Customer Reviews

Iron Shirt Chi Kung

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a practitioner of old style Yang tai chi I found this book invaluable in extending my knowledge of iron shirt chi gung. Technically, tai chi can be considered a combination of medium and small circle martial chi gung, but it also includes a lot of iron shirt practices as well. Essentially a form of Taoist yoga, it is finally being discovered and is receiving the attention it deserves in the west. Whether you ascribe to the more esoteric aspects of chi theory or not, the physical and and health benefits of iron shirt chi kung are substantial and can be enjoyed by anyone willing to put some effort into it. Overall, a fine book and worth your time and money.

An advanced book on Chi-Kung and Chinese internal martial art. The main part (iron-shirt chi-kung postures) has been explained in great details, some of the postures (like Golden Turtle) are regarded as among the most important postures of advanced Wu style Tai Chi, and Iron Bar is an advanced practice in many Chinese MA systems - all explained in good details. The practice of rooting and chi-packing are elements not to be missed, again all explained in good details. "Bonus" materials include exercises to enhance structural alignment and microcosmic circulation are also included, though I think the latter can be practiced more safely with crossed legs postures as in meditation (I mean unless one's sacrum can be aligned medially, a classic requirement of sound tai-chi practice, then one can safely practice microcosmic orbit circulation in standing position).

This book is an essential reference for advanced practice, and I recommend every advanced Chinese internal MA practitioners should get a copy. However, it is definitely not a book for beginners. Say for junior practitioners of Tai-Chi (say within one year of guided practice), I would recommend to supplement their practice with Zhen Zhuang (stand-like-a-tree) as taught by Grandmaster Wang of Yi-style (check up books like,The Way of Energy: Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercise (A Gaia Original)). Easier and safer.

Iron shirt chi kung is a must for every martial artist. The author explains in detail how to apply rooting to the ground, how to apply abdominal breathing, why is an upright positioning important and why only from a relaxed body and mind one can generate maximum power.
Excellent book!

I believe that Mr. Chia's book is the clearest explanation of the legendary Iron Shirt technique (and how to train it) ever presented in written form. Ignore some of the new-age froo-froo stuff and dig into the meat of the book. It's all there...the real information you've been seeking.

I am fairly new to Chi Kung and Tai chi, but I have purchased and worked with many books and DVDs. Iron Shirt Chi Kung book and its companion DVD are my favorite
instruction tools so far.

I particularly love the instructions on Golden Urn, Golden Turtle and Water Buffalo.

Also love the instructions on the tendon changing exercises.Great Book and DVD.

The way ones body and mind changes is just phenomenal.

If you're interested in this aspect of chi kung this is indispensable. Chia explains the theory of iron shirt and gives a very comprehensive set of exercises, breathing patters, and visualizations to help you accomplish it. He presents the practice as primarily for improving one's health more than for self-defense. When this book was first published there was next to nothing in print on iron shirt training, certainly nothing this comprehensive. There still is very little in print that's as useful. Chia knows his subject thoroughly and explains it clearly. Unfortunately, it appears that there was to be a subsequent volume, a volume 2, which never materialized. There are DVDs, I believe, called Iron Shirt 2 which I haven't seen. And so I cannot vouch for the completeness of this volume as far as teaching the practice from A to Z. Keep in mind as well that the topic of chi kung inspires controversy. I have seen and heard a number of people caution that some of the material in this book involving a technique called "chi packing" can be extremely harmful to your health even if practiced under a teacher's guidance. Who knows? What I do know is that if you are interested in iron shirt and related practices, this is a book you must have. As with any practice involving your body and exercise, use common sense, be cautious, and if in doubt, find a good teacher. We are finding that even hatha yoga can be dangerous if the wrong exercises are selected or performed incorrectly or for too long; people injure themselves jogging improperly. In short, there is a degree of risk with any kind of exercise. So be careful, and give Chia the props he deserves for demystifying a practice that might be very beneficial, and which was kept under wraps for many, many years.

I found an exciting practice called falun dafa. this is now practiced by millions world wide, Just go to the falundafa web site and download the books and watch the video of the five simple exercises free of charge.

Arrival date was on time or before. Condition fine as advertised and was wrapped with extra care. Thanks - great job.

A little bit too esoteric for me, requires allot of work and focus to get to this level and I think this book is for serious devotees.

still going thru this book; takes a while to get the principles down; learn something every time i read it.