Customer Reviews

Embrace the Moon Tai Chi Chuan [VHS]

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

 

 

Camera work is very important in these videos. This one has the advantage (unlike some others, notably David Carradine's Tai Chi for the Body) of showing you the movements from behind. This is key as it is almost impossible to imitate the form when the instructor faces you....primarily because of the subtlety of the foot movements.

The video is comprised of about 20 minutes of stretches, then a single form (Embrace the Moon) demonstrated from the front, side, and back. Both stretches AND the form are extremely beneficial. My lower back pain was nearly eliminated by doing the stretches.

Note that the video approaches Tai Chi as a relaxing exercise rather than a workout or a combat technique.

On the whole, this is a great way to start learning tai chi.

"Embrace The Moon" is an excellent beginner's instruction tape. The participants are well skilled and the camera work is excellent. The viewer is given a front, side, and back view of each move in the "Embrace The Moon" series in procession. A complete stretch and warm up session is included before instruction begins, as well as, pointers on correct body form and breathing technique. I've never had any formal training in this art form, but I still feel this is a high quality start for any at home do-it-yourselfer! I wanted to learn to practice to improve my coordination, relax, and increase muscle tone. I've found tai chi chuan to be a great way to cool down after a stimulating aerobic session. It refocuses my mind and helps me to stretch out my sore tired muscles. I hope to learn much more in the future and keep improving in this gentle, beautiful, peaceful ancient art form!

This is a low impact introduction for those of us who are easily intimidated by martial arts routines. I have trouble remembering long complicated attack/defense routines, and as a beginner, I appreciated the simplicity and brevity of the exercise. It takes less than 3 minutes to do. Don't misunderstand, this is a full form---I checked with a Taiji sifu---and it gives students a strong foundation from which to move onto more complicated forms. I like the repetitions. My only gripe is that the last couple of forms didn't get as much attention as the first couple. But thanks to this tape, I find myself unconsciously doing taichi movements when I am standing on the subway platform, or stuck in a waiting room somewhere. Get it if you're curious about the whole tai chi hype...it'll convert you, too.

I was unhappy with this tape because the people's feet are hidden in the grass much of the time. I have used other tapes and know that it's important to have one's feet correctly positioned, but it is impossible to see how these people are standing.

I found this tape to be disappointing, after reading the glowing reviews from other T'ai Chi enthusiasts. The stretches were really great, but the methodical way the instructors progressed through the form bored me quickly. Starting over from the beginning after each new move got very old, very fast. I found that I learned the first few steps of the form very easily, but the later steps weren't as thoroughly explained, so I wondered whether I was doing them correctly. Perhaps a better way of explaining it would have been to teach the first few steps of the form, then the next few steps, then put those together, then learn the last few steps, then put the whole thing together. In any case, I may use this tape; at least the first part with the stretches and the demonstration of the form; for a way to unwind at the end of a busy day, but I doubt I'll do the whole tape again any time soon.

This is a very nice video: peaceful, slow, easy to follow, and the movements are explained very well.

For about the first 20 minutes of the tape. Then you're on your own, sink or swim - the instruction just stops, and you're expected to follow along on your own, even through brand-new moves!

If you're determined, then don't let that stop you - this tape can be followed, with practice, and strict attention. But it can br frustrating in the beginning,especially if you're not used to Tai Chi.

This tape is pretty easy to follow, but less specifically instructional. It would be a good addition to a tape that is more technically precise in its teachings.
I like the calm voice of the narrator and the outdoor scenes. It is peaceful and relaxing just to watch!

If you are serious about legitimate practice of Taijiquan (either a traditional style or standardized practice methods from PRC sports/P.E institutions) then steer clear of this. The instruction is very misleading in certain places as to what is required for growth in practive - healthwise, let alone its martial foundation, or even the core skills of Shisanshi (13 Forms/Methods) which are the foundation of all Taijiquan. This ones for the fringe element of the New Age fad.

it was a challenge but i really enjoyed it. highly recommend!