wonderful tai chi book
352402
This book is not a how-to manual, and it seems that the negative reviews here were expecting a different, or a beginner's, book. This book assumes a basic knowledge of the Tai Chi forms (especially Yang style), but it is the most beautiful book about movement and dance and eastern philosophy I have read. This book honestly changed my life. It helped me free myself from the tai chi forms into a more natural, dance-like movement, and thereby helped me free myself from chronic back and knee pain that had plagued me for years. They are gone, and in ten years have never returned. Al Huang understands the similarities between Asian and European cultures deeply and is able to communicate profound understandings to an American audience in ways that few authors can. I recommend this book highly. Just know that it is a book to savor and apply to life, here and now, and is meant for an audience already familiar with Tai Ji forms and ideas. If you already understand the basics of Tai Chi, this book will open untold doors and allow you to express your true self beyond the basic movements.
4221006
The book arrived in new condition with DVD intact. The contents are a detailed study of 5 sets of Tai Chi forms. It has been very helpful in my practice.
4705566
David-Dorian Ross clearly loves his Tai Chi and does an excellent job explaining movements even to a true "beginner."  I love the way he teaches with such grace in movement rather than just a slouchy everyday movement I've seen in other DVD's.  There's only nine movements which is great for an older person.  After all, some of us have a difficult time learning new/difficult things.  But the way he explains it, it's easy to just rewind until you get it.  Highly recommend it and just stick to it.
1628007
I was looking for an introductory Qi Gong and Tai Chi as a present for my 83yo godmother. She absolutely loves the DVD, Chris Pei works at the perfect pace for beginners and does a terrific job explaining the philosophy behind the art. Highly recommended :)
4941769
I enjoyed the insight into the many subjects related to tai chi that were incorporated into a great mystery.  Students of tai chi will enjoy  this book.  I am looking forward to Pressure Point.
454945
Firstly I learned the 5 Relaxation Methods.  Ive always heard about being relaxed in practicing Tai Chi , but Ive never received any instructions as effective as these methods mentioned in the book.

Secondly I perceive fully now the interpretation of the eight directions in Tai Chi by using the clock indications,
I stand on the heart of a laying clock

Thirdly some body mechanics in Tai Chi is beyond my comprehension before, but they are explained precisely so I got the point here.
2307523
Like tai chi itself, the book has layers to peel, revealing new and unexpected surprises.  The scholarly effort is evident, the depth of understanding unsurpassed, and the result is a work that is thoughtful, deep, and helpful to anyone interested in this sublime art.
4029624
By far the best book I have found to date on Chinese Qigong. Its strength  is in the many exercises described within its pages. The authors provide  plenty of pictures to assist their written directions. The book also  provides many exercises for beginners to build a foundation in qigong  basics and methods of practice for more advanced students.
The value of  this book is immeasurable. It gives the average student of qigong access to  information that would take an individual years to acquire in study with  many qigong teachers.
3253303
I decided to purchase this book after 6 years of training in Tai Chi.  I have found many low and mid-level discussions of Tai Chi practice, and some "high level abstract discussions" of proper Tai Chi practice (such as essays in Tai Chi magazine), but have rarely found a publication which discusses, in detail, the nuances of putting together all of the pieces of an obscure and unusual art.

This book delivers, and is a treasure for anyone at an intermediate to advanced level of practice.  It contains details, suitable for all styles (although the illustrations appear to be primarily Yang style) on how to overcome many of the "sticking points" of Tai Chi practice :

- rooting

- flowing

- proper use of legs

- proper body alignment for power generation

- mental attitudes

The illustrations provided detail clearly the differences between "correct" and "incorrect" practice.  Two-person drills for rooting and alignment are detailed as well.

If you feel stuck, confused, or frustrated with your practice, skim through this book.  If you're looking to take your art to the next level, seriously peruse this book.  Compare what you're doing to what the author details.  The universal concepts, coupled with clear explanations and illustrations, make this required reading for most any long-term Tai Chi practicioner.
2327372
A great book by someone who has worked closely with a Tai Chi lineage holder.  It contains many important concepts that all beginners must learn, and practitioners of all levels must remember and revisit.  This book ranks in the top 5% of tai chi books in my opinion.  I hope many more books will be forthcoming from this author.
3229566
I absolutely love the Tai Chi work and being able to extend and refine my chi through the wood element has been a phenomenol experience.
1810433
This beautifully poetic book is an account of Sifu Carolan's twenty-year experience with his Tai Chi Master, leavened with many illuminating tales.

There is no direct instruction in the Tai Chi form, but for all that, it teaches in its own quiet way. Exactly as good teachers have always done, it is not just a matter of understanding how to do certain movements; it is understanding the "Why" of doing them.

This is a book that could be enjoyed by anyone starting to learn the basics of the marvelous arts of Tai Chi and Qigong, and re-read again as you begin to move beyond the basic movements.

I have read a lot of books about Tai Chi and Qigong, and have had the privilege of studying with some outstanding teachers. Years ago, while visiting Malaysia and working with two Tai Chi Masters, I was astonished to discover how many of the old secrets had been forgotten during the various Chinese diasporas. Forgotten but not lost.

This book captures an essence that you will find in very few places. For that Trevor Carolan deserves our thanks, and anybody interested in the "soft" martial arts will find much to learn in the simple stories that the book contains.
3077705
This video is organized, the instruction easy to follow and learn and after learning each section, you can play the full tai chi workout and just work out as far as you have learned the moves.  I love the warm up on this dvd.  I use it every morning before work; it works every part of your body and is a great way to wake up and start the day.  I have tried other Tai Chi dvd's and this is by far an easier to learn, more user friendly format.
3253090
I have read two other books on Tai Chi;  These were enjoyable to read but very difficult to follow.  The plates and text presented in "The Complete Guide..." however are fantastic. There is a wealth of information contained in this book, but more importantly for me, an easily  understood presentation on the 'how to' of Tai Chi and QiGong.  I recommend  this book for anyone who desires to learn how to take the dis-ease out of  ones life.  Entertaining and enlightening.  I say thank you to its authors.
2104739
I am a Tai-Chi beginner. So many Tai-chi videoes in the market, but all demostrate the forms somehow differently though they all claim Yang-style. I am glad this is demestrated by a champion master. I found the video is very helpful. It demostrates all forms in different angles and especially in regular and slow speeds that is really helpful for me to follow. The DVD video quality is also great. Attending a class costs a quite lots. Just $20 for this, I absolutely recommend it!
371265
Simple Qigong Exercises for Health is a terrific book for those interested in learning about qigong and it's wonderful benefits to health and wellness.  I have been a practitioner of Chinese martial arts and qigong for over 15 years, and am very familiar with the standing set of the Eight Pieces of Brocade (Baduanjin). Even so, I found this book to be very informative as Dr. Yang explains the benefits of each exercise and its specific qigong principles, something that I wasn't sure of prior to reading this book.

The history of qigong and the Baduanjin set is discussed in Chapter 1.  Chapter 2 focuses on Qigong theory and principles; chapter 3 discusses the sitting Baduanjin; chapter 4 describes the standing Baduanjin; chapter 5 is the conclusions.

Having only five chapters and a total 83 pages in length (not including the glossary or index), this book is an easy read.  Qigong basic concepts are presented clearly and are easily understood.  The Eight Pieces of Brocade (Baduanjin) exercises presented by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming are clearly illustrated with step-by-step photos accompanied with movement descriptions.  I would recommend beginners to also invest in the DVD companion to the book.

The Baduanjin exercises are simple enough for seniors, or for others who may be restricted in movement, or not yet comfortable enough to attempt tai chi.  Through these low-impact exercises, practitioners will be able to gain more mobility, flexibility, increase strength and stamina, and generally experience "feeling better."
3767633
As a new student of Tai Chi and QiGong, I have enjoyed reading this book. Since I only take class once a week, there were a lot of questions and gaps in my basis knowledge of Tai Chi and QiGong. This book is a wonderful supplement to my class and has exposed me to QiGong which is now a necessary part of my week. QiGong is a series of exercises which combine breathing and relaxation. I enjoy sitting on my outside porch and doing my  QiGong exercises as the stresses of the week flow away. This was a bonus as I bought the book to learn about Tai Chi. If you want to learn about Tai Chi and QiGong, I would recommend this book because it is easy to understate and is fun to read. After reading this book I have recommended it to the other students in my Tai Chi class.