In The Dao of Taijiquan, the author, Jou, Tsung Hwa, himself bears witness to the ability of Tai-Chi to relieve the body of pent-up tension and rejuvenate the spirit in a thorough study of the techniques and classical texts of this ancient martial art. In order to create a serious textbook that explains the philosophy behind the movements of tai chi chuan, he read all available books in both English and Chinese before writing The Dao of Taijiquan. Now this book can be used as a college textbook for courses in tai chi (whether as a philosophy or in Sports Studies). Jou, Tsung Hwa is also the author of The Tao of Meditation: Way to Enlightenment, and The Tao of I Ching: Way to Divination, both from Tuttle Publishing.

Unlock the secrets and health benefits of this ancient internal Chinese martial art! T'ai Chi Ch'uan (or taijiquan), a Chinese internal martial art, is best appreciated in the West for its health and fitness benefits, as an art of self-defense, and as a spiritual path. In classical Tai Chi, these aspects form an inseparable unity. In this guide to the classical Yang style, Petra and Toyo Kobayashi present the foundations of T'ai Chi Ch'uan and give comprehensive insights into its methods. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the inner energy--Ch'i--and its contribution to a refined practice of T'ai Chi and its application in self-defense. This Tai Chi book contains a clear and fully illustrated exploration of the 37 positions of the Yang style's short form and a basic partner exercise, Push Hands. Easy-to-follow photographs and diagrams with step-by-step instructions will help you to improve your practice. Ideal for practitioners at any level. Chapters include: The Styles The Principles Quotations from Old Masters Sixty-Four Questions and Answers About T'ai Chi Ch'uan Six Levels of Development The Thirteen Basic Positions and Techniques Advanced Practice Important Questions to Ask Yourself and more!

You may have read books on Taoism or Taoist philosophy before that inspire and expand your mind. What makes The Tao of Tai Chi: The Making of a New Science such a stunning work and must read is that it does not just talk the talk. Its author has literally transformed the planet by following the tenets of Taoism, and shares in this book not only how it happened to him, but how it can profoundly unfold the greatness trying to bloom through you and your life - and he assures you, and builds a solid science based case that this can happen. It offers down to earth, practical self-help tips on how Tai Chi, Qigong, and mind-body practices can improve performance, health, mental acuity, and productivity.

Tao and T'ai Chi Kung grounds the practitioner deeply in both Taoist philosophy and the practical physiology of T'ai Chi Chuan. It delves into the more profound aspects of energy development, explaining how to use the mind to assume the correct "inner posture," ways to distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, and how to become rooted in the tan tien.

Master the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan with this informative guide. One of the most popular Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan is also one of the most effective stress relievers available. In China it is also used extensively for the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and its beneficial effects for health and fitness are now widely recognized in the West. The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan is a comprehensive and fascinating guide to the practical application and potential benefits of Tai Chi Chuan. Packed with step-by-step illustrations for practice at home, this tai chi guide covers everything you would want to know about this ancient art, including its benefits for mental, spiritual and emotional development. This tai chi book is both an ideal introductory guide and an invaluable reminder for those who have already taken classes. Topics in The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan include: Tai Chi Chuan as a Martial ArtThe Concept of Yin-Yang and Tai Chi ChuanThe Historical Development of the Various StylesAdvice from the Great MastersTechniques and Skills of Pushing HandsSpecific Techniques for Combat SituationsTaoism and Spiritual Development in Tai Chi ChuanAnd many more

This is the original classic about Short Form, the most popular and widespread form of T'ai Chi in the West. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a must-read for every serious T'ai Chi student. This book is not meant to "teach" T'ai Chi Ch'uan, but meant to expound upon its meaning to the earnest practitioner; to offer the layperson a glimpse into this ancient art; and to communicate the author's unique perceptions and experiences that only a lifetime of practice can cultivate. Taken in this context, this is a most valuable book.

A guide to the seemingly effortless yet explosively powerful martial art techniques of Fa Jin • Explains how to collect energy within and discharge it for self-defense as well as healing • Explores how to counter the natural instinct to resist force with force and develop yielding softness through the 13 Original Movements of Tai Chi • Illustrates routines for the partner practice of “Push Hands” (Tui Shou) Fa Jin, an advanced yang style of Tai Chi, complements the physical, mental, and spiritual conditioning available through solo Tai Chi practice and the internal martial arts of Taoism. Fa Jin enables adepts to harness the energy of yin, yang, and the earth in the lower tan tien and discharge it as an extremely close-range yet explosively powerful blow in self-defense and partner practice as well as in healing techniques. Integrating the teachings of many Taoist masters, including Chang San-Feng, the creator of Tai Chi; Wang Tsung-Yueh, the legendary 19th-century master; Bruce Lee, the actor and martial artist who made the “one-inch punch” technique famous; and the Magus of Java, a living master able to discharge energy in the form of electric shocks, this book explores the history, philosophy, internal exercises, and physical practices of Fa Jin. Drawing on Iron Shirt Chi Kung and Tan Tien Chi Kung techniques, Master Mantak Chia and Andrew Jan reveal the secrets to collecting yin and yang in the lower tan tien and discharging the energy in a seemingly effortless yet explosive blow. Illustrating several routines of the Tai Chi partner practice of “Push Hands” (Tui Shou), they explain how to apply Fa Jin techniques by “listening” to your opponent’s intentions and countering the natural instinct to resist force with force through yielding softness and redirection. The authors also detail how to prepare for this advanced practice through stretching, meditation, breathing, relaxation, and energetic exercises.

The essence of Tai Chi Chuan lies in the rich philosophy of ancient China. While most Tai Chi practitioners are aware of the value that studying Chinese philosophy can bring to their practice, it is often difficult to pick out those texts that are most relevant to Tai Chi and connected to its development. The Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan presents, for the first time, a concise overview of the Chinese martial and spiritual philosophies that drive this ancient tradition.Authors Freya and Martin Boedicker, who teach Tai Chi throughout Europe and South Africa, present freshly translated excerpts from such popular and widely studied works as the Tao Te Ching, the I Ching, and The Art of War, as well as writings by philosophers and strategists such as Zhuangzi and Wuzi. Each chapter of this concise volume focuses on a single work or philosopher, and includes a short history of each one as well as a description of their relevance to Tai Chi. An extensive glossary of important Chinese terms rounds out the book. The Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan offers readers a direct connection with the concepts that form the foundation of Tai Chi, inspiring a deeper understanding of the art and its applications.