's wonderful to know what the water in the pool is like before you jump in.Bruce Frantzis is a great guide to help you test thewaters of Tai Chi practice. If you're thinking of doing Tai Chi, or you started and then stopped for awhile, this book will help you begin or reenter a practice.Tai Chi, Health for Life invites you to sit down in a comfortable chair and read in a relaxed way, cover to cover, over several days.It will give you a clear picture of what exactly Tai Chi is in its different forms, what it offers you as exercise and mental discipline and specific details on how it can improve your health and your life.

Don't skip the introduction! Diane Rapaport describes starting Tai Chi with Bruce Frantzis in her 50's.Her description of the humor and precision in his classes is accurate.Frantzisbrings the same precise and careful focus to the writing in this book.

Studying Tai Chi takes time and, if you like it, may become a big commitment,so it's worth taking a week to get a master's overview of the field. Unlike many other Tai Chi writers, Bruce Frantzis is not advocating for one particular style or teacher.He is writing to orient you and show you the options.If you're interested in more of a How To book, you can try his books on instruction.The Big book of Tai Chi contains specific moves and illustrations.If you're interested in the meditation aspect of Tai Chi, you may find useful practices in Relaxing Into Your Being, Vol 1, a book onTao meditation. But the most important thing is to find a good teacher.In Tai Chi, Health for Life, Frantzis discusses in detail what to look for in a teacher and different teaching styles you may find out there.As a practitioner beginning at age 48 to do Wu style Tai Chi, and experiencingover timea healing of back pain and an inner liveliness and joy in moving with Tai Chi, I'd say,Come on In, the Water's Fine!

Wonderful Intro to Useful Subject
What can I say about Bruce Frantzis that he hasn't already said himself. He is a warrior, a healer and a teacher. He is very articulate. He has journeyed to another world and brought back riches which he shares with us. Marco Polo was no Bruce Frantzis. Bruce brought back the hidden secrets of the east.

If you are an aging baby boomer like me. He will beguile, entrance and enlighten you. You will rise off your sofa and move, very gently, to health, true spiritual wealth and a quality of life which would be the envy of sultans, should any remain existent.

Great Resource
Great book. Gives a good framework for understanding the complete art of Tai Chi. Definitely not a step by step "how to" book, but an excellent "why do" book. The benefits of Tai Chi practice are elucidated clearly, while giving an intimate look into the inside elements that make Tai Chi tick (an often overlooked quality in many Tai Chi books that seem to favor bunches of pictures and captions as filler instead of real content). I'm a big fan of Frantzis' other books, and this one did not disappoint. Highly recommended.

Gives Good Basic Overview
The book provides a clear introduction to tai chi, its benefits, and different styles.Also, it gives some practical advice on finding a good teacher and maintaining realistic expectations.However, I think the book would be more valuable if it analyzed one of the forms in detail, with photographs--as is quite common in other tai chi books.Also, the benefits of studying tai chi could probably be summed up more succinctly. Overall, this book best serves the neophyte. ... Read more

Product Description
In this guide, a Western-trained doctor and tai chi chuan master explores the practice of tai chi. Dr. Wen Zee focuses on the health benefits derived from practicing this ancient martial art, offering case studies and published medical research on the effects of tai chi on balance, stress, and osteoporosis. Detailed instructions on tai chi, meditation, and qigong are also provided along with black-and-white photos and illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good writing, poor photos
This book is one of the few in English on Wu style taijiquan. It was written by Dr Wen Zee, who could speak and write English. In fact, he was my first major teacher in Southern Wu style--although I only knew him briefly before he died. In general I prefer the writing in this book to the photos. The pictures were, in my opinion, poorly done--having him wear white against a white/light background was not a wise decision; also sometimes he appears at somewhat odd angles instead of being vertical. If you are familiar with the Wu style Long Form then this book can be used to jog your memory--otherwise, don't attempt to learn from this.

Wu Style Tai Chi
I have taken Wu Style Tai Chi and this is the only
book I found that was identical to the teachings of
my instructor. Precise, easy to understand with an
excellent explanation of the practice. I highly
recommend it for anyone taking Wu Style Tai Chi.

Excellent Material on Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan
Simply put, this is a very good book. It explains so many useful concepts that you need to focus on and try to apply in your tai chi practice. The language (including the very useful translations from Tai Chi Classics) is clear and the book is well organized. Notice however that although the book also describes the slow form, you will not be able to learn it from the book. The form is there for reference. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is a comprehensive easy-to-read introduction to the Chinese practice of Tai Chi. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Tai Chi Info You May Not Find In Other Books
If someone could sit down with a master and ask them as many questions as they'd like about tai chi, this book may very possibly be the product of such a dialogue. Readers who invest the time to read this book receive the benefit of a very rare person's experience and advice. I especially appreciate the photos that are incorporated throughout the book.

Big Book, Big Brians, Big Chi
A treasure chest of knowledge looking at various health aspects and history of tai chi chuan. A valuable book for beginners outlining many of the basic principles of the art which are hard to come by. This will also help prospective students identify the right teacher for them. Advanced students will endulge in the first hand experience of someone who has thoroughly studied and mastered the taoist internal arts. It is obvious that Mr. Frantzis was not trying to "teach" tai chi movements through the book, because this can often result in injury and misunderstanding. It is much safer and effective to learn from a qualified instructor. An "encyclopedia" which should not be over looked.

the big picture of tai-chi written by a real master
the best book about tai chi i have ever read. the author has an incredible profound knowledge of tai chi and isn`t too good for trying to pass it on in the most clearly written language. he wisley doesnt want to teach this living taoist art of moving through a book, which a lot of writers tried to and failed. instead he provides a down to earth guide of why to start, how it works and criterias to find a suitable teacher. which is the most important and difficult first step in learning tai chi.


i found very good material on his web site : www.energyarts.com .


enjoy!

The author has a BIG ego in a BIG book
I wanted to buy this book as a gift for Christmas, but I declined. So far, it is the only Tai Chi book to say it can boost your sexual performance on the cover. Too bad it does not really tell you how, that's just on the cover to draw you in. There are no real forms, no techniques. It's not a how-to. It's thick and looks nice, but has one big theme: The author is saying how good is his supposed skill. Maybe he can conWesterners into buying this book, but I think most average masters in China can beat the crap out of Bruce Frantzis. I am a novice player in Tai Chi, but even I can see that this book is a thick pile of pulp. If his skill is as good as the quality of this book, I can(and should) beat him up for spoiling the reputation of Tai Chi. There are better books out there, go buy them.

Just what I needed
The Big Book of Tai Chi
By Bruce Frantzis.Published by Thorsons (add UK price here?)

For a man who confesses to hating writing, Bruce Frantzis does a damn fine job of it. He has produced some of the best, most down-to-earth, books on the internal arts and his new mammoth volume - The Big Book of Tai Chi - is literally just that. He has decided to look at Tai Chi from an unbiased viewpoint, not favouring any particular style or school. Rather, he has looked at the foundation for all Tai Chi styles using his encyclopaedic knowledge and written a primer to them all.

Mr Frantzis begins with the history, always contentious, and progresses to explaining how and why the internal arts work in relation to health, both physical and mental. He has long been a voice crying in the wilderness, warning of the inevitable collapse of the health systems in the West. While working as a Chi Kung doctor in China, Mr. Frantzis saw how vital Tai Chi and Chi Kung were in a country with a shortage of western-style doctors. Consequently, he has worked hard to bring his knowledge to the West, in the hope that it will be used to improve the health of the masses as it has in China. His ground-breaking Chi Kung book, Opening the Energy Gates, was just the beginning. The Big Book has a wider scope, discussing what the differing styles of Tai Chi can do for health and what to look for in a good teacher. Mr. Frantzis also considers the Taoist approach to health and how we in the West could benefit from it. Some of this has been covered in other books, but this one is a real blockbuster both in size and approach. The publishers are pushing its launch worldwide and seem to be of the opinion that this book will bring Tai Chi and Chi Kung to the attention of a much wider audience. It is an easy read but does not 'dumb down' the arts. It is intended for both beginners and seasoned players. One very detailed chapter is geared specifically to intermediate and advanced practitioners, another describes what beginners can expect from Tai Chi.

Most Chinese masters have difficulty with our language and we certainly have trouble in understanding their often flowery and ambiguous descriptions of the form. With his fluent Chinese, Mr Frantzis gained insights into the Chinese culture and arts that is reflected in both his teaching and writing. The author also has the great advantage of being not only a top martial artist but also an accomplished practitioner in medical Chi Kung and Tui Na bodywork, both of which are branches of traditional Chinese medicine. As a lineage master in the Taoist arts in general, he can give an overview that few of us would be aware of were it not for this book. He considers how Tai Chi works for healing, physical and emotional self-defence, stress reduction, promoting longevity and developing spirituality. One chapter looks at how tai chi can benefit different groups of people. For example, tai chi can mitigate the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users. Another chapter helps students choose the most appropriate tai chi form for their particular needs. The five main styles, large, medium and small frame tai chi, and long, medium and short forms are discussed in detail.

An excellent primer, the book could have done with some more illustrations, but as it does not champion a particular style, the interminable form photos aren't missed at all. A must for beginners, this huge work would also benefit any serious player who is modest enough to admit to not knowing it all and open enough to look deeper.

Brian Cookman ... Read more

Product Description
Reveals the close relationship between the eight basic postures of T'ai Chi and the hexagrams of the I Ching.* As handed down in the teachings of the Yellow Emperor and Chang San-Feng.* Explains the physical and spiritual benefits that result from the practice of the Before Heaven T'ai Chi form.* An essential reference book for any serious student of T'ai Chi and the I Ching.

T'ai Chi is a physical expression of Taoist thought--a philosophy in motion. The relationship between the I Ching, Taoist philosophy, and T'ai Chi is well established in many of the classical texts and teachings handed down by the Yellow Emperor and Chang San-Feng, yet it has essentially remained a mystery in the West. Stuart Alve Olson, a longtime student of renowned T'ai Chi Ch'uan Master T. T. Liang, shows how the hexagrams of the I Ching relate to the eight basic postures of T'ai Chi, and how together they comprise the orderly sequence of the postures in the Before Heaven T'ai Chi form. The practice of this form initiates a process of internal alchemy that allows for the stimulation and accumulation of chi through the major energy systems of the body. Physically, this process restores youthful flexibility. Spiritually, it frees the mind to roam the sublime Tao.

Because the Before Heaven sequence of postures is the foundation of all T'ai Chi forms, this book provides valuable advice for all practitioners, regardless of the style they practice or the depth of their experience. An essential reference book for any serious student of Taoism, T'ai Chi According to the I Ching is an invaluable guide to how even the most esoteric aspects of Chinese philosophy are firmly rooted in a physical practice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

How Does This Compare to ------
T'ai Chi Chuan and IChing by Master Da Liu
Perrenial Library 1972
006-0804521

Pull Back
Kun - The receptive
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White Crane Spreads Wings
Pi - Grace
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White Crane is Listed in the 16 Form as Chapter #9
Does it match Pi??

Very detailed
Very detailed discussion of tai chi concepts, linking the techniques explicitly to the 8 trigrams, the five activities and five elements. The book is chock full of diagrams and illustrations that show these relationships, which makes it good as a reference, as you'll find few other books that lay it all out like this one does. Also discussions and presentations of the pre-heaven 16-movement form for both yin and yang parts, and the 64 move post-heaven form, the 8 hands, and the 8 stances as well. There's a huge amount of detail here also, which is bound to make it a little intimidating to some people, but overall a very detailed book although perhaps more than most people will want to wade through to gain an understanding of these concepts, since most tai chi practitioners are probably more interested in practical applications rather than an advanced knowledge of taoist theory. But at least some knowledge of that is necessary to become a truly advanced practitioner, and this book serves very well in that regard.

By the way, a little history here and also by way of comparing tai chi with kung fu. Tai chi was developed in the vicinity of the Wu Dan mountain, and is one of the three internal arts, along with Hsing I and Ba Gua. According to the history, tai chi was developed when a master (can't recall his name right now) back in the 13th took the Twelve Canons of Chinese Boxing, a famous martial arts book, added the great Da Mo's internal principles and modified the postures, and created the first tai chi movements. In the beginning there were only a half a dozen movements, but these were later expanded.

Although tai chi is known as a soft, internal art, it's not correct that it can't be hard. Tai chi is both hard and soft, but the balance between the two is different. In kung fu or Shaolin, the hardness and softness run the full gamut or spectrum. There are movements which are extremely soft and there are others that are very hard with lots of power and strength.

In tai chi, however, the two principles of yin yang come into play, which means that the hard and the soft are always balanced, and there is never an excess of either, so you don't get the extremes like you do in kung fu. However, tai chi is capable of hitting very hard when it wants. My masters would prefer to use the other person's strength against them, but when pressed, they had no problem with just hitting you hard, either, and they could hit just as hard as my karate and kung fu masters. :-)

Another point to keep in mind is that there is considerable overlap between kung fu and tai chi, as both have internal training. It's just that in tai chi, they start with the internal and work outword to the external, and kung fu starts with the external and works inward. In that sense, their methods are opposite sides of the same coin. This is because kung fu's internal chi gung methods come from Da Mo (or Daruma or Bodidharma, as he's sometimes called), rather than from the master or master's who developed tai chi. There are even similarities between the three external harmonies in tai chi, which is the shoulders in harmony with the hips, the elbows in harmony with the knees, and the hands in harmony with the feet (they are supposed to move together), in kung fu. I study hung gar kung fu also, and some of the movements also incorporate these principles.

Finally, although tai chi is well known these days for pushing hands and for off-balancing the opponent, actually, that part was incorporated into tai chi later on. Tai chi was originally a purely dim mak or points striking art. Most people who study tai chi still don't seem to know that fact as most do the short form for health and exercise, and the martial aspect and especially the point striking principles aren't taught as often. But tai chi has medical, martial, and spiritual aspects, and it is said that the Yang style form has 7 levels of performance, with the highest being the spiritual level.

Well, I didn't mean to digress so much, but I mention all this since sometimes in books like the present one, it's easy to lose sight of the overall guiding principles in tai chi, which aren't really that mysterious, they're just different, and get lost in the details. Really, the taoist concepts in tai chi aren't that difficult to understand intellectually, it's the actual physical application of them in the tai chi form that can take you half a lifetime to really learn and get good at. :-)

Almost a home run
This book is difficult to review because if you are like me you love it when technical manuals of this kind are presented. This is a great effort and as always Mr. Olson does a great job, but I think it would have been a home run if the focus was kept tighter. I think this should have been 2 books and each might have been made even more to the point in clarity. It will be in my library though along with a simpler? version by Da Lui. ... Read more

Product Description
Chi is the invisible energy of life that flows in and around us throughout the universe. Used skillfully, it can have a remarkable effect on health and vitality—to the degree that you’d be tempted to call it magical, if it weren’t so completely natural. Here is a perfect introduction to chi that explains in a direct and simple way what it is and why it is essential to a healthy and vital life. It provides an easy-to-understand explanation of chi, and then helps readers recognize, develop, and strengthen their own chi through specific breathing techniques and basic exercises, all demonstrated by the author.

There are many books on chi development through t’ai chi and qigong practice, but this one goes deeper to enable you to understand the fundamental principles as you cultivate it. This book is a reference for alternative health professionals such as acupuncturists and shiatsu therapists and their patients, as well as for anyone who practices t’ai chi, qigong, aikido, and other chi-based martial arts.

To learn more about the author, please visit his website at www.taichitaocenter.com. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Chi
It truly gives you the essence of Chi in the manner of the older Masters.I find it very helpful as I practice Tai Chi Qui Gong and Martial Arts.There is a wonderful gentleness about it, with a respect for tradition.It is hard to find a copy.

Great Eploration of Chi
This book is probably the only one I've found that answers the real questions: "What is chi? Where did it come from? and, what can you do with it?" While the last section of the book illustrates some basic Tai Chi exercises that anyone can do at home, the content would be valuable to those studying acupuncture, herbal medicine, meditation, or chi healing as well -- not just Tai Chi students. Warning: This book looks and sounds deceptively simple, but inside are some pretty intense statements about the Tao, the nature of life and mind and the soul which aren't the usual stuff. It will definitely challenge you to expand your views on Tai Chi and Taoism. Since I like that type of challenge, I give this five stars.

Great teacher and source of internal arts.
This author is one of the "real deal" masters of the internal arts. You can't go wrong with his teachings.

Good and disapointing
Chi: Discovering Your Life EnergyI was hoping to see something new, but all I see are basic Tai Chi movement.If you want to develope energy, learn Tai Chi, don't read a book.That's not to say that what he teaches here isn't valid.I was just hoping to learn something new. ... Read more

Product Description
Herman Kauz, acclaimed author of the best-selling Tai Chi Handbook, has been instrumental in advancing the practice of tai chi chuan in America. In this exciting new book, the companion to the Tai Chi Handbook, Kauz presents detailed instruction in push-hands, tai chi practiced with a partner.

The book begins with the thoughtfully reasoned argument that a cooperative approach to living-trying to accord with life's rhythms-is superior to a competitive one. The author advocates tai chi push-hands as a method of internalizing this philosophy.The text elucidates the meditative and athletic benefits of the practice. The nearly 100 photographs help to illustrate possible attacks and counterattacks. For anyone who has practiced tai chi and is interested in expert instruction in getting started with push hands, this is the essential handbook-private lessons with one of tai chi's most accomplished teachers.Amazon.com Review
This book amounts to a detailed private lesson in Tai Chi(with a non-competitive partner) by one of the most well-known expertson Tai Chi, Herman Kauz, author of "Tai Chi Handbook."Practicing Tai Chi with a partner amounts to a physical manifestationof a cooperative approach to living, a tangible way of experiencingbalance and cooperative interaction. Unlike some of the morecompetitive martial arts like karate and judo, which can be actuallystressful to some, Tai Chi with a partner, "push hands," isalmost meditative and requires careful attention to one's own and to apartner's strength, weakness, position, balance--and even to a certainextent, state of mind--to help rather than overcome or beat oneanother. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Push hands explained
I am a tai chi teacher for over 22 years and find master Herman Kauz's book on push hands a great reference tool for my students. It's extremely well written and explains not only the push hands form, but gives very helpful hints on ways to improve your practice and lifestyle.

To those unfamiliar with Push Hands it is a non-competitive Tai Chi practice with a partner. Both meditative and athletic, it is a method of expressing oneself with a partner in a non-judgmental yet effective manner. It teaches one to be in accord with the stresses of everyday life and the Taoist philosophy of "letting go" which encourages the release of the blockages that prevent us from gaining a keen understanding of our true nature and how we respond to other people.

During Push Hands practice the designated attacker tries to push his or her partner off balance using a minimum of force and without moving their feet. The defender tries to avoid the push by redirecting the opponent's force, also without moving his or her feet. If done correctly neither side will be able to take advantage of the other and a true partnership is realized.

Those of us who are involved in working with others, in a decision-making role or in everyday situations, will find Push Hands a profound way of dealing with these confrontations. After some time in practice, we will notice options and ideas that we would not have thought of or entertained before we began the exercise.

Anyone who has taken a course in the Martial Arts may find Push Hands the ideal alternative to the hard and stressful aspects of competition. To the Tai Chi practitioner, Push Hands represents the transition of the solo form into a partner exercise with profound repercussions.

Master Herman Kauz's book is an expression of this ideal to anyone who is open enough to read it thoroughly.

TC Push Hands by Kauz of little practical help
Kauz is sincere and seems to have considerable experience, expertise, and charisma.Much of the book is a lament on the human situation and a comment on how Tai chi might improve the world.Only a few pages are actually devoted to the steps of Push Hands, and even these descriptions are not as clear as they should be.He begins to get across the ideas of centering, feeling your partner's energy, feeling the circulation of pressure (force or energy), and what to do as energy diverges from the center - but then he does not develop the ideas in words or diagrams.I have not reviewed other Tai Chi Push Hands material but I think you should look elsewhere carefully first.Good luck.

Don't get tempted
What a waste of time and money. I thought I might get some form of insight into Tui shou (a.k.a. Push Hands) but there's nothing of true value here (no offence Herman). I didn't even get standard patterns for the Cheng Man-Ching / Yang style that I believe the author has a background in.

Push Hands: my personal experience as a student
This books is an excellent source of philosophy and technique. It is not a substitute for a qualified instructor.

Being a student of Herman's is quite an experience. His knowledge and expertise is extensive, as is his patience. Push hands does not involve pushing, but more of an attempt to discover the balance of your partner, while at the same time hiding yours from them. In essence, it teaches you about yourself and about others. It requires you to live in the moment, and not think about attaining goals per se. It will increase your awareness, and teach you the true principals of Tai Chi.

If you are serious about learning the real Tai Chi, then push hands will help you a great deal. But be patient. ... Read more

Product Description
Tai Chi Ball Qigong training is a long established method for increasing the body's physical power and Qi (energy). This training strengthens the torso, bones, muscles, ligaments, and improves root and balance. It helps with concentration and alertness, and teaches you how to lead and manifest Qi, which is key for martial power. Tai Chi Ball Qigong is good for all ages and any martial art style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Wonderfully profound and a sweet story!
Anyone, regardless of any or no Tai Chi experience, would enjoy this sweet and wisely written story.I was fortunate enough to have studied some QiGong with Luke Chan, the author, at a retreat in New York.He was as wise and insightful, although young, as any Tai Chi master.The story of self discovery is told over and over, and I've read MANY, watched MANY in movies etc., and have my own story to write.None are better than this one!It spoke to me on every level of my being.It is well worth reading, and/or giving to everyone you know! It truly belongs in every 'seekers' library.

A good basic guide to the lessons and stories in learning Tai Chi.
It has always been an ancient tradition to pass on lessons and advice in life through the medium of stories, parables and poems.Tai Chi is often taught by relating stories with a message.Each of the nine chapters cover a Tai Chi story.They include The Lotus, Waterfall, South Sea, Moonlight, Blue Sky, Red Rose, Rainbow, Flower and Butterflies. In conclusion, this is a book for anyone who is interested in the philosophy and principles of Tai Chi.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: a poetic tribute to warriors, Martial Art Myths, Never Trust a Politician, Tanto-Jutsu Manual, Wakizashi-Jutsu manual).

laws of life
I had been practicing tai-chi and chi-lel for more than a year almost everyday when I started reading this book. It is a very simple yet effective story reflecting our everyday life. It reminds us not to forget the simple but very important laws of life.

Pleasant but light
An enjoyable and entertaining read for the uninitiated. However a little too heavy on the cliches, and absent of real substance for the serious T'ai Chi student to get much from.

Simple, yet deep wisdom
I read this book without any prior knowledge of Tai Chi, and enjoyed everyword of it.It is a story with characters that reveal themselves honestly,showing all the faces of being human, and sharing the learned wisdom of howto live a successful life.I am now re-reading it, one section at a time,after practicing ChiLel Qigong for over 6 months, a method described in theauthor's other book "101 Miracles of Natural Healing".I mustsay that when before I thought this "Secrets" book was profound,now I am getting even more from it, after experiencing working with mybody, with chi (life energy), and with meeting other ChiLel Qigongstudents, who share wisdom just like in this book.I highly recommend thisbook to anyone who is searching for ways to improve how they live theirlives.The lessons stick with you because they are in story form, and donebeautifully. ... Read more

Product Description
"A voyage of discovery by a tai chi master and his student"The author describes his relationship to tai chi, a Chinese martial art and especially his studies with Master Henry Wang a tai chi master from Taiwan now living in Canada.The book is of interest to all martial artists, tai chi students, and those interested in Chinese culture.It is also a revealing autobiography by a psychiatrist who learns he suffers from cancer and his spiritual search in tai chi. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Powerful
Dr. Uhlmann's relationship with Master Wang is beautifully laid out...Master Wang is one who should be treasured as Uhlmann surely does.Most importantly, Peter shares the seven priciples of T'ai Chi as laid outby his Master.Having met and been instructed by both men in theseprinciples, and attempting to integrate them into the T'ai Chi I havelearned has been the break through and revalation I have been searchingfor.These principles practiced do result in the four ounce trigger. Words are really inadequate to describe the outcome of practice accordingto Master Wang's teaching.

a very personal view of a teacher-student relationship
Peter Uhlmann is a long-time student of Taiji teacher Henry Wang, presently based in Comox B.C., but originally hailing from Taipei. He metMaster Wang while living in Taipei and from him learned the short Yangform, as developed and transmitted by Grandmaster Cheng Man-Ching. Theheart of the book consists of an exploration of Master Wang's analysis ofTaiji's basic principles, as well as an often very amusing account of theculture-collision which occurred when he immigrated to Canada from Taipei.Peter Uhlmann's "Flowing the Tai Chi Way" is an amusing andinformative book. It is also unusual in that it is just as much about astudent's relationship with a teacher, as it is about Taiji principles.Rarely has this reader seen a work on Taiji as relentlessly personal asthis. As he writes, "Meeting Henry in 1982 was like getting married toTai Chi. My commitment to Tai Chi and to him is almost like a maritalbond."

Certainly, his marital bonds must have occasionally beentested by his commitment to his master. Unflinchingly, Uhlman describes thematter-of-fact misogynism of a culture where, after a full meal, the womenwould be expected to clear up and wash dishes while the men tended to theimportant business of sitting around and discussing Taiji! He also recountshis misgivings on realizing that his master was quite serious in respondingaffirmatively to Uhlmann's suggestion that he might someday consideremigrating from Taiwan to Canada. Uhlmann knew that, within the conventionsof "Wu De", he had assumed a major obligation and that he wouldbe called upon to act as sponsor and guarantor of his teacher, in helpinghim acclimatize to a new country and culture. The details of thisrelationship, depicted with restraint and great good humour, make forexcellent reading.

As depicted, Henry Wang's system regards Taiji asbeing defined by seven fundamental principles: Centre (central equilibriumor "Zhong Ding" and rooting), Balance (50-50 or 0-100, as opposedto the conventional 70-30), Proportion (linkage between the appropriatejoints, whether on the upper-lower body-axis, or between one side and theother), Circle (roundness, rotational integrity and "Peng"),Co-ordination (whole body and body to mind), Concentration (focus andintent) and Relaxation ("Soong").His understanding thus fallswell within traditional parameters and will seem very familiar to most. Asfurther illustration of this classical orientation, he describes thestudent's development according to the "three jewels" of internalalchemy. Thus the beginner is at the "Jin" level, concerned withmastering the elements of form; the intermediate is at the "Chi"level, developing more internal elements; the advanced student is at the"Shen" level, raising the practice to a more spiritual and lessphysically obvious plane.

A possibly more controversial area is in HenryWang's approach to "pushing hands". Although a graduate of thebrutal Taipei push-hands scene and a successful championship contender,Wang has apparently re-defined this aspect of the art into what he terms"Searching Centre"; students are not allowed to use any overtforce whatsoever. Emphasis is placed on qi, rather than kinesiologicalstructure, and a premium is placed on sensitivity and softness. Well andgood; many of us are quite skeptical of the smash-jerk-and-grab we see atmost Taiji competitions. However Peter Uhlmann depicts Henry Wang'stheories as being ignored and rejected by the organizers of a Taijitournament in Vancouver where he demonstrated them in 1995. As his studentswon some medals at the event in question, I'd like to know more about this,as nothing usually creates respect like success. It would be interesting tohave some input from one of the tournament organizers in regard to thisincident.

Another reason for occasional caution is that, while amusing,informative and fascinating,Peter Uhlmann's depiction of Master HenryWang often borders on the hagiographic. With great honesty he discloses apotential cause for the intimate emotional intensity of his account, byrevealing his personal struggle with cancer (thankfully in remission). Clearly Henry Wang is his Guru (something which I do not believe PeterUhlmann would dispute). The emotional support which he has clearly beenafforded by this teacher and by the art of Taiji, placed within the contextof a life-threatening illness, cannot be estimated. While the quality ofthis relationship may be somewhat off-putting to some, this reader found itto be the most interesting aspect of the book. Few of us today are party tothis kind of bond.

"Flowing the Tai Chi Way" is a personalaccount, not a prescriptive text. With that borne in mind, it should be awelcome addition to many personal libraries.

Reviewed for"Tongren", the newsletter of the Canadian Taijiquan Federation.P.O. Box 421, Milton, Ontario, CANADA, L9T 4Z1. Steve Higgins, Oct.31st., 1999.

This book is a gem!
Flowing the Tai Chi Way, China Books & Periodicals, San Francisco, 1998 by Peter Uhlmann, MD

This small book is a gem.Its author, a psychiatrist and cancer survivor, has studied Tai Chi for more than 25years, including a 15 year relationship with a Tai Chi master.In theForward, Dr. Uhlmann acknowledges that this is not a "how to"book and that he is an `unknown' on the Tai Chi stage.Yet with thesedisclaimers, he has successfully explained Tai Chi as both a life-longlearning process and a tool for spiritual awakening.His personal journeyis fascinating and full of insights.

Dr. Uhlmann's story begins in NewYork City in 1968 when he and his wife Ronnie first observed "pushhands."What follows are: study with Master Raymond Chung inVancouver in the early 1970s; travel to China in 1978 and learningMandarin; renewed study in Taiwan from 1982-1983 and the beginning of hisrelationship with Master Henry Wang; the latter's biography and immigrationto Powell River, BC in 1986 and 1987; the author's ever-evolvingrelationship with his master; further trips to China and Taiwan and adeepening appreciation of Chinese culture; Master Wang's seven principlesand their application to everyday life; the challenges of balancing one'swork and family responsibilities with the daily practice and discipline ofTai Chi; attaining softness, eschewing competition, and letting go; thebenefits of teaching Tai Chi; being diagnosed with lymphoma and its impact;further letting go and enhanced spiritual progress.

But this book is muchmore than this roadmap.It is a story of love.It is a story of onefamily's belief in and sponsorship of another family to Canada.It is astory of one man, the son of German Jews who fled the Holocaust and a manwho grew up with "sadness and separateness", meeting another manwho becomes his Tai Chi master and friend.Theirs is a relationship ofstrength, reverence, humility, and grace.And ultimately it is a story ofa good man, a physician and psychiatrist for 30 years, who not only beginsto find personal peace but lets go and gives back to his family, hisfriends, his students, and his readers.There are important lessons herefor all of us.

This book is for and beyond students of Tai Chi.It is abook for all who are curious about life's vicissitudes and the quests ofhumankind.Therapists will love it and so will their clients and patients. It is easy to read, handsome in appearance, beautifully illustrated withphotographs and calligraphy, and reasonably priced.Master Wang's poems(from which the title is born) open and close the book.They are simple,rich, and touch the heart.And the book's cover with a photograph ofMaster Wang and Dr. Uhlmann illustrating the power of chi is aknockout!

Michael Myers, MD ... Read more

Product Description
Each book in this beautifully illustrated series collects the most popular and effective techniques to energize, fortify, relieve stress, and strengthen and relax the body and mind.

Esta bella colección ilustrada agrupa las técnicas y métodos más populares para todos aquellos lectores preocupados por la salud que desean mejorar tanto en su estado de ánimo como en su aspecto físico. ... Read more

Product Description
What's the next step in your Taijiquan journey?

More and more people all over the world are studying Tai Chi. No matter what style they study, what direction they take, or what level they are at, all agree on one thing: Tai Chi is a limitless journey and there is always more to be learned. There are so many questions along the way and everyone has them, students and teachers alike, questions that are fundamental to all styles of Tai Chi, fundamental to all learning processes.

Inside Tai Chi will prepare anyone taking the journey for what to expect along the way, offering practical advice, observations, training exercises and detailed discussions on the learning process. It will help students learn--and teachers teach--more effectively, offering real life tools such as stress reduction along with invaluable Tai Chi specific tools such as advanced rooting exercises. Chock-full of insights, advice, and observations (testimonials too) from a long time teacher, Inside Tai Chi is designed to help you get the most from your practice. Explore all that Tai Chi can be, as a physical discipline, as well as a mental, emotional, and spiritual discipline. Inside Tai Chi will not only enrich your practice but your entire life.

* Deepen your understanding for great Tai Chi.
* Inspiration and advice for a lifetime of practice.
* For all styles and all levels of experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not quite T'ai Chi
Mr. Loupos uses a lot of good words, and imparts some useful information, but in my opinion this book doesn't really represent T'ai Chi -- at least not as I've been taught it.My suspicions were aroused as early as page 6 of the book which shows him demonstrating the posture Snake Creeps Down (aka Squatting Single Whip).In this posture all of your weight is supposed to be borne by the right foot, and Mr. Loupos certainly talks in the book about keeping the Bubbling Well point in the center of the foot in good contact with the earth, but he doesn't actually do it.The photo shows his right foot up on edge rather than flat, and his right knee nowhere near positioned over his right foot.It's hard to imagine all of his weight is being borne by that right foot.(In contrast, look at pages 197 and 297 of Robert W. Smith's book "Martial Musings" to see the posture performed correctly by two different practitioners -- foot is flat, knee is over the foot in both cases.)

The focus in T'ai Chi is on being relaxed and using ch'i rather than muscular force to move an opponent.Mr. Loupos gives lip service to the idea of relaxation and softness, but his recurring references to force and power -- e.g., transfer of force, flow of force, issuing outgoing power, efficient release of power, etc. -- raise the suspicion that his idea of T'ai Chi is one of superior body mechanics rather than the cultivation and use of ch'i.Oh, and the principles of T'ai Chi, those ideas on which the entire discipline is based, are relegated to an appendix.

One of the best!
Great book and info on tai chi, very clear and easy to understand, tackling alot of important issues that I have not found covered in other books.

This is one of the better books out there on Tai Chi and I'll tell you why.

1) Theres no esoteric jargon; it's easy to understand.
2) Theres not pages upon pages of pictures and descriptions, like some books out there.
3) It tackles the *important* issues of Tai chi, such as rooting and body mechanics, as well as stress relief and philosophy.

Overall, this book covers, in great detail, a major part of Tai chi.It's also 'geared' towards westerners.It's easy to understand, and relates alot of the benefits of Tai chi to counteract the ailments of today's culture, such as the fast paced and stressful environments of the work place and other things.

The author, who is an expert sifu (teacher) of Tai chi, kung fu, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, writes in a clear, concise, whitty and detailed manner.Each chapter has various aspects of the subject on hand, with illustrations as well.This book covers ALOT of aspects of tai chi.I found this book answered alot of my questions of tai chi that other books did not.

So much of todays information on martial arts / tai chi is hard to understand, or hard to obtain.A lot of sources are hesitant to devulge the "secrets" of the art (and by secrets I mean proper way of practicing).It's books like this one, and John Loupos' other titles, that make your practice so much easier to understand and enjoyable to practice.It seems like he tackles every question you have, no matter how small or insignifigant.

One thing about this book is that you cannot breeze through it.It is a resource of information that you will be referring back to as your tai chi progresses.I could go on and on praising this book, but you really must check it out for yourself to see how detailed it is.

Well written and extremely informative.
I got involved in T'ai Chi because I read that it can be useful for reducing stress and improving both physical and mental health.I wanted to learn more about how T'ai Chi accomplishes this.Mr. Loupos gives an in-depth explanation of how and why T'ai Chi provides these benefits.He does an excellent job of explaining the Eastern philosophical underpinnings of T'ai Chi from a Western psychological perspective.

This book does not provide step-by-step instructions for completing any of the T'ai Chi forms.If that's what you're looking for, you'll need to look elsewhere.I don't think it's possible to properly learn T'ai Chi from a book anyway.You're going to need someone to teach you.And once you start learning, this book provides a wealth of background information, advice, and tips that you'll find to be an invaluable addition to your practice.While there are no step-by-step instructions, Mr. Loupos does provide a ton of information about the subtle but extremely important basics that underlie all of the movements.

Mr. Loupos doesn't guarantee that everyone will experience all of the many benefits of T'ai Chi, but he convincingly demonstrates that the possibility is there.The end result is that every time I open the book I end up putting it down so I can start practicing.

Mastering the basics of the Tai Chi martial art
Inside Tai Chi: Hints, Tips, Training, & Process For Students And Teachers by seasoned marital arts expert John Loupos is 194 page, step-by-step book dedicated to understanding and mastering the basics of the Tai Chi martial art. Black-and-white photographs illustrate the practical and straightforward text, which addresses everything from body positioning to breathing to working with a partner. Inside Tai Chi is very highly recommended reading for martial arts enthusiasts with a serious interest in Tai Chi, as well as the non-specialist general reader considering a Tai Chi exercise regimen for their general health and well-being. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Pretty Decent Intro in Tai Chi
Used the book for a report and found it was a good introduction to Tai Chi.I'd get other books with it too though, they're cheap enough.

Photos of stiffly-posed models instead of experienced Tai Chi practitioners
The models attempting to "demonstrate" the Tai Chi postures in Ronnie Robinson's book are clearly *posed*. Cartoon thought-bubbles saying, "Er...is this right?", or "Geez, how *long* did you say I have to hold this pose?" are missing, but there's a feeling that the author has only just darted out of the scene after having positioned his models.

This trivializes Tai Chi.

Instead of employees from a modeling agency in externally-imposed postures, author Robinson would have done better to have used longtime Tai Chi practitioners in his photos, the way B.K.S. Iyengar used photos of himself in the yoga poses described in Iyengar's _Light on Yoga_. In contrast to Robinson's artificially-positioned models, Iyengar's focus, visible in _Light on Yoga's_ photographs, is clearly *habitual* and *internal*. A longtime practitioner of yoga, Iyengar's physique, posture, and very being have been modified through continual practice of the mental and physical discipline of yoga. In assuming the postures, Iyengar *embodies* yoga.

Contrastingly, Ronnie Robinson's models look so self-conscious that it distracts from the book's rather cliche text. They seem more conscious of the camera than of their root.

In his book, _The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan_, Yang Chengfu (1883-1936), the best-known Tai Chi teacher, emphasized the importance of "stand(ing) in stillness", the position assumed prior to beginning the Tai Chi form, saying, "People all too easily neglect this posture, and really do not know the method of its practice or its application. It is all right here." He explained the primary benefits of this pose which, to the casual observer, looks simply like standing, arms at one's sides!

Tai Chi looks deceptively simple. Its subtleties cannot be overstated. It is an art form best conveyed via long-term, regular, one-on-one study with an experienced instructor. Barring that, we readers deserve, at the very least, photographs depicting such experienced instructors in the postures--photographs capturing each posture's subtleties.

There are several Tai Chi books available that will very likely do a better job, and which I hope to investigate. If I find a really good one, I'll post a reference here.

UPDATE: I like Jesse Tsao's _Compact Tai Chi_ (2000 paperback, ISBN 1-57863-126-2). It has a lot of genuinely helpful tips. ... Read more

Product Description
A spiral-bound manual illustrating the movements of Tai Chi, with text in both English and French. Master Moy Lin-shin demonstrates each movement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Reference for Beginners
If your taking Taoist Tai Chi classes, this is a great tool to help you in your home pratice sessions.
I wouldn't recommend trying to learn Tai Chi without the direction of a qualified instructor. Learning the proper foot work and hand position co-ordination, with the right rhythm, requires a qualified instructor.


... Read more

Product Description
If you see T'ai Chi for the first time, you might wonderwhether you're witnessing a form of dance, prayer, stretchingexercise, deep-breathing program, or a martial art. The answer wouldbe "yes" to all of the above and more. T'ai Chi, like most ancientEastern practices, does not fit strict Western categories. As thisbook testifies, T'ai Chi among other things offers relief from stress,breathing disorders, muscular ailments, chronic headaches, as well asa variety of modern office and sports-related complaints and deepemotional problems. Few today are as well positioned to explain thehealing powers of T'ai Chi as Dr. Martin Lee. Dr. Lee is a renownedengineering physicist, known as the "guru" of model-based acceleratorcontrol systems, who helped design an atomic accelerator that led toNobel Prize-winning discoveries of the "Si" particle. He is also aT'ai Chi master, the only American who has studied with Yu Pen-Shih,one of China's foremost Ch'i Kung masters. Dr. Lee has developed aground-breaking practical program that combines Eastern and Westernapproaches to wellness which he calls "physical philosophy." Its goalis to help people become "one with nature," a Buddhist term for therestoration of health. The rewards of his program he describes asSelf-Happiness, Self-Control, Self-Realization, and Self-Healing. Eachof these benefits receives a carefully developed chapter complete withexercises to build healthy habits. On every page, the central focus ison the flow of energy or "inner breath" that T'ai Chi is designed toevoke through four basic instructions: Relax.Breathe. Feel theearth. Do nothing extra.Here is a valuablehealth/exercise/meditation program, a breakthrough in combining themost ancient spiritual insights with the most advanced scientificknowledge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Tai Chi Primer

This is an excellent introduction to Tai Chi; however, it should only be used in conjunction with an instructor.Tai Chi is too deep to learn from a book but the book gives deeper meaning to the individual movements and lists many health benefits of Tai Chi.I highly recommend it to all Tai Chi participants.

We often create stress within ourselves when we are angry, when we hurry, when we feel sadness or sorrow, and when we worry
1. "I decided to study the relationship between wellness and four parts of self mind, body, thought, and chi (inner energy)."

2. "By practicing tai chi and understanding chi and its breathing techniques, I was able to heal my allergies and other ailments."

3. For many of us pain and suffering are still a part of everyday life. Why? Because of stress. The stress we feel creates an enormous emotional and spiritual burden. People afflicted with stress rarely seek a cure and suppose that stress is not detrimental to health. There is growing evidence that stress contributes to devastating physical and mental ailments. When we're under stress we loss control of our lives and this loss of control makes us feel more stressed. Unless, we find ways to reduce stress, most of us experience anger, worry, and sorrow, sometimes for extended time. This residual stress in turn can cause headaches, other physical complications, and depression. If we want to enjoy a better life, we need to find ways to reduce and, better yet, to prevent stress. Preventing stress from accumulating keeps it from harming the body and mind and debilitating our energy.

4. "Although I once suffered from the physical manifestations of stress, I was able to cure these ailments through the practice of tai chi."

5. The one with nature method is designed to reduce and prevent stress in a simple and practical way that heals the mind and body. The relationship between mental and physical stress and healing process cannot be understood through the study of mediation alone. We need integrate all our knowledge in science, philosophy, psychology, medicine, physical exercise, and more into a system that everyone can easily learn.

6. The good feeling coming from inside is called inner happiness. Both inner happiness and the flow of inner breath come from the relaxation process brought from connecting of the thought and chi. "I also found that you can enhance this warm good feelings of inner breath during exhalation. Intention -> Relaxation -> Breath -> Attention à Feel the earth -> Do nothing Extra

7. If stress in your head for a period of time, you may get a headache. If it centers in your back, you may get a backache. The body's organ's, like the kidneys and liver, may also be subject to stress and, therefore, to more serious stress-related illnesses. Healing is a state of the body that is stress-free. You need to relax more than your muscles to restore the free flow of chi. Internal organs like the pulmonary, nervous, or gastrointestinal system must be relaxed just like your muscular system. Nature can relax the mind and every part of the body.

8. Dr. Yu Pen-Shih taught Dr. Martin Lee that before he could heal his injured finger, he had to be able to feel chi. Dr. Yu described Tone chi to Dr. Lee, as, "to establish a connection between thought and chi". Dr. Yu helped Dr. Lee heal his hurt finger. It took several minutes.

9. Tone Chi was taught as follows: Dr. Yu requested Dr. Lee to stand in a Chi Kung stance. Dr. Yu placed both palms above Dr. Lee's head and told him to relax his entire body and breath naturally. "As I relaxed, I felt a warm and comfortable sensation inside my body moving gently down to the soles of my feet. I call this warm and comfortable sensation inner breath." After 15 minutes the warm sensation reached his feet and the tone chi process was complete. "I realized that the warm sensation I felt during the tone chi process was the effect of though and chi and that the thought-chi connection plays an important role in self-healing." "I found a simple way to feel the inner breath by relaxing my entire body, using my whole body to breathe, feeling the earth beneath me, and making sure I was doing nothing extra." The warm chi feeling was created by connecting the thought with chi.

10. "I also found that you can enhance this warm, good feeling of inner happiness and inner breath during exhalation." "As air is exhaled through your mouth, you can feel the inner breath moving to different parts of your body. With practice, you can feel and direct this flow of inner breath by thinking and breathing."

11. "We often create stress within ourselves when we are angry, when we hurry, when we feel sadness or sorrow, and when we worry."

12. One with nature mediation: Sit on a chair with your back straight. Concentrate your thought - chi into your hands , rotate them slowly like they are holding a ball. Feel the warm sensation between your palms while exhaling. Tap lightly the area in pain and visualize a light above your head moving to the pain location. Place your palm direct over the pain location and visualize the light moving through your palm to the pain location. Afterwards Touch the leg then touch both knees and visualize/feel the warmeth from your palms descending to your feet. This will take a couple of minutes of chi-thought to get the warmeth to descend to your feet. Repeat the process (stop after 15 minutes)

Healing body and mind
I have read both of Dr. and Emily Lee's books, and in my opinion they are the best teachers of the art of tai chi and how it relates to healing the body and also the mind. Relax, breathe, feel the earth. Do nothing extra. This is Doctor Lees philosophy and approach to tai-chi. I wish I could give it six stars. Doctor Lee and his family are a pure gift to those who will follow there teachings.
Peace. ... Read more

Product Description
Here is the original, rarely seen Tai Ji developed by Yang Lu Chan over 150 years ago. While other styles branched off into sport, health, and meditation, Yang’s disciples preserved the traditional ways. This book covers the principles, characteristics, and essentials of the Wu method, along with its famous masters. The entire classical form is illustrated step by step, with detailed instruction in forms practice, fighting applications, push hands, and weapons skills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A Classic..easy to follow....
I wanted to start learning some wu taiji postures due to what i read about the wu style.When I received the book I could not put it down.The way the book is put together made it a good read. Not all the junk you would find in other books.I visited the their school in nyc to obtain the wu taiji form in dvd.Highly recommend the book with dvd if thinking of learning the form correctly.Something to ponder upon.....Taiji is an art, so is playing the guitar.You have professional guitar players who never attended a music school and became masters at the guitar. Can you have that with Tai chi?Start with this book.And practice, practice, practice.

Excellent Northern Wu Tai Chi Book
I have bought several tai chi books over the years but this is by far the best I have found. I used to study Yang style but really love Northern Wu and find the book makes it accessible to people wanting to learn the Wu style. The photos and explanations make it very easy to follow. Frank Allen and Tina Zhang also have a Northern Wu video which compliments the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to study tai chi. I have greatly benefitted from this book.

Not for beginners
If you are new to tai chi, do not purchase this book, as it is not meant for beginners. The layout is pretty, and so are the pictures; however, the instructions fall short when it comes to explaining stepping. This already becomes obvious in the second movement of the form: Grasp Sparrow's Tail. When turning with the left foot, the student is not told whether to turn on the ball or heel of the foot. Also, there is no layout or diagram of the overall directions a student travels while practicing the form. The book is probably fine for someone who already knows the form and wants to deepen his/her understanding of Nothern Wu Style Tai Ji Quan.
For beginners, the book for this style hasn't come out yet. If you come across a book for this style truly written for beginners, let me know. While I'm intrigued by this tia chi style, I'm disappointed by this book. No doubt, it's a good reference book, but not for beginners.

If you are a beginner and pretty much clueless about tai chi, the book you should purchase is the following: Handbook of T'ai Chi Chuan Exercises by Zhang Fuxing. This innovative and pedagogically marvelous book introduces Yang style taich chi and is written for beginners.

Excellent overview of Northern Wu-style Taijiquan
This is an excellent example of what a book about a martial art should be.It includes historical background, suggestions for learning and practice, and detailed descriptions and clear photographic breakdown of the forms.I wouldn't recommend anyone to try to learn any martial art from a book without a teacher, but this book makes an excellent supplement to the study of this branch of Wu-style taijiquan.It should also be part of the library of anyone collecting books on taijiquan.

Northern Wu Style Taiji and Sword Forms
Although it is always preferable to have a teacher, this book goes a long way towards providing the images and text for learning Taiji on your own, which is an unusual occurance. The images are sharp and there are many of them. Using figure numbers, the images are linked to the text, which is as clearly written as is possible.

The introduction gives excellent background on the evolution of Northern style taiji and provides biographies of the people that developed and spread the art. The introduction is followed by a section on the Principles of Wu Style Taijiquan, which provides interesting information on the differences between the hard and soft, and the external and internal martial arts styles.

The Wu style described in the book consists of 83 movements with images covering the beginning and end of each movement plus images for all key changes in posture.

In addition to the Taiji form, the book contains a good section on Push hands, which incluses more than 50 images showing fighting applications using the Wu style movements.

The Classical Sword Form is also presented and the presentation is just as well done and extensive as the Taiji form.

The book is a well done, authoritative, excellent addition to the martial arts literature.
... Read more

Product Description

Strengthen Your Body, Improve Your Balance and Rejuvenate Your Spirit

The ancient Chinese health system of tai chi is now practiced throughout the world more regularly than any other form of exercise. It promises all the benefits of a strong body, and it is also noted for calming the mind and improving balance -- an especially important issue for older people. Now, in Tai Chi for Staying Young, world-renowned Master Lam Kam-Chuen provides a gentle, step-by-step program suitable for people of all ages and at all stages of fitness.

Centuries of practice have perfected this method of soothing the mind and alleviating stress. These exercises can be performed anytime, anywhere, and they require no special clothing, shoes or equipment. You can do them alone or with others, at home or even outside. Tai chi is not competitive, and you can work at your own pace as the slow, steady movements smooth the breathing and increase the intake of oxygen into the lungs. This carefully designed program greatly enhances circulation -- without leaving you gasping for breath.

In Tai Chi for Staying Young, you can expect:

Product Description
Share the Secrets of Great Tai Chi!

Over the course of several centuries the Ancient Masters practiced and pondered the mystery and purpose of Tai Chi Chuan, preserving their profound insights in songs and poems. Shrouded in secrecy, these songs and poems were closely guarded jewels and have only been revealed to the public this century.

Now, you can reap the benefits of centuries of wisdom and practical experience to deepen and refine your Tai Chi Chuan. Discover ways to reach the essence of your Form and take your Push Hands (and sparring!) to higher levels, for not only has Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming translated these poems from the original Chinese, he has written additional commentaries to make them more accessible to contemporary minds. Insights from the Masters of Tai Chi Chuan is an invaluable resource for students who seek true understanding of their art.

* Can be used with any style of Tai Chi Chuan.
* Sound, practical advice for any Martial Art.
* Includes commentaries, translation, and original Chinese.
* Key points for incorporating the teachings into your practice.
* Poems from Chang San-Feng and other great Masters! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The real thing
Bought this. I am lucky I can still read Chinese, and now Yahoo has a Chinese translation webpage in yahoo hk.

The Chinese writing looks genuine, as the method of some of the writing is the "Old School" type. Recognize some phrases from Tung (Dong) family's red manual, and another manual.

The manual here describes "make the drum full" from Chi.
My sifu from Honan Shaolin demonstrated chi in his arms. He filled it and I cannot find his pulse on his wrist. That's what is meant by "make the drum full" from Chi.
I still cannot do that.I am lazy, I guess that's it.

When that phrase "make the drum full" was written, there was no plastic or balloons to describe the pressure and filling analogy. I believe the translation and understanding by Dr. Yang here was not up to par.

Tiny book, but deep
This book was recommended by a friend who's studied Tai Chi longer than me.I wasn't disappointed when I got it, although the size surprised me.The material is excellent, but you can't read it fast. Read it at Tai Chi speed. :0)

The thing that struck me as the most memorable was: Silently learn, then ponder; gradually you will get what your heart desires.Good thing to apply in most of life's teachings.

Study well!

Excellent Book for the serious tai chi player
I found this book to be very helpful in my study of tai chi.The words of the masters translated by the author are usefull to all levels of tai chi players.It is especially usefull to those seeking to reach a higher levelof push hands.I really appreciate the effort by Jwing Ming to translate somany text and make them available to the martial artist who only speakenglish. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

goodbeginners book
some problems with seeming discrepancies between what's written and what's pictured, but generally a good way to develop a program on one's own

Detailed instructions for the student
This book is great for the beginner who is just learning the Yang style Simplified Form and for the more advanced student.Of course, Tai Chi isbest learned with the guidance of a teacher, but a book like this would bevery helpful. The book starts with some philosophy and history of Tai Chi,continues with Qigong exercises, then details the movements and postures ofthe 24 forms--each illustrated with several color photos--and finishes upwith a chapter on meditation.I enjoyed the book for its beautifulillustrations, its clear descriptions, and because it teaches the forms theway I know them.I will recommend it to my students. ... Read more