Product Details

• Actors: Bill Douglas
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 1
• DVD Release Date: November 1, 2000
• Run Time: 240 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1893634108
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,795 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Book List Magazine, September, 2002

"An excellent introduction to this ancient health art."

Product Description

SMARTaichi's Tai Chi & Qigong instructional programs are perhaps the best in the world. Used in major health networks, corporations, educational and even prison institutions with great results. Presented by best selling Tai Chi author, Bill Douglas.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This DVD is delivering exceptional results, June 4, 2003

By 

Swing Crazy "swingcrazy" (Sandpoint, ID USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anthology of T'ai Chi & Qigong: The Prescription for the Future (DVD)

After purchasing half a dozen other tai chi instructional videos and DVDs and not being "hooked" by them, I finally discovered this edition -- and I'm truly glad I did! The lessons are sequenced in a logical manner, and Bill's on-screen presence is low-key and approachable, for lack of a better description. I began working with the long form tai chi he teaches and have been adding one new lesson -- or "phrase" -- each week. The results have been delightful: better posture, an overall feeling of improved health and centeredness, and a very noticable improvement in balance. As a dancer, this last aspect has been an added plus, as I have seen it manifested in my social dancing, as well.
Although the instructor's book -- the Complete Idiot's Guide to Tai Chi and Qi Gong -- is not a necessity, it is a very good read and the diagram section that corresponds to the long form taught on the DVD is extremely helpful.
Last thing: I dropped the author a note to ask a question -- and he actually responded! Made a good experience even more enjoyable.
If you do decide to go this route -- be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey. My "playing" time for tai chi has become a lovely sanctuary and a place to learn more about myself through movement. One move at a time.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great teaching tool, March 8, 2006

By 

larrys (Pennsylvania USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anthology of T'ai Chi & Qigong: The Prescription for the Future (DVD)

At the conclusion of a good course in TaiChi QiGong, I decided that I wanted to move ahead and learn a Tai Chi long form. Unable to find a course at a convenient time in my area, I decided, after much initial hesitation, to try learning Tai Chi from Bill's DVD. I began working my way through each lesson (one per week) in late fall and recently completed the last one. Now I follow Bill daily as he works his way through the entire form. It's almost like having one's own personal trainer. I particularly value his instructions on breathing. And if I wish to review any particular step, it's very easy to switch back to that lesson. It's clear that my initial hesitation was unnecessary. As a long time university professor, I am not easily impressed, but I consider Bill to be an excellent teacher. His instructions are very clear, well structured, and easy to follow. I am extremely greatful to you for this extraordinary teaching tool. Well done!

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this DVD!, June 19, 2005

By 

M. B. (Washington D.C.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Anthology of T'ai Chi & Qigong: The Prescription for the Future (DVD)

Bill Douglas is an incredibly skilled and compassionate instructor. When I was healthy I tried taking martial arts classes several times and found it very difficult to copy the moves of my instructors. I was the student who was turning left when everyone else was turning right, and not doing it gracefully. 6 months ago I ended up in neck and back braces from a car accident combined with the traditional athletic American "push through the pain" mentality (which does not promote healing). I was progressing very slowly in therapy until I started this T'ai Chi video. Now I'm making rapid progress. T'ai Chi teaches practitioners to patiently listen to their bodies, and the movements slowly stretch and strengthen the tendons and muscles. Bill patiently teaches each move thoroughly and slowly. That, combined with the rewind button, has enabled me to accurately (and gracefully!) copy his movements. My handicap hang-tag is now sitting idle in my desk, and with my rate of progress, my doctor believes I'll be able to hit the trails again by the end of the year.

T'ai Chi isn't just benefitial to everyone, it's fun! And with Bill Douglas, it's easy for anyone. Just do it! Buy this DVD! It's an invaluable gift to yourself.

(Note for people with back problems: If you have an injury you'll probably have to start out doing modified versions of some of the warm-ups and movements, and skip others entirely. When I first started doing my "hip rotation" warm ups any onlookers would have sworn I wasn't moving at all. As Bill says "Always listen to your body. Just do what feels good to ya." )