Complete Book of T'ai Chi [Hardcover]

Stewart McFarlane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1997 | Series: The complete book

This richly illustrated guide is the only one that covers the Cheng Man-ch'ing form of the discipline, T'ai Chi's most popular incarnation. Stewart McFarlane, a T'ai Chi master instructor, explains the positive health and relaxation benefits that make this ancient art the perfect counterpoint to today's stressful world. All exercises are fully illustrated step-by-step, and tests for correctness ensure that beginners and experts will get the very most out of the discipline.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

T'ai chi ch'uan is usually seen as a ritualized series of movements--an exercise system, rather than a martial art. But it began as a fighting system, and this book shows both aspects: a long, clearly illustrated section detailing the 37 movements, or forms, that can be practiced as a mode of physical and mental exercise; and a shorter section on self-defense applications. Although you'll still probably want to take classes if you're interested in pursuing t'ai chi, Stewart McFarlane's Complete Book makes it seem very accessible and understandable.

From School Library Journal

YA?This guide to a simplified Yang form of t'ai chi ch'uan begins with a brief introduction to the history of the martial-art form and a description of preparatory stretching and flexibility exercises. Beautifully reproduced, full-color photographs appear throughout. In addition, diagrams describe the stances and flow of postures in detail; e.g., the relative positioning of hips to feet, the percentage of weight distribution over each foot, and arrows showing the direction of movements. Small photographs review the previous 10 movements at the bottom of each page. A clear textual description accompanies each photo or diagram. Finally, "pushing hands" drills, to be done with a partner, are presented. The clarity of illustrations and descriptions and the inclusion of details such as "choosing a class" make this book a practical choice.?Lorna Kundert, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (April 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789414767
• ISBN-13: 978-0789414762
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #664,296 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete, concise, correct., November 25, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Cape Canaveral FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Book of T'ai Chi (Hardcover)

I have studied three books on Tai Chi. The different forms used by different masters can create confusion. The form in this book is an accepted standard. The layout, details, photographs, tips and text are superb. Pictures of the entire form are reproduced, in sequence, on the fly leaves. Learning Tai Chi requires a teacher. But this book will accelerate your learning process appreciably.

44 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning is almost as good as being with a teacher., August 20, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Michael S. Kaehler) (U.S. Army Post, Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Complete Book of T'ai Chi (Hardcover)

This exceptional photographic book is one of a kind. It stands as close as you can get without being with a true teacher. Indepth detail showing all necessary steps and jestures that are required. The only thing missing is an actual teacher to ask questions.

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Beauty is only skin deep..., November 23, 2000

By 

K. Wu (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Complete Book of T'ai Chi (Hardcover)

...but ugly goes straight to the bone, and this book is a literal example of both sides of that old aphorism. While the raw quantity and quality of photos are very good, the main substance of the book - teaching the Cheng form - is done poorly by the book model. The model displays poor posture in almost every photo, with a curved back (Tai Chi demands a straight back) and lack of precision in positioning of hands and feet. As a martial artist with moderate experience interested in learning Tai Chi, the sloppiness in form was very disappointing. Contrast this book with the expert and distinct posture and position of, say, Master Liang's book, and the technical errors are even more glaring.

As it demands great self-control and awareness, Tai Chi is virtually impossible to learn well without a teacher, and this book will not help you in any case. To really learn good technique, find a solid teacher, and get a better book.