Customer Reviews

The Essence of T'ai Chi Ch'uan: The Literary Tradition

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
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This book has become a bible for me as a practitioner of tai chi chuan and push-hands for the past twenty years. It is a collection of brief, often poetic classic writings from the tai chi masters. I read it at least twice a year, and I consider it a must-read for any advanced practitioners of the internal martial arts.

This book is a new translation of a number of classical tai chi texts. The translations are clear, and the language flows well. The translators also included brief explications of difficult terms withing the text itself so as not to disrupt the flow of words. The presentation of the book is well done, with many illustrations and pages of calligraphy. While fairly short, this book is very nice introduction to the classic Chinese texts on tai chi.

I found that this book contains the best writings on Wing Chun available. It was recommended to me by my teacher's teacher. I know it's about Tai Chi concepts but the astute Wing Chun practitioner will benefit immensely from it. No it doesn't show any forms. It's not a "how to" book. It's a "learn deeper things about what you already know" book.

Any serious Tai Chi practitioner will know that Tai Chi is more than just movement. This book presents the original Tai Chi texts translated into english, which allow the reader to think and feel each movement in a new, more intense manner.
Each sentence is a lesson in itself. While some are easy to understand, others will not be so clear in the beginning. I am sure that you will read this book more than once, reflecting on the movements and thoughts behind each form.

I recommend this books to any Tai Chi practitioner who wishes to understand the roots of the discipline.

The tai chi classics are essential study for any halfway serious student of tai chi, martial arts, or life in general. There are now many translations of the classics - when this one was published there were few or none.

The nice thing about this version is that the translators let the words speak for themselves. Most others include commentary by the translators (which is, ultimately, their own opinions, and may or may not be helpful). Here you let the words sink in, you ponder and reflect, and gradually gradually develop your own sense of these important ideas.

After 10 years of Tai Chi Chuan practice advanced books like this are becoming a valuable resource. Until you understand chi flow, rooting, adhering, following, and the myriad of other terms that describe the fundamental elements of the art, much of the book may come across as esoteric. A respected elder in the art once told me that the 'classics' will not lead you astray. The trick is to find good translations without too much personal commentary.

This book is a raw translation of many well known Tai Chi Chuan classics. The direct instructions are utterly essential in the art but some of the book can be very difficult to fully understand. That said, this has become my primary resource. I read this book often.

An inspiring yet accessible interpretation of the "Classics". I now have two copies; one - the most frequently borrowed book by our students; the other - a personal treasure that through rereading constantly reveals further layers of this subtle Art.

A wonderful little book of thoughts and peoms to go with T'ai Chi. It's title is extremely apt. I would recommend it to all who love T'ai Chi

Great for any Internal Martial Art's practitioner, this book can be understood on a different level as your level of understanding increases. This book is one for beginners and experienced IMA practitioners alike.

Great book! It showcases the Tai Chi Classics from centuries of martial masters.I highly recommend this to all martial artists.