How to Grasp the Birds Tail If You Don't Speak Chinese: If You Don't Speak Chinese

Rating:
Summary: A must for Taiji students and teachers alike
Review: As a teacher of Taiji I often find my beginners classes full of people who have no other Martial Arts experience nor even take any other form of exercise - making the teaching of the complex movements and concepts of Taiji quite a challenge! One of my teaching tricks has been to have the pupils come up for their own descriptive names for the movements which, while useful and indeed entertaining, does result in some of the flavor and meaning being lost. This book, with it's breakdown and explanation of the elements of the Chinese characters, will allow teachers and pupils alike to understand the meanings of the names and their inferred movement concepts while still allowing the reader to use his/her creative imagination to reach a deeper level of understanding and retention. And as if that's not enough, it's an entertaining read. A winner!

Rating:
Summary: Increase your knowledge of taijiquan and enjoy it!
Review: It is not absolutely necessary to understand the origins and meanings of the movement names in taijiquan. But it sure is fun! This book scratches an itch. It informs without boring. It is added insight for the student of taijiquan, but it tickles as it goes down.

Rating:
Summary: often amusing, completely fascinating, and very informative
Review: It's sometimes difficult to understand why certain names have been used for some movements. To explain using just plain definitions and lecture would have been just plain boring. The author's approach is instead playful and enjoyable. A book of serious information, but presented with a wonderful sense of humor and in the spirit of tai chi.

Rating:
Summary: Adding more value to your Taijiquan lessons. Great Book!
Review: This great book gives a lot of valuable background information about the meaning of the Taiji movements. It adds much to taijiquan lessons thanks to its light-hearted look. Much too often taijiquan practitioners do not exactly know what the movements mean they practice. Diving into a Chinese dictionary is not easy either. My Chinese teacher explained a lot, but language often was some sort of a barrier. Thanks to Jane Schorre's book this barrier has gone. Further the book contains beautiful calligraphy by Marget Chang in a large size. I like the structure of the book; left side calligraphy, right side explanation. This book is a must for every taijiquan practitioner no matter the style.