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Summary: a marvelous and most stimulating book
Review: I was particularly fascinated by the lengthy account of tai chi (and its precursors) history. I thought the book was complete in its execution and very readable.
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Summary: THE textbook on Taijiquan
Review: I've read a number of books on the subject but this one is, by far, the most comprehensive. While I never had the opportunity to meet the man, I've taken Tai Chi instruction at the late author's school only after, much like the author himself, being dissatisfied with my prior instruction at past schools. Once beginning my training at the "Tai Chi Farm" I found his spirit living on in his students and especially his apprentice, who's working towards mastery herself (LW - she know's who she is) and stories about him abounded. He walked away from formal instruction after ten years, dissatisfied with the quality of today's teachers of Tai Chi. From that point on he took instruction only from the classics, the writings of the original masters. Like those masters, he spent much time observing nature, studying the movements of animals, insects, clouds, etc., hoping to glean insights for use in his own development. As his abilities and reputation grew, people from all over the world came to him for instruction. It's said that right up until his untimely death in an auto accident, at age 81, he was unbeatable when sparring, using principles and insights that he had gained during 40 years of intense practice. It's with these insights, along with his background as a college professor in mathematics and author of dozens of textbooks, that Master Jou wrote this, the DEFINITIVE text book on Tajjiquan. It's one of those books that you can read again and again over the years and, as your own development progresses, get more out of it with each reading.
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Summary: You really need this point of view
Review: If you read few books or you are starting your journey to Taijiquan - you need to complete your knowledge with few word from Jou, Tsung Hwa.
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Summary: Historical English Classic of Tai Chi
Review: In its time, this book was the most comprehenesive text book of Tai Chi Chuan in the english language. Master Jou covered every topic in an academic and very intimate fashion. Master Jou was truely a Master of Tai Chi because he was very willing to expose his vulnerablities and weaknesses to teach others how to be powerfully human. He introduced many people to the concept that tai chi was more than a form, but an entire system of development. He defined the lineages, traditons and histories of the major systems and was the first to introduce many players to Chi Kung and integrated movement. My students are all strongly encouraged to read this book. May he assume his place among the Immortals.
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Summary: Despite first impressions, an excellent text.
Review: My Tai Chi instructor recommended this book to us months ago, but I put off reading it until recently because it looked so heavy and bleak. However, as soon as I opened the book and began to take in the words, I was captivated. The author's own life shows what practicing Tai Chi can do for a person. His words continually inspired me to work harder and pointed out aspects of Tai Chi that I had never thought about before. I think the book is not right for a lot of beginning students, those who aren't sure why they are learning Tai Chi or who are not ready to listen to another teacher. But for the student who has learned some of the basics and is receptive to a fresh voice, deep with experience, this book is wonderful! The only thing I didn't like about the book was the quality of the pictures. All were black and white sketches and most were roughly done, the lines blocky.
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Summary: The best Tai Chi book ever written (and I've read MANY!)
Review: Please read some of my other reviews, so that you can be sure that I am not just a paid advertizer. The fact is, I have nothing but good things to say about this book.I am a long-time student of Tai Chi, and the discovery of this book has greatly enhanced my practice. The book is very eclectic; it covers the major traditional forms of Tai Chi. The diagrams, though they suffer from the same fate as any diagram of martial motions, are actually fairly decent. The author also has a very simple writing style which is both pleasant to read, and very matter-of-fact. If you know nothing about Tai Chi, and are just curious to know what it is about, then this book may be a bit much for you. I would recommend "Tai Chi for dummies" or something along those lines. If, however, you have a serious interest, then this book will be an invaluable asset, and is highly recommended.
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Summary: Magnificent
Review: Please read some of my other reviews, so that you can be sure that I am not just a paid advertizer. The fact is, I have nothing but good things to say about this book. I am a long-time student of Tai Chi, and the discovery of this book has greatly enhanced my practice. The book is very eclectic; it covers the major traditional forms of Tai Chi. The diagrams, though they suffer from the same fate as any diagram of martial motions, are actually fairly decent. The author also has a very simple writing style which is both pleasant to read, and very matter-of-fact. If you know nothing about Tai Chi, and are just curious to know what it is about, then this book may be a bit much for you. I would recommend "Tai Chi for dummies" or something along those lines. If, however, you have a serious interest, then this book will be an invaluable asset, and is highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: THE Bible of Tai Ji Quan in English
Review: The only book I have seen in which the author does not show his own form. It is meaty - I keep going back through it and seeing new things or understanding old things in new ways.
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Summary: The Dao of Taijiquan:Way To Rejuvenation
Review: This is an exelent book for biggener or an advanced student for it teaches forms,taiji quigong,an intro into the art of pushhands,and gives wisdom to sought after questions. There are two things that I found wrong 1)the illistrations are computer print out and are not very large in text and ,2)it definatly is not a complete manual into the art but only a referance book that is very well written, as well as a great book to rely on only if you understand the art. Other than that it is a realy great book for digging deeper into the mystery of tijiquan, that others books of its kind would never go. Another great (if not the best, for it was the template for The Dao of Taijiquan)book to invest in, if you can read chinese, is TAIJIQUAN by Chenyanlin. Who was the last of the chen family to preform this great art.
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Summary: Valuable addition to any Tai Chi player library
Review: This is the kind of stuff you wish your teacher told you. You may not understand it until later, but it's in your brain.
This book is the same way, as you progress more of it makes sense or fits in a different way each time you read it.
I have two copies, one at work and one at home.
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