Compact Tai Chi: Combined Forms to Practice in a Limited Space [Paperback]

Jesse Tsao (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2000

Many of us don't have enough space to practice the traditional Tai Chi "forms." Tsao coils the traditional linear form into a circular format, taking only one-quarter the area required to practice conventional Tai Chi. Each posture is illustrated to demonstrate the movement in detail. Tsao presents four independent sequences to meet the needs of all skill levels. Index. 530 photographs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books; 1st edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578631262
• ISBN-13: 978-1578631261
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #773,464 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A brief comment, October 22, 2005

By 

magellan (Santa Clara, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Compact Tai Chi: Combined Forms to Practice in a Limited Space (Paperback)

This book presents an unusual but practical approach to the tai chi form, turning it into a circular stepping pattern instead of the traditional pattern in order to save space, so you can do it at home or in a limited space. Although I know the traditional long Yang form, I have no problems with this and find it an excellent approach and of value.

However, what the author has done is basically create four short forms. If you are a student of a more conservative, traditional teacher, you probably know that they don't think much of the short forms, regarding them as of limited health and medical value. In fact, the great master who invented the original Yang short form after WWII at the behest of the Communist Party, said it was worthless and didn't practice it himself. However, this depends to a great deal on whether you subscribe to the traditional Chinese medical theories as well. But if you are a serious student of tai chi, you should seek out a teacher and learn the original long form of your style just for your own education, whichever of the many tai chi styles you practice. They are really not that difficult to learn, because many of the main moves and sequences repeat themselves several times, such as grasping the sparrow's tail, the signature and most important sequence in the Yang form.

By the way, there is actually a 300-move long Yang form which is the original, not the 108-move form. Having learned it, I would say it's more like the 108-move form with more complex transitional movements between the major moves, but if you can find a teacher that offers that, I would definitely learn it. Otherwise, the more commonly available 108-move form would be fine. If you just don't have time to do the long form because of your busy daily schedule, I would recommend you do the short form each day, and then try to find enough time on the weekend to do the long form.

As for myself, as I said, I have no problem with the author's using shorter and more compact forms myself and have often found it difficult to practice my long form in my house, and often end up only working on a few moves or small section of the form, which is all I had room for. Surely a longer sequence like this that could be done in a smaller space would be better than that. Of course, you could simply modify your own form into a circular format and do that. :-) Anyway, the forms in this book also cover the five major styles of of tai chi and I found that interesting and useful as well. So overall, a fine book with a creative approach with a lot of practical utility and that offers a lot of breadth in that it covers the five important styles.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional approach to Tai Chi and self-healing., September 4, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Compact Tai Chi: Combined Forms to Practice in a Limited Space (Paperback)

Enthusiasts of Tai Chi will find this an exceptional self-healing approach which provides a program for using the five major styles of Tai Chi. Each posture is demonstrated in detail and positioning is indicated by clock-dial directions - often the most difficult to impart in book form. Highly recommended.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly the best way to learn, June 12, 2005

By 

Soaring Heart - See all my reviews

This review is from: Compact Tai Chi: Combined Forms to Practice in a Limited Space (Paperback)

I learned Tai Chi from video/dvd and got this book strictly as a review. This book is a valid aid to learn Tai Chi because instructors on dvds face the viewer which makes everything backwards thus quite difficult to learn. By reading you can learn at your own pace. There are almost as many illustrations as words so if you are at all interested in learning the ancient art of "moving meditation," I recommend this book. Tai Chi is absolutely breathtaking to watch and practicing makes one feel balanced and at peace.
Tsao's book will teach you how to do it in your home where space is limited. Then when you learn a few sequences, and feel ready, you can find a peaceful, private place outdoors to practice and expand the movements if you wish. Once you begin to practice Tai Chi, it is likely you'll desire to continue as you will feel the benefits of your mind and body coming together as one! It is an marvelous state of being that is indescrible. Give Tai Chi and this book a try! Also recommended, yoga.
Soar!