This unique manual of internal methods, inspired by the skills of Yang the Invincible, reveals key elements in finding and training a Tai Chi body. How did Yang do it? From whom did he learn? He watched the Chens but had to train alone in secret. Yang Lu-chan had to learn from himself, through his own body. Beginning in the stillness of Wu Ji standing, the author presents core components of Tai Chi movement. Each chapter identifies, describes, and explains structures and techniques of a moving body. What, in plain language, are the meanings of stillness in motion? How does ground-level attention ensure seamless moves in solo forms and applied technique? Which complementary action principles ensure the correct shape and energy? What is modesty, and how does it optimize energy exchange? Why are form orientations both useful and misleading? How does a Tai Chi boxer employ the fourth dimension? These and other questions about Tai Chi movement are answered in clear and direct language. There are no theories nor confusing aphorisms. And the methods employ sensing and deeds, not thinking and ideas. Whatever your intent--self-care, self-defense, or enhanced understanding--you'll find ways to progress at all levels. The author has distilled thirty years of exploration and deep respect for Yang into this manual. Rather than think and talk, he has tried to put himself in Yang Lu-chan's shoes.
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Moderately Good T'ai Chi Book Comment: There is only one real problem with this book which caused me to rate it three stars: The information written within the book is fine and very useful with many insights which make the book worth buying. However, there are no pictures nor diagrams to show examples of the information that is written. This causes some difficulty while reading. Although I do acknowledge that the author probably did this on purpose to make the reader get up and do the exercises. So, that being said, this book would be most beneficial for someone who already knows a form of Yang style T'ai Chi. All in all, three stars for difficult and sometimes confusing display of written material, but still a good book. Customer Rating: Summary: Essential read for the experienced taii chi practitioner Comment: If I could give 4.5 stars that might be more accurate. The only real deficiency I can find in the book is that the explanations could be clarified by illustrations. However, for the experienced tai chi practitioner, of whatever form, this brief book will provide many insights to mull over and to incorporate in your practice. A word of caution, though -- you do need to be comfortable with whatever form you practice before you can benefit from this book. It is not intended for the beginner to tai chi.
The author certainly bases much of what he advocates on the insights of Cheng Man-Ching, but the application of these is not specific to the form that Cheng taught. Cheng Man-Ching was instrumental in providing the written description of the Yang style, and although he simplified it in his teaching I don't believe he ever saw himself as working outside the Yang tradition. I practice a different variant of the Yang style, as taught by the Australian Academy of Tai Chi, and the advice in this book fits very comfortably with that.
If I had to pick one insight that has profoundly affected my own practice, it would be this one: "Don't be greedy." However, there are many such insights in the book, and I suspect it will repay careful re-reading. If you want to improve the quality of your tai chi, read and study this book. Customer Rating: Summary: Stalking Yang Comment: Excellent book deals more with concepts than the physical art. Language can be very abstract and difficult to immediately apply, but like most experiences of this nature has is most definetely worthwhile. Customer Rating: Summary: not helpful Comment: I'm an intermediate player, practicing Yang style since 1993.
And I've read many taiji books,
but my first reading has been unusually unhelpful.
Sorry, but I won't try to reread any part of this book.
The writer unveils a principle at a subtle level and then suddenly leaves the topic without fully explaining it fully. For example, he mentions a Double peng in Ward Off, and gives a verbal description which defies me and then says it is a sense of "two events unfolding in step," "like watching two different-sized cogs meshing in mutual rotation." Duh!
Definitely not recommended for beginners, and very confusing to the intermediate. Customer Rating: Summary: Very Valuable Resource Comment: As a former student of Sifu Johnson, I can attest to the consistency and value of his published material and in-person instruction. Sifu Johnson is my "root" Tai Chi teacher and I received personal instruction from him for several years. This material is certainly foundational for any student who wishes to pass through the "inner gate". Yet, the advanced student (by today's standards) will likely find this instruction enlightening as this material is rarely emphasized with practice, at least in the other internal arts schools I've visited. Sifu's understanding and embodiment of internal arts "principles" is very high level, and for the student of sufficient awareness, he is capable of conveying those essential elements as they were intended. I think that the true worth of written material of this nature is in its practical application and its ability to enhance a practitioner's martial development. That said, this book is very valuable. I have only one "con". I agree with V. K. Lin's request for additional illustrations.
