The Essence of Tai Chi Chuan: The Literary Tradition

By Various

Book Overview

A handbook of the classical Chinese literature on which the art of t'ai chi is based. First English translation of the classic texts of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. This is required reading for practitioners of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0913028630
• ISBN13: 9780913028636
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Blue Snake Books
• Length: 104 Pages
• Weight: 0.41 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great for Wing Chun Practitioners Too

I found that this book contains the best writings on Wing Chun available. It was recommended to me by my teacher's teacher. I know it's about Tai Chi concepts but the astute Wing Chun practitioner will benefit immensely from it. No it doesn't show any forms. It's not a "how to" book. It's a "learn deeper things about what you already know" book.

The greatest way to learn the phylosophy behind the movement

Any serious Tai Chi practitioner will know that Tai Chi is more than just movement. This book presents the original Tai Chi texts translated into english, which allow the reader to think and feel each movement in a new, more intense manner. Each sentence is a lesson in itself. While some are easy to understand, others will not be so clear in the beginning. I am sure that you will read this book more than once, reflecting on the movements and thoughts behind each form. I recommend this books to any Tai Chi practitioner who wishes to understand the roots of the discipline.

A great introduction to tai chi theory

This book is a new translation of a number of classical tai chi texts. The translations are clear, and the language flows well. The translators also included brief explications of difficult terms withing the text itself so as not to disrupt the flow of words. The presentation of the book is well done, with many illustrations and pages of calligraphy. While fairly short, this book is very nice introduction to the classic Chinese texts on tai chi.

A treasured translation of the "T'ai Chi Classics"

An inspiring yet accessible interpretation of the "Classics". I now have two copies; one - the most frequently borrowed book by our students; the other - a personal treasure that through rereading constantly reveals further layers of this subtle Art.

A rich, timeless treatise on the principles of tai chi chuan

This book has become a bible for me as a practitioner of tai chi chuan and push-hands for the past twenty years. It is a collection of brief, often poetic classic writings from the tai chi masters. I read it at least twice a year, and I consider it a must-read for any advanced practitioners of the internal martial arts.