Complete Tai Chi Chuan

Rating:
Summary: A "must have" book on tai chi
Review: Complete Tai Chi Chuan is without a doubt one of the best books written on the subject. It covers every single aspect of the art in detail: History, philosophy, forms, weapons, push hands, self-defense, competition, nei kung training and much more. All these components are presented in great details and with many specific clarifications often lacking in similar books. But what really makes this book stand out is that it makes the subject easier to understand. Where many writers fail is when translating Chinese texts or martial arts concepts. They often end up confusing the reader more than actually increasing his understanding. Fortunately, in this book, the writing is very clear and to the point which is of great value to us, non-Chinese people who haven't lived in the Old Country.
I have trained with Dan several times and he is one of the most impressive martial artists I have had the pleasure of meeting. This book is some of his finest writing. I re-read it often as it proves to be a continuous source of information.

Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Real and Grounded Tai Chi Chuan
Review: Having both read this book and attended trainings with Dan Docherty, I consider this book the most grounded work on tai chi available that I have read. So many books on the subject are full of fluff and esoteric hoop jumping. Mr. Docherty's books are to the point, readable and give hope that there are tai chi practicioners out there who can make it work both in the real world and in competition. I appreciated the fact that I didn't have to become a devotee or intentured servant to Mr. Docherty for 10 or 20 years before I could both see and experience his approach to tai chi working in a real and grounded manner.

Rating:
Summary: Hong-Kong Phooey!?!
Review: If Honk-Kong Phooey ever challenged Mr. Docherty to a fight he would have his socks knocked off! I acquired this book some time ago (well over a year) and yet still read the philosophy & religion, San Shou, weapons and the Wai Dan and Nei Dan sections as if I've never read them before. Also, Dan has clearly shown the difference between Tui Shou (Pushing Hands) and San Shou (Self Defence) which most martial arts teachers and writers, both eastern and western, would merely gloss over as being the same thing once you have completely learned the art. This is a very insightful book and can be read countless times as each message that the book delivers seems to carry another, there is also an amusing/amazing photo of the author in his "first-round knockout of Roy Pink". This is not meant disrespectfully as Tai Chi does not focus on the size or weight of the opponent but is just a sign of Mr. Docherty's actual skill. This book has motivated me to start looking for a teacher although I have been looking for one since not long after I got this book. If there is anybody who is either a teacher or knows a good teacher in England then please e-mail me-I'm getting desperate for a teacher now and am just itching to test out some of the underlying principles and the philosophies that I have obtained from this book.

Rating:
Summary: Hong-Kong Phooey!?!
Review: If Honk-Kong Phooey ever challenged Mr. Docherty to a fight he would have his socks knocked off! I acquired this book some time ago (well over a year) and yet still read the philosophy & religion, San Shou, weapons and the Wai Dan and Nei Dan sections as if I've never read them before. Also, Dan has clearly shown the difference between Tui Shou (Pushing Hands) and San Shou (Self Defence) which most martial arts teachers and writers, both eastern and western, would merely gloss over as being the same thing once you have completely learned the art. This is a very insightful book and can be read countless times as each message that the book delivers seems to carry another, there is also an amusing/amazing photo of the author in his "first-round knockout of Roy Pink". This is not meant disrespectfully as Tai Chi does not focus on the size or weight of the opponent but is just a sign of Mr. Docherty's actual skill. This book has motivated me to start looking for a teacher although I have been looking for one since not long after I got this book. If there is anybody who is either a teacher or knows a good teacher in England then please e-mail me-I'm getting desperate for a teacher now and am just itching to test out some of the underlying principles and the philosophies that I have obtained from this book.

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended for beginners of Taiji
Review: Taiji is often extolled as an art that both improves health and can be used for effective self-defense. This maybe true but where are these Taiji exponents who are both healthy and can fight? Dan Docherty's answer is that Taiji is poorly taught and very few can demonstrate the art's potential. In this book the reader learns what authentic Taiji training consists of and what one realistically can hope to attain.

If you're a beginner of Taiji like I was when I read the book you'll learn what you need to look out for when searching for a Taiji teacher. Another book worth reading is Bruce Kumar's "The Power of Internal Martial Art's." This last book explais very well how tough and rigorous true Taiji and Qigong training must be for the practitioner to achieve significant results.