Customer Reviews

The Essence of T'ai Chi (Shambhala Pocket Classics)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful summary of Tai Chi Classics by the same author. My Sifu spoke very highly of Waysun Liao as well as Marshall Ho'o, who's works are also available through Amazon. This book, exactly as it's title says, is the essence of the internal martial art of Tai Chi. As a beginner, I have found it a great companion to the physical aspect of the form. If you are serious about the art/philosophy of Tai Chi, then this is a perfect travel version of an even greater book.

Not really the best Tai Chi book I've read. The book is far too short to go into any real detail but for a quick overview this is great. Its a smaller book so great for carrying around. Definitely more of a beginner intermediate level book in my opinion. More Philosophy than instruction, for a quick read I'd definitely recommend, but if you're looking for in depth instruction or higher level philosophy this probably isnt the right book for you. A beginner who wants a crash course on the other hand might find a lot to love in this little guy.

This book is a pocket-sized slice of Asian wisdom, succinctly covering the history of Chinese internal martial arts, an explanation of chi theory, some basic internal exercises, and a few excerpted "Tai Chi Classics" by revered masters of the art.

Beginners, dabblers, and advanced students could do worse than spend a few bucks on this book; it costs next to nothing, yet it contains genuine, expert advice in a concentrated form. Good stuff.

Excellent resource for all levels of Tai Chi students. Easily understandable and related to studies in Tai Chi.

I bought almost the entire catalog of Shambala Pocket Classics as a gift to myself. I originally got "The Art of Peace" by Morehei Ueshiba about twenty years ago and it became my constant companion. What an awesome literary work! Now I have a full set of these little babies to keep me company on long winter nights. Bring on the wisdom.

First off, this is not a "how to do Tai Chi" book, even though it does include Tai Chi breathing meditation exercises. The focus of this volume is to provide a historical and philosophical background of the practice of Tai Chi. In this respect, it is a book for anyone who has an interest in the art of Tai Chi. Even though I am a teacher of Tai chi, I never bought into the mystical "Chi" (Japanese refer to it as KI) aspects of Tai Chi. This great little book has five sections. Section one deals with the history and philosophy of Tai Chi. The second section explains Chi and how to develop it. The third section is a treatise by Master Chang San-Feng. The fourth section is a treatise by Master Wong Chung Yua and the final section is a class treatise by Master Wu Yu-hsiang.

In conclusion, this is a book that will be of interest to anyone who has an interest in Tai Chi.

Rating 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Martial Art Myths-Cafe Press).

I have read this book and it is a fascinating book to read. I first read it when i was learning tai chi and it help me improve my practice alot. I gave this book only four stars becasue it didnt have more pages to read. But is was very insiteful.

The book, Essence of Tai Chi, is in New condition. The delivery was a bit slow, but not extreme. Packaging was acceptable, could have been a bit sturdier, but the book arrived in good shape. I would purchase from this source again. I knew the contents of the item before ordering, so no surprises there.