Customer Reviews

Chi for Energy w/ Music Cassette

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have always had a passing interest in Tai Chi. Recently, I search on the Web and read good things about this video.

As a complete beginner, I was hoping for a tape that wouldn't leave me feeling intimidated, yet something that would challenge me far after the first few uses.

I have to admit, I found this video exceptional.

Shot in a serene tropical location, the instructor, David-Dorian Ross takes the viewer through a 20-minute gentle Chi experience.

Ross certainly isn't the most charismatic instructor I have watched. He is very serious and, well, a little boring. But he does know his stuff. Before he begins the moves, Ross gives a brief and concise explanation about the history of Tai Chi and the benefits of it. Without being long-winded or too new-age-y, his words, I think, really do inspire a respect for the movements and practice of Tai Chi.

After his sitting introduction, Ross moves to a deserted beach to begin the "workout" (for lack of better words). And as cheesy as it sounds, I'll admit, watching the waves roll in and wash the sand, and his feet, is quite calming.

While doing the moves, instructions are given as a voiceover. For me, this added a degree of credibility to the workout. Watching Ross, mouth closed, fully concentrating on form rather than talking and moving at the same time, made it far easier to focus more on the task at hand rather than being distracted by him. The voiceover was like a whisper in one's ear as opposed to having someone talk at you.

Each move was described thoroughly. Ross refers to each move by name, explains how each body part should move and, at times, offers visualizations to help the viewer better understand and hold the pose.

When I first discovered this tape was 20 minutes, I thought, is that it? But, I have to say, 20 minutes is plenty for this beginner. Ross offers a succession of moves (I'd say easily 20-25). And the moves run fluid, but quickly. Sometimes I find them to be too quick. I'd rather have some time to ease into the moves and get the form correct before going to the next move. If I have one complaint about the tape, it would be that--it moves a bit too fast.

I am pleased with this tape. While Ross didn't exactly leave me with a deep-seated love for Tai Chi, he certainly did widen my curiosity. I do not find this tape intimidating and I see myself doing this tape a few times a week for a few months before I go searching for something a little more challenging.

I find this video to be an excellent introduction into Tai Chi--both intellectually and physically.

I like this set (Beginning Chi by LivingArts) a lot. It's good for a slow day or after injury. At times, the circular motion seem hypnotic.

I purchased this video about a year ago and find it an excellent resource. Its well produced, well priced and relatively easy to follow (some moves are a challenge if you are uncoordinated like me). I have arthritis and I find that I can follow along quite well. The location of the shoot, the score and the instructor make for a great workout that is both relaxing and energizing (go figure). If you're looking for an introduction to chi this is it.

I was looking for an introductory Qigong workout and this meets the bill. The instructor is knowledgable, calm and patient. The beach scenery and background music are peaceful and calming.

The instructor uses his words sparingly and teaches more by example. The movements themselves are fairly attainable, much more so than the yoga tapes I've seen. I have pretty poor balance and flexibility, due to a back injury, yet I was able to do nearly all of the movements. The back stretchng exercises held near the beginning were especially beneficial to me. There were a few movements that took a while to learn. The rewind button helped with that.

I would have liked more material on breath.

A live class might be a touch more immediate, and provide more feedback, but this tape is pretty good for an individual experience.

This tape is a nice introduction to Qigong and will become part of my morning routine

Much to my initial dismay, and then increasing aggravation after 25 minutes of viewing, this video does not teach Chi (energy), or Chi Kung (qigong) but Tai Chi. Why doesn't the title just state "Tai Chi"?? While Ross is a competent on-camera instructor, what he's doing on the video are excerpts from the Yang style of Tai Chi Chuan. While there is an art called Taiji qigong, Ross doesn't offer one stitch of instruction in it, either. All he does is repeat about 8-9 movements of a Tai Chi Chuan Form. Ross's rather unctuous introduction and narrative panders to what I imagine are new age types who must be entranced by the mere mention of the word "energy." That sort of presentation is fine, if only there was some real qigong (energy training) here. But Zilch! As one with 9 years of training in martial arts and qigong, there is no qigong in this tape, despite the online advertising--just some isolated Tai Chi movements in no particular order. And you can't really call what Ross demonstrates here as "Chi". His way of doing Tai Chi is not "Chi". As a basic introduction to Tai Chi, this video is on the skimpy side-- a better and more complete introduction to Tai Chi training can be had by many other tapes that cover classical Tai Chi Forms, such as Dr. Lam's, or Yang Zwing-Ming's, or Terry Dunn's. I am most disappointed and am returning my copy of this tape for a refund due to its misleading title and advertising. Others' reviews on amazon.com didn't help me at all in this case.

I like this alot because it is filmed on a maui beach. I can breath the salt air and feel the breeze and imagine looking far out over the ocean. it leaves me feeling even more at peace because I feel i have exorcised on the beach not just in a room.