A unique book for students & teachers of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), attempting neither to teach Taiji, nor treat it in a scholarly way. Instead, it celebrates the names of the Taiji movements - the Chinese names! It celebrates the visual beauty of Margaret Chang's Chinese calligraphy. It celebrates the imagery within the Chinese characters. It celebrates the mystery, the poetic ambiguity intrinsic to the Chinese language. It celebrates the possible meanings there - concrete & metaphoric. There are occasionally playful & light-hearted interpretations reflecting the author's own Taiji experience & musings. Also, occasionally, there are potentially relevant stories or paintings to enjoy. All this is offered in the hope that readers will find pleasure in discovering their own meanings in these Chinese names & in the movements of Taiji. Both Jane Schorre & Margaret Chang are devoted Taiji artists, who have practiced & taught Taiji for many years. In addition, Margaret Chang is an accomplished painter & calligrapher who counts among her foremost teachers Prince Pu Ju, brother of Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China. Order from Arts of China Seminars, 2314 Driscoll, Houston, TX 77019. 713-664-7142.

Your go-to illustrated guide to the practices, history, and philosophy of the popular Yang style of taijiquan Fu Zhongwen's classic guide offers the best documentation available of the Yang style of taijiquan. The superbly detailed form instructions and historic line art drawings are based on Fu’s many years as a disciple of Yang Chengfu, taijiquan’s legendary founder. Also included are concise descriptions of fixed-step, moving-step, and da lu push hands practices. Additional commentary by translator Louis Swaim provides key insight into the text’s philosophical language and imagery, further elucidating the art’s cultural and historical foundations.

For nearly 5,000 years, people have practiced T’ai Chi as a way to prolong life, build strength and stamina, improve concentration, and achieve psychological balance. Hundreds of millions of satisfied customers can’t be wrong. Whether you already dabble in T’ai Chi and would like to get a deeper understanding of the basics, or you’re only thinking about trying it and want to find out more before you take the plunge, T’ai Chi For Dummies is for you. In plain English, Therese Iknoian and Manny Fuentes demystify T’ai Chi principles and practices for Westerners. They unravel exotic sounding terms and concepts and break down movements in ways that more traditional instructors and authors either can’t or won’t. And with the help of crystal-clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions, they get you on track with a T’ai Chi fitness program guaranteed to help you: Increase balance and flexibility Combat fatigue and reduce stress Tone muscles Unlock your power centers and boost energy Improve focus and concentration Breathe “mindfully” and meditate Enhance your sense of inner peace and well-being Discover just how easy it can be to make T’ai Chi and its sister discipline Qigong part of your everyday life. With this friendly reference as your guide you’ll quickly master the basic movements and forms, as well as: T’ai Chi’s Yang 24-Movement Form Qigong and Push Hands techniques Techniques that help speed recovery from specific injuries T’ai Chi movements for aerobic exercise Exercise is good for the body and soul. Now let Therese Iknoian and Manny Fuentes show you how to energize, find inner peace, and tone your muscles with the gentle art of T’ai Chi.

Practising Taiji and Qigong is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life and a great way to stay healthy. Now caring professionals can help those with limited mobility to experience the benefits of Taiji and Qigong with this easy-to-follow guide. Covering everything caregivers need to know about Taiji and Qigong, this illustrated guide provides an explanatory introduction to these forms of exercises and shows how to build up a program from easy steps to more challenging ones. There are exercises to stimulate every part of the body, with variations to suit the patient's needs and preferences. All the movements are adapted from the same ancient principles guiding classic Taiji and Qigong and will help strengthen the body as well as provide contemplative relaxation. This book will show occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, activity directors, mental health practitioners, martial arts instructors, and anyone else working with people with physical disabilities and the elderly exactly how these simple techniques can make big improvements to a person's physical and mental wellbeing.

A unique contemplation of Yijing (I Ching). In the first part, Wondering, Jane Schorre ponders the meaning of the hexagrams, taking into consideration their arrangement, their relationships as thirty-two reflecting pairs, and their characters -- the Chinese names. Along her way, she retells selections from the classics of Laotse and Zhuangzi for illustration and clarification. In the second part, Wandering, Carrin Dunne carries the meditation further, wandering through the labyrinth of trigrams, nuclear trigrams, and line texts -- exploring psychological and spiritual meaning in the individual lines and their movements. Along her way, her discovery of the 'foursomes' leads to a kaleidoscopic view of Yijing as a whole and to a new approach ("a key, not the key") to meaning in Yijing.

A beautiful exploration of the Chinese calligraphy and meanings of the Taijiquan posture names. This text reveals the mystery, imagery, and poetic ambiguity in the Chinese language. Much in the names in of Taiji movements is lost in the English translation. This book asks the reader to consider the Chinese character, which conveys much of the inner essence of Taiji.This book was originally copyrighted by the author, Jane Schorre and published by North Atlantic Books in Berkeley California. A group of taijiquan enthusiasts felt that such a beautiful book should not be out of print, so after an exhaustive search, we determined that the only route to go was to republish this book ourselves. All proceeds go to Health, Prosperity, & Leadership Institute, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to spreading Health, Prosperity, and Leadership to everyone, everywhere.

The distilled essence of Tai Chi philosophy and practical training tips from legendary masters past and present. What every serious Tai Chi student must know to really benefit from Tai Chi practice. Yang Cheng Fu's 'Ten Points,' priceless guidelines for Yang Style practice from the source of the art. Master J.J.Sung's 'Twelve points,' further elaboration and refinement of Yang's Ten Points. Ten Steps in training, a systematic guide toward greater achievement in Tai Chi. Nine ways for students to multiply the effectiveness of their training. Translation of the four major Tai Chi Classics, considered by many masters to be the foundation of the art. Taoist tales, showing the inner 'mystical' dimension of training. Translation of the Classics of the famed 'Five Animal Frolics,' precursors of Tai Chi, dating back more than 1800 years. What is the entire Tai Chi System and best ways to learn it. How to find a qualified Tai Chi Teacher. 'Secrets' of Chinese martial arts etiquette. And more.

Mind-Body Fitness For Dummies is the complete guide to the world of holistic fitness -- from Yoga and Tai Chi to Pilates and Qigong. Get started the smart way with expert advice on the essentials, such as breathing, posture, and choosing a program that best fits you and your fitness goals. Filled with instructional photos and illustrations, this book also features expert advice on warming up and cooling down, as well as taking your workout program beyond the basics with coverage of bodywork techniques including NIA and the Alexander technique. Mind-Body Fitness For Dummies will also help answer common questions about equipment and space needs, as well as other issues to consider before committing to a new fitness plan.