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Rating: 
Summary: Book goes with companion video/DVD
Review: As a novice I have collected most of Dr. Yang's writings on Qigong and Taijiquan, as well as some tapes and dvd's. His background is well worth looking into, particularly the 25-page account in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts (Michael A. DeMarco, interviewer, Vol 12, Number 2, 2003) currently available on the YMAA website.
In this book Dr. Yang recaps the high points of his earlier foundation books on Qigong (Chi Kung), so that this text can be considered complete by itself. However, while those books go into more detail and have more Qi training exercises, Dr. Yang adds new content here.
At a glance, pages 66 to 76 contain completely original material. He also cites "The Body Electric" by Robert O. Becker, the man who healed "hopeless" fractures with subtle electrical currents. The first 100 pages deal with background, historical surveys, and anecdotes.
Published literature has contention over what the real Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is and should be. Whether a flowery dance, a health-giving exercise, or the ultimate form of moving meditation aimed at enlightenment.
The gist of Dr. Yang's argument is that authentic Taijiquan has both spiritual and martial roots. That proper theoretical perspective, combined with disciplined practice, leads to the deep levels of Taiji. Simply, he sees Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) as a sophisticated progression of Qi (Chi) exercises.
However, saying and doing are two separate things. Another 80 pages are devoted to fundamental stances and Taiji Qigong exercises, all illustrated with photographs and arrow lines showing movement. The final 120 pages go to the 113 posture long sequence itself. (These two sections contain 489 photographs of Dr. Yang demonstrating the movements.)
Three considerations. First, the numbering system and page layout of the photographs can be a pain, so be ready with a pencil. Second, the printing and binding of this book could be better, so think of it as a training manual and get on with your practice. Third, Dr. Yang's writing style reads as "thought in Chinese and diagrams, written in English." Sometimes it takes effort and time to reach the deeper meaning of his writing.
The companion DVD and book make an exceptional combination. While the printing and binding of the book rates slightly below standard, the production quality of the DVD gets superior marks.
Rating: 
Summary: Unfinished, too little detail, too much rehashed material.
Review: Basically, if you don't already have Dr. Yang's previous books on qigong, you won't be bothered by the repetition of old material of which most of this book consists. Also, it contains a (the?) entire long form of yang style tai chi. However, I am puzzled as to what this form has to do or how it is connected to Yang Ban Hou, especially as this book is sold by suggesting that this is his form - he isn't even featured in the index, there is no information on him in the book, and I was under the impression that he performed a small frame of tai chi, unlike the form portrayed in this book. Lastly, there is no explicit mention of any fast movements (fajing), which is also one of the selling points on the corresponding website, nor does it have a step by step explanation of how fajing is to be performed. Overall, it is my impression that this book has been hastily put together and perhaps in a future edition, these deficits will be corrected.My humble opinion, Alex van Deelen
Rating:
Summary: clear explanation of Qi Gong and Taijiquan Yang style
Review: Dr. Yang clearly explains the principles of Qi Gong, mixing ancient believes with scientific evidence uncovered in recent years. His explanation of the Yang style Taijiquan in superb and the pictures are extremely clear. If you practice Taijuquan seriously, this may help get a better understanding.
Rating: 
Summary: Very poor quality.
Review: Good content. What I can't understand is why this book has so low quality of materials. Pages are wrinkled and passing through them is a pain ... They should lower the price more if they start printing like this. Not like other books of Yang which have much better paper quality. Shame on publishers. Hope this is an exception. Yang writes well about Chinese martial arts. YMAA, what are you doing?
Rating: 
Summary: Perfect for the Newbie!!!
Review: I have developed a deeper interest in martial arts, especially Taijiquan and Baguazhang, only recently. Dr. Yang's book answered many of my questions about the religious, philosophical, and spiritual roots of Taijiquan. I appreciate the time and effort spent in teaching this background information in the clear and understandible form in which it is presented. I recommend this book as excellent supplemental reading for Taijiquan history, philosophy, and understanding while studying the art itself.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect for the Newbie!!!
Review: I have developed a deeper interest in martial arts, especially Taijiquan and Baguazhang, only recently. Dr. Yang's book answered many of my questions about the religious, philosophical, and spiritual roots of Taijiquan. I appreciate the time and effort spent in teaching this background information in the clear and understandible form in which it is presented. I recommend this book as excellent supplemental reading for Taijiquan history, philosophy, and understanding while studying the art itself.
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