The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan

I'm doing tai chi for fun and health, and I've never wanted to study self-defense. So I need to be reminded that tai chi is a martial art, not just a pleasant floating about in space.In this little book, the pictures alone demonstrate that tai chi is a purposeful exercise of martial techniques. Even eye movements are important and are carefully described in the text. If I don't keep in mind the intent of the moves, I'm not likely to do them correctly. Images and text also remind me of how central the idea of unbalancing the opponent is to tai chi, and conversely, how important my own balance is.I use this book as a reference to look up certain moves as I work on them. Why is my right hand below my left elbow in Spear Hand? To remain hidden, of course, "in order to respond to any changes"! This book is not recreational reading, but even so, there's an inspirational quality to the introductory material. For a 99-pound weakling like me, it's always nice to be assured that, "The soft and weak win over the hard and strong."This book is not meant to substitute for a teacher. The subtle movements going on in the core of your body to initiate movement can only be taught one on one by an expert practitioner trained in the Yang family style.Yang Chengfu's little book on The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan is a classic, and every student of tai chi should probably own a copy.

We will never approach the level of the Yang family in this art, but it is nice to hear the last family master write about it. Kids starting out in their teens have a chance in China and the surrounding countries, but the older folks can still aspire to the form and martial practice.

While a complete beginner would find little within this book due to complete lack of transitional instructions (shifting between postures, directional indicators, weight distribution diagrams, etc.) the text that accompanies the photographs provides sufficient information to someone already familiar with the form, wishing to expand their knowledge directly from the source.Yang Chengfu attempts to describe the applications to techniques, giving the reader some idea of what the intention of the movements are. However, knowing that real applications were traditionally reserved for in-door (rumen) students, I am a bit skeptical about the descriptions being provided.A few of the Taiji classics are listed at the end, which is a plus for any Taiji Quan book. Overall, a good source of reference to the long form, originating directly from the source (although I still prefer Fu Zhongwen's version.)

I only read the first 10 pages.Already found an error in translation.This is before the numbered pages, before the pictures.This is one of the big writings by Wu Siyu.The translation says: The Dragon leaps, the tiger sleeps.The correct translation is: the Dragon Soars and Gallops, the Tiger crouches (and gets ready to pounce on its target)Someone should have caught the error. In the spirit of the fighter, why would a tiger sleep ? Also, a (Chinese) dragon doesn't leap.Update: I found the Chinese version of this book in taiwan's book.com .Wasted my money here. Yes, I read Chinese, even if I can't, today there is web dictionary.

This book is a wonderful time capsule, an attempt by two of Yang Chegfu's senior students to bring some of an oral transmission into written form. As such, it illuminates a transitional and dangerous period in the Chinese martial arts: the war with Japan was about to begin, followed by the repression of post-Revolution China. The translator has done a wonderful job in explaining the complexities of translating Classical Chinese into modern English, as well as making connections to the Taiji Classics which are interesting to read in parallel with this book.No, a beginner won't learn Taiji from reading this book, that is not its purpose. It serves as an inspiration for more experienced students, as a means of illuminating practice and study of the Classics, and as a glimpse back in time to the end of imperial China and its climate of martial arts.

I have been taking Tai Chi at Yang Family Tai Chi for over twelve years. This is a great book covering the long form from A Master Yang.

Highly recommended. This book by Yang Chengfu is well worth having because by understanding the intent behind each of the Tai Chi movements it is easier to learn the movements (form) properly, which is the first important phase in learning Tai Chi. This is not a book for teaching the precise movements step-by-step (recommend Fu Zhongwen's excellent Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan book for that) but it is an excellent supplemental book to Fu Zhongwen's handbook. Superb translation and additional material from the translator Louis Swaim. In the small section on push hands at the end of the book some of the photographs are harder to make out but there is valuable and insightful information from Yang Chengfu on this subject and as always the translator's comments are excellent.

Good book for historical reference

I’ve been studying Yang style tai chi for several years and only recently found this book. It’s slightly different from what I’ve been practicing....but in a good way!!! I’d definitely recommend this book......

You need to be a real addict to use this book. Because of the old pics it comes across as rather dry. I’m sure this will be a good reference once I’m more into the forms of tai chi and looking to delve deeper into the subject.

Completeley as advertised. I have no complaints whatsoever.I you are interested in this subject, this is one for you.Couldn't be more satisfied

Tai Chi Info is Good!

Arrived in time and a great book to read and quality is good