Tai Chi Chuan Classical Yang Style, Revised Edition: The Complete Form Qigong

Comprehensive and Holistic

I am somewhat new to the study of Tai Chi, and being aware of the exceptional quality of Dr. Yang's books, I was very interested to get this book and see what it had to offer. I started learning Tai Chi by purchasing several videos. I then found a local teacher from who I quickly learned just how much I didn't know; how nuanced the practice of Tai Chi truly is. It is obvious from reading this book that one is learning from a master. The explanations are clear and comprehensive, but equally important is that fact that, true to Dr. Yang's style, the book offers much more than just an explanation of technique. It is a holistic treatise on martial arts history, styles, benefits, and the relationship between Qi, Qigong and Taijiquan. Highly recommended.

More Then Just Another Tai Chi Manual

Dr. Yang has really outdone himself with this manual on Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. The first quarter of the book is a concise history of Chinese martial arts, even breaking down the subtle difference in meaning between kung fu, wu yi, and wu shu. For as many years as I've been practicing, studying, and researching martial arts, it's a real gem when I can find information I didn't know. This book is full of such nuggets.

The history of tai chi itself is revealed and how Yang style is differentiated from other forms.

When the actual tai chi instructional portion of the book starts, the student is treated to a very clear description and explanation of the movements. The photos in the latter 3/4 of the book with the accompanying text are very easy to follow and understand. The progression of one posture into the next is natural.

There is a lot to be learned from this book. Even if you're of the mind that tai chi is for relaxation and longevity, Dr. Yang addresses the martial applications of this gentle art. There is even a treatise on the importance of tai chi in the practice of chi gong.

This really is a comprehensive book on classical Yang Style.

Extremely comprehensive text for studying Tai Chi Chuan Long Form and Qigong

If you are looking for a comprehensive book on Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), look no further. "Tai Chi Chuan Classical Yang Style: The Complete Long Form and Qigong" by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming contains a wealth of information and instruction on this popular and effective health and exercise activity that has its roots in martial arts, and is still trained in as a martial art by some.

The book begins with an introduction of Chinese martial arts and then the general history of Taijiquan. This section is extremely interesting, and if you enjoy learning about the history of martial arts, you'll like this section of the book. Dr. Yang also briefly addresses how you learn Taijiquan and learning procedures and training sequence.

The next chapter focuses on Qi, Qigong, and Taijiquan. There are various definitions of these and a lot of good information. There is quite a bit about the human body in this chapter, and one might think they are reading a medical text. That's good, because it shows the science behind Qi, Qigong, and Taijiquan, and does not try to apply smoke and mirrors and cloud the concepts in mystery. Some of the information in this chapter is covered in the Understanding Qigong DVDs that I've watched and really enjoyed. Again, there is a lot of good information here. The first two chapters consist of over 100 pages, with only a few pictures and diagrams.

In the third chapter, Taijiquan Thirteen Postures, we start to have more pictures. Dr. Yang illustrates the movements with photographs and accompanying text. The pictures and descriptions are clear, and explain the concepts well. Obviously, obtaining the companion DVD as a resource to assist with learning would help make a person's resources more complete, if no actual instructor is available.

Chapter Four starts on the Traditional Yang Style Taijiquan, and provides instruction on the fundamental stances and movements and then the traditional Yang style Taijiquan. Again, clear pictures and descriptions are used. I should point out that the Chinese is included for certain posture names which will benefit those that read Chinese characters. This is a very long chapter because it teaches the entire form through pictures and descriptions.

Chapter Five is the Conclusion and is essentially one page long. Then there are appendixes that provide names of traditional Yang Style Taijiquan movements, translation and glossary of Chinese terms, and a navigation guide to the companion DVD.

This is a very comprehensive and complete text on the Classical Yang Style Taijiquan Long Form with additional information on Qi and Qigong. Combine it with the companion DVD and you have an outstanding learning resource. On its own, the book is still outstanding and a very detailed educational resource for learning. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to further their education and learning of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) regardless of your current level of training.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks, and the DVDs: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and the Joint Locking Essentials series.

An All Emcompassing Work by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

The saying "never judge a book by its cover" could apply to Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming's classic tai chi chuan treatise in that the title doesn't fully describe the depth and scope of this all encompassing work.

It's not surprising that Dr. Yang - whose life's mission is to make available and share his vast knowledge and experience of Chinese martial arts and culture with the rest of the world - would produce such a comprehensive work regarding tai chi.

Along with the entire form-by-form Yang style sequence, topics covered include the historical development of Chinese martial arts, "the 13 postures" (8 doors and 5 steppings, which form the core of the classical Yang style sequence), the "8 fundamental stances" (sitting and standing meditations and movements designed to develop smooth chi circulation and power, and prepare the body, mind and spirit for tai chi practice), and an abundance of philosophical, technical, scientific and practical information regarding the human body (anatomy) and the development, practice and interrelationships of chi cultivation, chi gong and tai chi chuan.

Obviously, no one will become proficient in tai chi by reading a book alone - but I must admit that after having read Dr. Yang's classic text, I honestly believe my understanding of chi gong and tai chi has increased and therefore my practice has improved. I'm sure that I'll reference this volume for years to come - and I'm looking forward to supplementing it with the companion DVD of the same name. For those interested in chi gong and tai chi chuan, Dr. Yang's "Tai Chi Chuan - Classical Yang Style" is an invaluable reference and guide.

Dr. Yang, world's leading authority on Taijiquan

This book cleary explains the concepts of Chinese Martial Arts using the Qigong Theory and the relationship between Qigong and Taijiquan. It's a step by step guide for the experienced and the beginner. It touches upon stregthening and relaxing your body, calming and focusing your mind. I liked it because there are over 500 photos...nothing like a picture to explain instructions. In my opinion, Dr. Yang is the world's leading authority in this subject. I've read several of his other books and I am looking forward to the revised edition of Tai Chi Chuan coming out in June, 2010.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.