Editorial Review

T'ai Chi is a 2,000-year-old Chinese martial art that is becoming an increasingly popular exercise trend in the U.S. Its appeal is in its calming, destressing, and energy-boosting qualities. It also improves balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility, and is credited with many health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure. Author Bill Douglas has studied T'ai Chi and QiGong for 20 years and teaches at colleges, medical universities, and corporations. He describes the myriad benefits, how to prepare for your first T'ai Chi experience, its different styles, and how and where to practice.Douglas presents 64 T'ai Chi movements in photographs and instructions. Recurring boxes give tips for living the principles, definitions of Chinese terms, special cautions, and anecdotes. The difference between T'ai Chi and QiGong is not clearly explained, however: "T'ai Chi's goal of relaxing the mind and body to encourage the flow of energy through us makes it QiGong.However, not all QiGong is T'ai Chi." Then he tells us to "forget about it" because the differences will become obvious as you learn the exercises. Read more

Reviews (35)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi
This book and DVD are good for very beginners interesed in learning about the health aspects of Taijiquan and Qigong only, not the martial (self defense) styles which this author does not explore.If you are interested in depth and breadth for both health and martial, look for books (30+) written by and videos (35+) produced by Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming.

Ok, but not totally clear
Let's face it, you'll never learn the true form of Tai Ji from a book.The only way to learn it, and Qi Gong, is from a qualified teacher, in person.I tried to learn from this book but could never get the forms right.The book itself is highly readable and easy to follow, but sometimes you can get lost.Taking a class totally improved my Tai Ji.Then afterwards I re-read this book, and it was much easier to follow the right way.

Useless
If you want to learn the form of this style, look else ware. Instructions on the form are very poor. One photo for a posture is not enough to understand how to communicate the movements of the form. The rest of the information given in the book is rather superficial.Read more

Subjects:  1. China    2. Ch°i kung    3. Exercise therapy    4. Health/Fitness    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Sports & Recreation    7. T°ai chi ch°èuan    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / General    9. Complementary Medicine    10. Family & Health    11. Oriental martial arts    12. Health    13. Fitness    14. Health & Fitness   

Reviews (3)

Why as Opposed to How
This book is not meant to "teach" Tai Chi Chuan, but meant to expound upon its meaning to the earnest practitioner; to offer the layperson a glimpse into this ancient art; and to communicate the author's unique perceptions and experiences that only a lifetime of practice can cultivate. A Remote work.
I know I might be offending a sacred cow here but I actually find this work to be the most useless and inaccessable of all the books I have on Taijiquan. It may well be a classic but I found it crude, obvious, rather rudimentary, hard to use in any practicle way and it only serves as a mild curiosity in terms of it's intrinsic value This is the original classic on the most popular Tai Chi
This is the original classic about the Short Form the most popular and widespread form of Tai Chi in the West, it is a must read for every serious Tai Chi student. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness    2. Martial Arts - Taichi    3. Sports & Recreation    4. Tai chi    5. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (4)

tai chi chair VIDEO/DVD
there is another tai chi chair, which is
Great book for wheelchair users...
I'm an active paraplegic, and finding any good workout guides is difficult to say the least.This book works really well for me.I recommend it highly.

Tai Chi in a Chair
This book is written with clear, concise instructions.It also gives quality background, research, historical data of T'ai Chi.The book outlines the health benefits gained when following a simple fifteen minute seated T'ai Chi exercise program.The exercise regiment contained within these pages can be used by anyone regardless of age or health handicap.Beginners as well as those who participate in daily exercise routines will reap the benefits of involving themselves in an exercise program using T'ai Chi in a Chair.It will allow muscles to gain flexibility without causing injury to the participant.I was amazed at how well the author accomplishes the task of instructing the reader in a simple, uncomplicated manner.Investing in this work is an investment in health. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Martial Arts - Taichi    6. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    7. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (12)

A wonderful book
There are many books on Taoist exercises.Some are effective, some are frankly, derivative, some are complex, and some are simple.
Praise for Six Healing Sounds Qigong
As a practicing physical therapist for nearly 10 years, and as a personal student of Master Hon's, I have been trained and certified by him in the therapeutic application of the Six Healing Sounds.In my professional experience using the SHS with a wide range of patients in my private practice in NYC, I can attest to their efficacy, the ease with which they can be learned and, most importantly, their safety, especially for beginners.Of course, like any modality, the SHS will work differently for different people, but, in my experience, the effects have been uniformly positive across a variety of different clinical populations.
Move on, don't waste your money
I felt compelled to return this book after I purchased it.Although the author is a Princeton educated individual (Princeton or some other snob school, I can't remember) he did not have the good sense to include movement arrows to describe the motions.True enough the movements are simple but, it is useless, even dangerous, to do Qigong without special attention to breathing and movement.This culture is too taken by how much education an individual has when it comes to how much weight their opinions matter.For instance, you could have a Tai Chi expert who has been practicing for 60 years but, who only had a second grade education.Most Americans would choose a "master" who has a Ph.D in God know what, but with only 20 years of experience in Tai Chi, as a opposed to a genuine master who has 60 years under his belt, but only went as far as the second grade.Such is the nature of secular arrogance.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Consumer Health    3. Exercise    4. Exercise Therapy    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Qi gong    8. Medical / Alternative Medicine    9. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (3)

Definitely useful to the Tai Chi practicioner
This book is a pocket-sized slice of Asian wisdom, succinctly covering the history of Chinese internal martial arts, an explanation of chi theory, some basic internal exercises, and a few excerpted "Tai Chi Classics" by revered masters of the art.
A great balance to the physical form
This is a wonderful summary of Tai Chi Classics by the same author.My Sifu spoke very highly of Waysun Liao as well as Marshall Ho'o, who's works are also available through Amazon. This book, exactly as it's title says, is the essence of the internal martial art of Tai Chi.As a beginner, I have found it a great companion to the physical aspect of the form.If you are serious about the art/philosophy of Tai Chi, then this is a perfect travel version of an even greater book.

This book is great to help your mental practice.
I have read this book and it is a fascinating book to read. I first read it when i was learning tai chi and it help me improve my practice alot. I gave this book only four stars becasue it didnt have more pages to read.But is was very insiteful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Health/Fitness    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial Arts - Taichi    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Tai chi    6. Oriental martial arts    7. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (9)

Chi Kung Way of Power
I have been doing the positions and I find them very de stressing.I try to mentally do the excercises when I find myself tensing up.I can't tell yet the long term effect of Chi Kungbut I am hopeful that it will help me to be more physically healthy.

It changes your life!!!
I recommend this book to everyone seriouslyinterested in dramatically improving their health. This books may change your life. Sifu Wong Kiew Kit is definitely the best of all. If you want to experiment yourself in a new dimension, the best you can do is getting this book and follow the "easy to do" instructions on a daily basis....you will for sure see the benefits in a short period of time.
cannot thank master Lam enough
I got the book bacause I injured my hip such that turning in a certain way caused a sharp pain and I was looking for, at least,a partial cure. The hip problem is gone. As is a knee problem I've had for twenty years. As is the sometimes limp from a fractured toe I've had for years. I've lost twenty pounds. What I like most
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health aspects    5. Health/Fitness    6. Medicine, Chinese    7. Physical Fitness    8. Qi gong   

Reviews (2)

Inspiring!
As with all of the books by Dr. Yang, this is a stand alone book which you can learn easily from. He first provides his theoretical foundation of both Qigong and Taiji, and then moves deeper into the subject matter, going to a point well beyond most, if not all authors on this subject. The Essence of Tai Chi Chi Kung
As a stundent of Tai Chi for many years I am constantly in search of knowledge to perfect my art. This book relays the special meaning and purpose of the movements. I rate it in a class with those of the great Chen Man-Ching, and my teacher, Marshall Ho'o. It is "the essence of Tai Chi Chi Kung". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Exercise    3. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    4. Qi gong    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Tai chi    8. China    9. Fitness training    10. Oriental martial arts    11. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Editorial Review

A Zen priest as well as a t'ai chi instructor, Linda Myoki Lehrhaupt takes us into the soul of t'ai chi in Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Eastern - General    3. Martial Arts    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Martial Arts - Taichi    6. Meditation    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Tai chi    10. Oriental martial arts    11. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Eastern - Taoism    3. Hatha Yoga    4. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    5. Health    6. Hygiene, Taoist    7. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    8. New Age    9. Personal Health    10. Qi gong    11. Religion - World Religions    12. Saliva    13. Taoism    14. Vital force    15. Yoga    16. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    17. Exercise & workout books    18. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    19. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (4)

excellent details, excellent find!
This book goes into very good depth on all of the topics covered. The section on Standing Meditation goes into a much greater level of explanation on what you should do with the various parts of your body to get the most out of the meditation. If you have not discovered Standing Meditation, also known as Zhan Zhuang, you are missing out!! I also highly recommend the "Way of Energy", by Master Lam Kam-Chuen, ISBN 0671736450 as a starting point for Standing Meditation.

Chi Kung, Yves Requena
I was very disappointed in this book, since I ordered it based on a 5 star rating from one other reviewer.The sketches showing the various positions of the body are primitive and disconcerting, and ugly. They were so distracting I could not focus on the writing.

one of the best qi gong books I've ever read
This book includes two basic forms of qi gong: standing-still qigong and moving qigong. Excellent explanation about the very detailed points of a standing-still qigong "embracing the tree." Also provides, in an efficient manner, the how-to-do of the "8 pieces of brocade" which is a famous moving qigong. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    4. Healing - General    5. Health/Fitness    6. Healthy Living    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Qi gong    9. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    10. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    11. Oriental martial arts   

Subjects:  1. TÊ»ai chi chÊ»üan   

Reviews (7)

A Classic Manual for Health, Vitality, and Longevity
Like an exquisite musical instrument the human body requires daily tuning of its tendons, cords, nerves, and muscles in order for its perfect harmony and true potential to be fully realized.In the Book of Nei Kung, C.K. Chu presents a sequence of ten easy-to-learn ancient Taoist exercises that effectively and efficiently tune, tone, and work the body towards greater health, inner harmony, and increased physical and mental stamina.Unlike many traditional Western exercises, which at times can be linear and superficial, Nei Kung exercises integrate and strengthen the body and mind.They can be performed nearly everywhere without any equipment and by virtually anyone at any age.
this book is essential reading
i took master chu's nei kung workshop for the first time in 1990. i was his student for seven years thereafter and continue to return to him for instruction. if you are interested in the cultivation and refinement of chi, you can find no better book than the book of nei kung and no better instructor than c k chu. everything i have been able to accomplish in my studies of chi energy is due to the foundation provided my by the years of of nei kung practice under the instruction of master chu.
The Real Deal
C.K. Chu takes his reader through a brief introduction of the essence of Nei Kung and the remainder of the book is easy-to-read instruction.He is succinct, but detailed enough for the interested reader to begin the postures.Specific instruction on placement of the head, arms, hands, feet and legs and how to breath while holding the position abounds on each page.I am blessed with a very good Sifu to guide me through these positions, but this book has helped me so much with little nuances of each movement.This is a good book and a good buy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Qi gong    2. Sale Books   

Reviews (1)

ancient art
I am a fitness fanatic who has tried everything. After reading the ancient way to keep fit i have become one with my body and mind. The training is different from that which you would do at a gym it is something deeper.This book was easily read and the pictures make preforming the exercises quite easy.This is a good book for anyone who wants to feel better mentally and physicaly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Healthy Living    7. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    8. Meditation    9. Qi gong    10. Exercise & workout books    11. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (4)

Read wider before you review!
The negativity of the previous reviews had me curious rather than deterred!I therefore ordered the book - and do not regret doing so.Having developed an intense interest in consciousness and energetics (through reading numerous books from both Eastern and Western points of view) I find that "Empty force" adds ably to the discussion (and even seeks it.)I suspect that reviewers' expectations of this book are only as limited as their reading on the subject.
The Snake-Oil Meter is Sending Out Warning Signals
I wanted to give this book an honest chance, really I did. But in this case "honest" meant "Take it back to the bookstore. This one's no good." It doesn't deserve the lowest rating. There is actually some decent historical material. But it's darned close.
Lin Kong Jing Excellent for Health & Martial Arts practitioners
Unlike the Poster: C. J. Hardman , I've had actual experience, & 1 on 1 training with Paul Dong. The so-called test that was done at Mattons' camp was *rigged*! Each & every person who was present from the Mattson Camp, were in fact "plants" who stood stiffly, & occupied their minds on other things. That being said, I can say that the training in lin kong jing will help most anyone's physical health and as an aid in gaining great mental clarity.
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Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial Arts - Taichi    4. Qi gong    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Oriental martial arts    8. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense   

Reviews (3)

Just an Ad for His Audio Tapes
This book is written in a very simplistic and self-congratulatory manner, like advertising copy.Although photos of body postures are given, no music is written out, and the student is directed to purchase his audio tapes or CD's, with a $100 price tag for the set.

How ancient Chinese music is related to human organs
Musical Qigong is a special healing energy therapy which combines the two ancient Chinese traditions of healing music and Qigong. Master Shen Wu (founder of musical Qigong and director of the Chinese Traditional Medical Institute) draws upon his more than twenty years of Qigong medical practice in China and America to focus on the five major organs of the body and how the use of musical Qigong enlivens the mind, relaxes the body, and lifts the spirt. There are two complete sets of photographically illustrated exercises, as well as a full and complete explanation of how musical Qigong is related to acupuncture, tai chi, feng shui; how ancient Chinese music is related to human organs; and how to perform Qigong in the most authentic way. Musical Qigong is highly recommended to students of Chinese medicine and metaphysics, as well as practitioners of alternative medicine.

Ancient Secrets That Work
Highest regards to Master Wu's book, "Musical Qigong". It is an expectional work of art. Much like the man himself. The book is filled with Truth; and contains an energy of love so intense that the reader cannot help but be influenced by it. My life personally has been transformed by knowing Master Wu and by learning of the Ancient Teachings and the wisdom that he has acquired. Which he shares so adequately throughout the book. Through learning and practing the Qigong techniques, many people have found healing from diseases which plagued their physical body, as well as attaining a more peaceful state of mind. (myself included)I have read other Qigong books but none have come close to the Pure Knowlege and Inherent Wisdom that this book holds.Master Wu is a true Master. And that alone, speaks for itself.As does the book. Musical Qigong will change your life 'if' you read it with an open mind and apply the exercises with a honest heart. In 'Musical Qigong' Master Shen Wu gives to the world the opportunity to gather the peace and harmony, the love,the tranquility of mind, and the longevity of life that we all aspire to have.Highest Regards to all that are led to this book. A greater find will not cross your desk in many years to come.This one is written with the intent of opening the doors of old and bringing the light into the new pathway, that all may find health, happiness and wholeness.This book is truly a gift to mankind. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Therapies    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Genres & Styles - New Age    5. Healing    6. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Mind, Body, Spirit    10. Oriental martial arts    11. Other Branches of Medicine   

Reviews (1)

A valuable resource, holistic and well-written
Chinese medicine considers inner body energy or qi foundational to health and longevity of the physical body or yang. Consequently when the internal energy gets out of balance physical illness or injury arises. Quigong massage has been used for centuries to help maintain health and prevent illness by restoring the proper balance. It's a natural extension of martial arts training to learn not only how to hurt but also how to heal. Theoretically these techniques can even slow the aging process (or at least the affects thereof).
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Massage & Reflexotherapy    5. Massage    6. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (1)

Daniel; some guy from Argentina
This guy Mantiak Chia is amazing; he's kind of "Chopra Taoist" with dozen of books. I acknowledge him as a real Taoist and Tai Chi Master. He's for real, with a very strong background in internal martial arts and taoism (Iron Shirt Chi Kung is EXCELLENT)BUT most of his new books are kind of "New Age bla bla bla". If you want to know the Real Thing about Tai Chi Chuan and Baguazhangas Real Martial Arts,and strong Chi Kung, I strongly suggest to be in touch with Erle Montaigue. He's the ONLY known internal Master who is not after your money and you would NEVER face him on streets. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astrology    2. Eastern - Taoism    3. Folklore    4. Healing    5. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Metaphysical Phenomena - General    9. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    10. Physical Fitness    11. Qi gong    12. Yoga    13. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    14. Faith healing & religious therapy    15. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    16. Taoism   

Reviews (6)

Really great little book
I agree with one of the previous writers that this really is an undiscovered little gem of a book. It has some great advice that is hardly to be found in other books. For example, it has a very simple mnemonic on how to remember when you're supposed to be breathing in vs. breathing out--considered a more advanced way of doing the form, but if you read this passage you'll know it for good. Also, very cool, detailed footwork diagrams showing angle and direction both for the short and the long form. And rarely seen advice pointing out that one can be double- weighted in two ways--you can be double-weighted youself, but also you can be double-weighted with an opponent. All in all a great little book (actually not so little, with over 600 different illustrations) and well worth the money. You'll still need some professional instruction or a video to be able to get far enough to use the book, because a book really can't teach you the form or the postures, but if you do, the book will enhance your existing knowledge.
A good complement to instruction...
The illustrations in the book are great and easy to follow, but won't be much use to absolute beginners.I recommend this as a reminder or a sort of "cheat sheet" for people who have had instruction or at the very least have a video/dvd.Without having seen the movements demonstrated properly it will be hard to learn from this book.

A Work of Art
In all honesty I am tempted to purchase another copy of this book in case something bad happens to the copy I currently own.Yes I liked it that much, and yes I think it has that much value.As far as the deeper aspects of Tai Chi you should look elsewhere but, I have yet to see a book that is better than this when it comes to describing the Tai Chi movement.The only thing better than this book is watching someone demonstrate the form.If you want a book to help you memorize all the moves to supplement what your master teaches you, I highly recomend this.It is important to cultivate Qi energy I know, but it is just as important to learn the basics moves first.If you want to move in water you have to relax and let yourself float, while using smooth and correct motions to get to the other end of the pool.So it is with Tai Chi; you use graceful movement, to let your spirit float in the vast ocean that is Qi energy.In the same way that relaxing and yielding in the water allows the body to move better in a swiming pool or ocean, so to does yielding and relaxing allow the spirit to move in far vaster ocean of energy.This means then, that this yielding nature, like in swiming, must be acompanied by graceful and skilled movement to yield the maximum benefit.With careful practice with an instructor, this book, and a lot of patience and determination its possible to master this art.Oh, one last thing.Please keep in mind that martial arts, any martial art, are not sports.Martial arts were designed for the purpose of defense through physical harm, i.e. maiming or killing.To reduce the martial arts to something like a sport competition is to take it as lightly as one takes a children's game like baseball.Martial arts should never be taken lightly, least of all something as potentially dangerous as Tai Chi.The martial arts are just that; arts.Treat this like an art form, and you will find many rewards. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Health/Fitness    3. Martial Arts - Taichi    4. New Thought    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Tai chi    7. Oriental martial arts   

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Reviews (1)

Good Introduction to the Art
T'ai Chi is an internal style of the martial arts and excellent for the physical, mental, spiritual improvement.
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Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    3. Martial Arts - Taichi    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Sports & Recreation / Martial Arts & Self-Defense    7. Bargain   

Reviews (2)

Covering both physical and psychological aspects of tai chi in a revealing manual
A Taoist master reveals the deep internal practices needed to become one with the Tao through movement exercises practiced by millions. Tai Chi was originally less a martial arts form and more an expression of spirituality: THE INNER STRUCTURE OF TAI CHI: MASTERING THE CLASSIC FORMS OF TAI CHI CHI KUNG covers both movements and their links to the spiritual forces in life, covering both physical and psychological aspects of tai chi in a revealing manual.
Another Gem from Mantak Chia
Over the last 25 years of so, my students and I have derived a great deal from a careful study of Mantak Chia's written works, and have had the great good fortune to work with several of his senior students.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Eastern - Taoism    3. Exercise    4. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    5. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    6. Martial Arts - Taichi    7. New Age    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Physical Fitness    10. Qi gong    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Tai chi    13. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    14. Exercise & workout books