Rating: 
Summary: Advice for all range of beginners
Review: Tai Chi Chuan, despite the plethora of books on the subject, is still quite mysterious. Most of the books available are instructional in that they have diagrams and/or pictures of one (or more) of the forms and explanations of how to get from Point A to Point B. In There Are No Secrets, there are no such maps to a form. Instead, Wolfe Lowenthal provides the pearls of wisdom that Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing gave him. Part an insight to the influential Tai Chi Professor, part sagely advice on how to practice Tai Chi, and part one man's personal search for meaning, There Are No Secrets is composed of many short untitled chapters that relate these parts in almost wandering way. Each chapter is self-contained and brief enough to drive the point without pontificating. Lowenthal's "relaxed" style is invigorating and helps the overall flow of the book making it a joy to read. As for the Tai Chi student reading this book, it is clearly enough written that the newest practitioners will enjoy and gain insight as well as those older "beginners" struggling with the nuances of Push Hands, Applications, etc. Whether you're looking for serious insight or a more casual subject to renew your interest level in Tai Chi, I'd highly recommend purchasing this book - to read today and all of your tomorrows.
Rating:
Summary: 5 Stars! - ALL THE WAY
Review: This book is a truely inspiriing book, based on the life and teachings of the "Master of the 5 Excellences." This book gives you an insight on the details and philosophies required to develop your tai chi or other nei jia work. A required book by my shrfu (master teacher) when I learned from him and currently for my students. Excellent! 5 Stars!
Rating:
Summary: Relax, Live Pure, Train Hard
Review: This is an easy to read book that is part one man's insights (Wolfe Lowenthal) into a legendary Tai Chi master, and part revelation of those pearls of wisdom for the Tai Chi practitioner that are so valuable. I finished this book in an hour it's so easy, and gleaned much about Master Cheng as Tai
Chi Master, as person. In some ways it was a nice story because
he had human failings just like the rest of us, despite his obvious ability to impress those he met with his Tai Chi skill. The pearls are essentially to relax, relax some more, relax some more. Build root. Live Tai Chi, both in terms of training and in terms of philosophy and perspective. Have faith in relaxation, and submerge any ego to gaining sensitivity and gentleness. This will ultimately bring unrealized prowess.
I liked how Mr. Lowenthal unpretentiously stated this, and gave examples. But I was a little disappointed when he talked up how arduous it was for him to finally understand how to project power while his arms were completely relaxed, but then never even attempted to describe his epiphany, leaving me wondering, at least until I figure it out for myself. A nice little book. A nice little tribute to Master Cheng.
Rating:
Summary: Sincere, engaging portrait of a Taichi Chuan master
Review: Utilizing his experience as a disciple of Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing, the author draws out many aspects of the teaching and character of the great master. These stories are revealing and entertaining, illustrating the lessons of Taichi practice in a clear way. Especially enjoyable are the descriptions of push hands, internal power development, and the myriad of difficulties to be overcome through continuous practice and accomplishment.
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