Provides a step-by-step photographic guide to each posture in the Before Heaven T'ai Chi form and illustrates the 64 postures of the After Heaven T'ai Chi form. Also includes discussion of the universal principals of the pratice of T'ai Chi and the philosophy of the I Ching.
Developed over many centuries, Tai Chi Chuan incorporates the principles of Taoist philosophy with the accumulated knowledge of the traditional martial arts. Wu Style is known as the "three-in-one exercise," invigorating the mind, the internal energy (qi), and the body. Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan describes the origin and philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan, and then details its multiple health benefits. Step-by-step instruction in the practice of the Tai Chi Chuan solo form is presented.
In Yin-Yang in Tai-Chi Chuan and Daily Life, Simmone Kuo provides the philosophical context for the practice of this popular martial art, showing how Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions have shaped the practice of Tai-Chi Chuan. Included here are student accounts of the strong impressions Mme. Kuo made on her students. Drawing on yearly research trips to China and her lecture in Advanced Tai-Chi Chuan at San Francisco State University, Mme. Kuo explores the application of Yin-Yang theory to: -Health and Nutrition -Daily Practice -Traditional Chinese Philosophy and the I Ching -The Teacher-Student Relationship -Self-Awareness and Self-Defense
This book is an accumulation of Master Marvin Smalheisers writing in the Tai Chi magazine from its inception in 1977 till 2016. Master Smalheiser was the editor and the owner of Tai Chi magazine, and he published only an article related to tai chi. He was a practitioner as well as a teacher. He lived what he thought was the best way of lifehelpful, humble, and down-to-earth. This book covers many aspects and benefits of tai chi as a martial art that Master Smalheiser felt to write about. Some of the topics are meditation, relaxation, self-defense, the types of tai chi, history, health, personal interviews with masters in the US and abroad, and more. It was Master Smalheisers wish to write books about tai chi, but his untimely death did not allow him to get the books done. I do not know much about tai chi; therefore, I gathered some of his writings and made this book to benefit all the tai chi practitioners as Master Smalheiser wanted. It is my wish that the tai chi enthusiasts will enjoy the book and remember Master Marvin Smalheiser.
A comprehensive text that includes a study of the origins and history of Tai Chi; a detailed analysis of its relationship to Western philosophy, the I Ching, Tao te Ching, yoga, and Zen. The author also ties its use to esoteric systems, and discusses health and Chinese medicine in relation to Tai Chi. Includes several hundred detailed photographs showing application of the positions.
Complete Tai Chi Chuan is the first book in English to deal extensively with the concepts of 'inside the door' training and the inner art, including therapeutic and martial aspects of Taoist internal alchemy. Drawing on original historical research, the author identifies the links between the art and Chinese philosophy. Fully illustrated throughout, the book includes: history, theory and philosophy, hand form, practical training, inside the door' training techniques, working with weapons and competition.
In Tai Chi Chuan and the Code of Life, Graham Horwood describes the various styles of Tai Chi Chuan, exploring its roots in the Chinese philosophy of Taoism as well as elaborating on the evolution it has undergone over millennia. In order to understand the energetic method of Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung, he highlights parallels between its source, The I Ching, and archetypal principles from both Eastern and Western philosophy and medicine. The text and diagrams show the synergy between the different cultures, and shows how they are all linked. This enables the beginner or the experienced Tai Chi practitioner to improve their understanding of Tai Chi, which will strengthen both the mind and body, opening the gateway to the inner person. Drawing on information from the Yang family's formerly secret teachings, the book explains how to build chi (energy), circulate and store it, and also includes an exclusive set of Chi Kung exercises which will augment the building, circulation and storage of chi for the healer and martial practitioner, showing the path to optimizing the practitioner's energetic and spiritual development. The exercises are accompanied by an explanation of where chi comes from and its application for the mind and body as well as the flow in the meridians. The book provides an excellent introduction to both the theory and key practices of Tai Chi Chuan for the beginner, and multi-level insights for the seasoned practitioner that will enhance his or her practice and understanding of Tai Chi Chuan.
It is one of the most ancient and complete forms of art, in performance it looks like a graceful classical dance, yet with constant practice of the slow harmonious movement, Tai Chi helps to promote tranquility and physical vitality. There are another functions of Tai Chi can provide a sophisticated method of self-defense, in this book, it also includes the introduction of more than four thousand years of the Chinese history, civilization and the wisdom of the Chinese Calendar. The Tai Chi champion interprets you how to acquire the essence of the art "balance of Yin and Yang".
Originally published before Kuo Lien-Ying left China and then again in 1966 soon after his arrival in the United States, Tai-Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice has now been edited and expanded by his widow and disciple, Simmone Kuo. Her version includes new material on the philosophical origins of Tai-Chi Chuan, particularly how it relates to the I Ching, the most ancient text of Chinese wisdom. The book also provides explanations of the meaning of this ancient and elegant martial art--its name and history--the keys to understanding the Thirteen Movements, archival photographs of Lien-Ying performing the movements, and other supplementary literature.
This essential take-anywhere guide explains the numerous mindfulness benefits of tai chi and shows how to use this ancient martial art to reduce stress and improve overall wellness. Often called “moving mediation,” tai chi is an ancient practice with numerous health benefits our modern, over-stressed society needs. Not only is tai chi a proven stress reliever, it’s also been shown to increase balance, flexibility, and strength, and improve muscle tone, sleep, mood, and overall sense of well-being. This book teaches readers the essential principles and techniques of tai chi while showing you how to use tai chi as an effective mindfulness technique to reduce stress, increase focus, and improve your state of mind. With more than 60 illustrations to help you understand and master essential tai chi moves, this handy, portable package makes My Pocket Tai Chi a perfect companion for practicing tai chi in your own backyard and beyond.
Long Life, Good Health traces the historical and philosophical development of Tai-Chi Chuan within the context of the sister martial arts from which it was created. This book includes precisely sequenced photographs, and step-by-step instructions. Though intended for beginners, Long Life, Good Health should fascinate more advanced students who want to research and compare ancient forms and lineages of Tai-Chi Chuan.
