Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #268734 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-08
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Synopsis
The Chen style of taijiquan (an alternate spelling of tai chi chuan) is the parent art of all tai chi systems (yang, wu, chen, sun, etc.). This book covers the history of Chen-style taiji, provides a fully illustrated instruction in the 38 sections that make up the form; and then offers the most comprehensive introduction to the self-defence applications of the form available in the English language.

Customer Reviews

38 Form and (a few of the) applications/ Short form short book
Anyone studying Chen style Taijiquan will (hopefully) be able to trace their forms lineage to one of the four "Warriors Attendants", the four leading exponents of this art. Shorter forms have been developed from the old and new frames ( laojia and xinjia ) to enable students to better learn the intricacies of this style harnessing the essential qualites of both these frames ( there is also small frame, confused yet...?).
If you are studying the 38 form this is a nice set of "reminders" with very good photographs and clear instruction. The book concludes with some really nice application photos but sadly not that many at all....and that is it...
I was disappointed with the length and quantity of content of this book as I am sure the author ,and indeed all who helped, could have shared alot more of their very obvious skill and knowledge of this complex art.
If you are studying the 38 form and want a "guidebook" then this is for you...

If you are looking for applications, it's only enough to wet your whistle.
If you want to learn Taiji, you will need more than just a book.
Personally I would stick to a good class, seminars and good DVDs.
(remember you are your own best teacher)
If you want a good book on Chen look at Chen Style: The Source of Taijiquan by Davidine Sim, David Gaffrey.