Rating: Summary: The BEST!!!!!! Review: I have been interested in Tai Chi and QiGong for many years. I found all of the books interesting but just could not get myself to follow through. This book is fun to read, very motivating and you REALLY do feel a difference. I have found the Sitting QiGong a wonder after work. I wish I could give it more stars!!!!! Hope he writes more books.
Rating: Summary: Excellent for teachers and students alike! Review: I have been studying Tai Chi for over 15 years and am the owner of my own Tai Chi school. I have often thought "I need to write a textbook for my new Tai Chi students" but I have never had the time. I am thrilled to say that I no longer have to do it because Bill Douglas has done it for me!!! I love it! I have found it to be an excellent resource and I am offering it to all of my students. Mr. Douglas is to be commended for his wonderful contribution. I think that his user-friendly format is ideal, his communication style effective, and his information is sound. If you are a beginner, this book will definitely help you to learn and understand Tai Chi. If you are an instructor, this book will make you a better teacher! Get it!
Rating: Summary: Insulting Series Review: I have not read this book. It is not the content that I'm one staring. (neologizing permitted?) I will not read any book that implies that I'm an idiot. Of course I won't read those books for people that can't speak either. Now the question is; Is it elitism, or do I have some modicum self-esteem? Enquiring minds anyone?
Rating: Summary: Very Pleased Review: I originally purchased the video series and upgraded to the DVD version. I'm no martial arts expert but I do know what works for me. I encounter a great deal of stress in my job and the books, video and DVD from Bill Douglas have helped. The best part about the DVD is being able to go directly to the practice sessions in the park. The DVD gives me the ability to switch directly to the whole routine to see how a new move fits into context of the entire experience. I am very pleased with the entire product line.
Rating: Summary: Good book for beginners Review: I picked up this book in hopes of improving my teaching abilities. While it didn't really contribute to this, it's a good book for beginners, despite some misstatements (A. The people you see in other tai chi books aren't models, they're usually model students, B. David Carradine didn't do Tai Chi in the 'Kung fu' TV series, he did Tai Chi Praying Mantis, which is a hybrid art, and C. the cover claims 'Highly Illustrated instuction on the major Tai Chi styles', whereupon the only illustrated instruction is in the Kuang Ping and Mulan styles). Otherwise, Mr. Douglas covers his subject pretty well, and is fairly well-informed. Great book for beginners, albeit a little too 'New Agey'.
Rating: Summary: Best in it's Field! Perfect for Beginners & Refining Moves Review: I practice outside, so don't use the DVD daily, but sure is nice to review and refine movements or check out the next movement whenever I feel ready to! Have tried other styles on VHS, but this version and the way it is presented, is MUCH easier to pick up, and very relaxing. Still have a way to go, but now I can improve on movements and correct breathing by reviewing even the earlier lessons. Our instructors say, "It took the Chinese 400 years to develop T'ai Chi, so we have plenty of time to get it right." Always thought I'd like to learn T'ai Chi, THANKS Bill!
Rating: Summary: Best in it's Field! Perfect for Beginners & Refining Moves Review: I practice outside, so don't use the DVD daily, but sure is nice to review and refine movements or check out the next movement whenever I feel ready to! Have tried other styles on VHS, but this version and the way it is presented, is MUCH easier to pick up, and very relaxing. Still have a way to go, but now I can improve on movements and correct breathing by reviewing even the earlier lessons. Our instructors say, "It took the Chinese 400 years to develop T'ai Chi, so we have plenty of time to get it right." Always thought I'd like to learn T'ai Chi, THANKS Bill!
Rating: Summary: A real Good Supplement! Review: I think this book is an excellent supplement to formal instruction in T'ai Chi or for anyone interested in taking up Tai Chi in their studies. Bill Douglas' makes learning and appreciating this internal martial art fun. The book gives good information on the different styles and background. The photographs and explanations are as clear as can be expected from a book. Could use more pictures but I found that his video on Tai Chi (Anthology of T'ai Chi & Qigong) is excellent and the two together are a great reference to have.
Rating: Summary: Right on Target Review: I took a TaiChi class but needed help with learning the moves to practice outside of the class. One of the other students
recommended video, CD, and book by Bill Douglas. Bill's book and DVD are the best. I had purchased other Tai Chi books, but Bill's is by far the most clear and helpful. The illustrations in the book show where you should have your weight distributed. Undeniably the best. The DVD is great as you can stop it where you are having difficulty and work on that move and then go onto the next one. Bill makes TaiChi and QiGong fun. Having experienced a great deal of back pain due to arthritis and osteoporosis, this is something I can do for myself with the help of his instruction and encouragement.
Rating: Summary: Great learning Tool!! Review: I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a great alternative or supplement to their formal instruction in T'ai Chi. Bill Douglas' teaching approach makes learning and appreciating this wonderful internal martial art fun. I wish I had stumbled across this many many years ago, as I had always been interested in T'ai Chi, but good instructors are difficult to find in my area.Anthology of T'ai Chi & Qigong: The Prescription for the Future has been my answer and when you read the book, and also watch the DVD or Video as an additional supplement, it is obvious the time and effort and professionalism that has gone into the making of this production. My life has been enriched by this book. As the material teaches, T'ai Chi is a lifelong learning process and, for me, this has been great place to start. Many, many thanks to Bill Douglas for sharing his experience with the rest of us!
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