The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation (Tai Chi) [Paperback]

Tsung Hwa Jou (Author), Lori S. Elias (Editor), Sharon Rose (Editor), Loretta Wollering (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Tao Series | Publication Date: December 15, 1989

In The Dao of Taijiquan, the author, Jou, Tsung Hwa, himself bears witness to the ability of Tai-Chi to relieve the body of pent-up tension and rejuvenate the spirit in a thorough study of the techniques and classical texts of this ancient martial art. In order to create a serious textbook that explains the philosophy behind the movements of tai chi chuan, he read all available books in both English and Chinese before writing The Dao of Taijiquan. Now this book can be used as a college textbook for courses in tai chi (whether as a philosophy or in Sports Studies).

Jou, Tsung Hwa is also the author of The Tao of Meditation: Way to Enlightenment, and The Tao of I Ching: Way to Divination, both from Tuttle Publishing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; 3rd edition (December 15, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804813574
• ISBN-13: 978-0804813570
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #142,006 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #56 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Tai Chi & Qi Gong

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE textbook on Taijiquan, February 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation (Tai Chi) (Paperback)

I've read a number of books on the subject but this one is, by far, the most comprehensive. While I never had the opportunity to meet the man, I've taken Tai Chi instruction at the late author's school only after, much like the author himself, being dissatisfied with my prior instruction at past schools. Once beginning my training at the "Tai Chi Farm" I found his spirit living on in his students and especially his apprentice, who's working towards mastery herself (LW - she know's who she is) and stories about him abounded. He walked away from formal instruction after ten years, dissatisfied with the quality of today's teachers of Tai Chi. From that point on he took instruction only from the classics, the writings of the original masters. Like those masters, he spent much time observing nature, studying the movements of animals, insects, clouds, etc., hoping to glean insights for use in his own development. As his abilities and reputation grew, people from all over the world came to him for instruction. It's said that right up until his untimely death in an auto accident, at age 81, he was unbeatable when sparring, using principles and insights that he had gained during 40 years of intense practice. It's with these insights, along with his background as a college professor in mathematics and author of dozens of textbooks, that Master Jou wrote this, the DEFINITIVE text book on Tajjiquan. It's one of those books that you can read again and again over the years and, as your own development progresses, get more out of it with each reading.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historical English Classic of Tai Chi, April 25, 2001

By 

Vincent J. Lasorso (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation (Tai Chi) (Paperback)

In its time, this book was the most comprehenesive text book of Tai Chi Chuan in the english language. Master Jou covered every topic in an academic and very intimate fashion. Master Jou was truely a Master of Tai Chi because he was very willing to expose his vulnerablities and weaknesses to teach others how to be powerfully human. He introduced many people to the concept that tai chi was more than a form, but an entire system of development. He defined the lineages, traditons and histories of the major systems and was the first to introduce many players to Chi Kung and integrated movement. My students are all strongly encouraged to read this book. May he assume his place among the Immortals.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teachings of a Genuine Master, December 29, 1999

By 

tilis - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dao of Taijiquan: Way to Rejuvenation (Tai Chi) (Paperback)

An absolute gem! From the very beginning, I was inspired by the amazing accomplishments of a man who first began his Tai Chi journey, at age 47, when he was at death's door due to an enlarged heart and severe gastric disorders. The extent of his accomplishments is quite evident from the extraordinary insights he shares on the internals - the true essence of Tai Chi. I dare say that there are many very senior practitioners of Tai Chi who, upon reading this book, will realize that they have not really been practicing Tai Chi at all. This book will quickly let sincere students everywhere know whether their current instructor truly knows Tai Chi, or whether they need to continue their search for a genuine master of this marvelous art. Master Tsung Hwa Jou's writings serve as a clear guide to help students to distinguish the few flowers that exist today in a vast field overrun by weeds.