For the student who has already mastered the basic postures, this book addresses itself to the philosophy behind the system of movements and to all the variations possible.

Learn the art of T'ai Chi swordsmanship with this illustrated martial arts book.In T'ai Chi Ch'uan, exercising with a sword has developed into an important art. In accordance with the principles of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, the sword practice is an exercise for good health and meditation in motion as well as a method of self-defense. It promotes the development and the application of the inner energy ch'i. The study of the T'ai Chi sword is regarded as its own path which do...

The publication in 1934 of Yang Chengfu's book, Essence and Applications of Taijiquan (Taijiquan Tiyong Quanshu) marked a milestone in the modern evolution of the art of taijiquan. Using what is best-termed demonstration narrative, the author presents form postures and suggested applications from his own perspective, as he performed them. This methodology renders Yang Chengfu's direct, hands-on teaching of the art with such immediacy and liveliness that the reader experiences the master’s ...

Fire Dragon Meridian Qigong is a traditional Chinese internal alchemy method that embodies the spirit of the rising dragon, an auspicious symbol of transformation in Chinese culture. The form works directly on the acupuncture meridians, releasing areas of stagnation and bringing the physical and emotional body into a balanced state of well-being.This Qigong form implements special visualization and breathing techniques in addition to movements that imitate sparks arising from a bon...

Master the Chinese martial art of T'ai Chi with this accessible, illustrated guide.T'ai-chi (Tai Chi) is an effortless and rhythmical art that stresses slow breathing, balanced and relaxed postures, and absolute calmness of mind. It requires no special equipment or place to practice and takes no more than ten minutes a day.This book, from renowned Tai Chi master, Cheng Man-Ch'ing, introduces T'ai-chi as a means to a healthier life, as a sport and as a metho...

The Internal Structure of Cloud Hands offers readers an in-depth look into the art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan via the practice of Cloud Hands, a foundational exercise common to all schools of this popular martial art. Part theoretical treatise, part training manual, this book facilitates a deeper understanding of "internal" movement and training for students of T'ai Chi and other internal martial arts. Step-by-step exercises help to bring the theoretical into concrete practice and applica...

A practical approach to the ancient Chinese movement for health and well-being.Tai Chi is a movement practice firmly rooted in Chinese culture and philosophy. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Tai Chi is a beautifully photographed, informative and practical guide to the life-enhancing practice of the short form of Tai Chi. Extensively researched and clearly explained this comprehensive guide includes:History, origins and philosophy of Tai ChiBasic principles – movem...

Practical Tai Chi Chuan: Short Form & Advanced Short Form - Trilingual edition (English, German and Italian), Kurze Handform & Kurze Handform für Fortgeschrittene - Dreisprachige Ausgabe (Englisch, Deutsch und Italienisch), Forme breve & Forma breve per progrediti - Edizione trilingua (inglese, tedesco ed italiano)

Tai Chi Chuan: Form to Function is a detailed manual for the study of the martial techniques of tai chi chuan.It takes up where author Nigel Sutton's earlier title, Applied Tai Chi Chuan , left off, by setting out step-by-step the training exercises necessary for the mastery of tai chi chuan as a true combative art. Sutton outlines a well-defined program designed to lead to understanding and mastery of the useful self-defense techniques.So...

Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is a slow and relaxed moving meditation. It is also a sophisticated martial arts system. Through practicing Taijiquan, you are able to calm down the mind, locate your spiritual center, and consequently find your entire being. From the relaxed moving exercise, you can bring your physical body into an ultimate level of relaxation and natural ease, resulting in smooth Qi (inner energy) and blood circulation. This is a key to maintaining health and recovering from sic...

Explores the deep, internal work necessary for the effective practice of tai chi• Reveals the Taoist principles that gave birth to the Yang-style tai chi forms• Shows how tai chi can circulate powerful healing energies through the bodyTaoist adepts developed tai chi as both a martial art and a way to cultivate their physical body, energy body, and spirit body. Like all Taoist exercises, its main purpose is to form a connection to the basic energy that is the foundat...

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction provides a complete foundation in the practice of one of the most distinctive and effective Japanese martial arts.Aikido was created in Japan in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as Osensei. To possess the skills, techniques and attitude of the true practitioner of aikido, one must achieve a very high level of integration of the powers of mind and body, the harmonious combination of physica...