Tai Chi - The 24 Forms

Rating:
Summary: Dr. Lam's Form
Review: The good part: The form presented by Dr. Lam, particularly the leg movements, is nothing less than outstanding. He is a pleasure to watch.
The not-so-good-part: The instruction style of pointing to various parts of an assistant is common and acceptable to many viewers. But there is logic to Tai Chi based on its martial arts birth. The movements of Tai Chi come from a series of defensive responses to attacks by imaginary aggressors that surround the "player." There is a logic that comes from knowing what these attacks are and how they relate to the form movements. This knowledge is not passed on by the Author and its absence makes the form much more difficult to learn than it needs to be.
John T. McCabe

Rating:
Summary: It was difficult to follow
Review: The video quality of this DVD is poor. There is a good introduction to Tai Chi. The instruction was clear. I would recommend this only to someone who already does Tai Chi and wants a review of the forms.

Rating:
Summary: Good Instruction - Poor Video
Review: The video quality of this DVD is poor. There is a good introduction to Tai Chi. The instruction was clear. I would recommend this only to someone who already does Tai Chi and wants a review of the forms.

Rating:
Summary: Not so good
Review: There are several levels of taichi training, this tape teaches the first stage. The movements are there, but no mention of ying-yang hands, feet, balance, breathing, etc. So, do not expect to learn real taichi from this video.

Rating:
Summary: highly recommended
Review: This is a very well done video depicting the 24 Form Tai Chi Routine. Detail of technique is excellent. I highly recommend it as a complement to personal instruction.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent introduction
Review: This is an excellent value. A full two hours of generous technical instruction.

Rating:
Summary: Go to the Head of the Class!
Review: This is truly a marvelous video especially to be used as a study guide between classes. I used it in conjunction with a weekly class on the 24 Form with an instructor. I quickly went from novice to the head of the class. Now, when the instructor tells the students, "I know the class is crowded, but, if you cannot see me, watch Pat". I feel very proud. I could not have done it without Dr. Lam. Get this tape. It is an inexpensive way to Tai Chi stardom.

Rating:
Summary: Go to the Head of the Class!
Review: This is truly a marvelous video especially to be used as a study guide between classes. I used it in conjunction with a weekly class on the 24 Form with an instructor. I quickly went from novice to the head of the class. Now, when the instructor tells the students, "I know the class is crowded, but, if you cannot see me, watch Pat". I feel very proud. I could not have done it without Dr. Lam. Get this tape. It is an inexpensive way to Tai Chi stardom.

Rating:
Summary: The best way to get into tai-chi (besides live instruction)
Review: This program enables anyone interested in learning tai-chi off to an enjoyable start. This video/dvd version by Dr. Paul Lam shows the 24 forms in different perspectives - including the full form facing you as well as back to you, which is very considerate for the absolute beginner which these videos are geared towards (I previously bought a video by another teacher which supposedly is geared to beginners as well but I didn't appreciate the version because the instructor faces the viewer leaving you to move in the opposite direction then does the complete form in silouhette lighting this video by Dr. Lam is much more considerate in that manner).

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, excellent video for learning Tai Chi
Review: This video does an excellent job of presenting the 24 forms of this style of Tai Chi. Each form is demonstrated one at a time and at different angles to help the student learn each form. Great video for the beginner or a supplement for a present student of Tai Chi. I highly recommend this video.