Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #135134 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-15
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

Synopsis
Chen style is the oldest form of Taijiquan from which all the major styles originated. Created at the end of the Ming dynasty, it is based upon a profound body of ancient knowledge that has influenced the Chinese way of thinking through the ages. It draws upon the principles of the Yijing (Book of Change), the Yin-Yang theory, and Daoist philosophy. Chen style Taijiquan combines the study of traditional Chinese wu shu, movement science, and the Chinese medical theory of "jingluo" (energy channels), "daoyin" (leading and guiding energy), and "tu-na" (breathing methods), resulting in a comprehensive system of self-defence and a valuable health exercise. This text guides the reader through the historical development of the system, its philosophical roots, and through the intricacies of the various training methods of this unique form of Chinese boxing. Descriptions of the Silk-Reeling Exercise, Laojia Yi Lu, Laojia Paocui, Fajing, Qinna, Push Hands, and Taijiquan weapons are all featured. Legendary exploits of the Chen family are included to inspire today's practitioners.

Customer Reviews

What can I add to the other reviewers???
Only my five stars...The most informative book on the Chen Style. Detailed , interesting and above all really well researched. The history, philosophy and "mechanics" of this beautiful art are discussed in detail. This book has really helped my understanding and personal progress, and the authors have gone to great lengths to share their obvious skill, knowledge and enthusiasm ....
(I recognise them from Liming Yu and Chen Zhenglei teaching DVDs !)

BRILLIANT!

Beyond Tai Chi
I am a teacher of Wing Chun Kung Fu and have only recently started to learn Tai Chi (Chen Style), this book gives a very good insight not only into Tai Chi but into internal aspects of Kung Fu in general. It was quite uncanny as the author was explaining aspects of Tai Chi, I though he was talking about Wing Chun! I wish there were more books written like this (maybe even with the emphasis on Wing Chun), which are as authoritative as this one.

NB: Like any good book it will never replace a teacher to guide one, this book although very good makes no exception and can only help as a companion to make things clearer.

Must have book for those practicing Chen style or any other
This book is simply brilliant, it is so full of information it should be labelled as an encyclopaedia. But the best thing is it is not boring or hard to read, instead it keeps the readers interest with anecdotes of taiji masters that demonstrate the theory it so easily explains. And better yet its very easy to read and also makes the theory very easy to understand and so accessable to all. If you are interested in Chen style taiji or indeed in learning any form of taiji then this book will only help you on your path. Excellent.