Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Parade Video
• VHS Release Date: November 16, 1999
• Run Time: 50 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305107815
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,471 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Claire Hooton's introduction to t'ai chi is easy to follow, well-thought through, and professionally produced--the perfect asset for any beginning student interested in using t'ai chi to improve his or her physical and spiritual well-being. While silver-haired Hooton is obviously a terrific example for older women viewers, the lessons she offers are accessible and valuable for everyone. She begins with a short interview-style lecture on the benefits of t'ai chi, an exercise that builds health, increases longevity, and "wakes up our sense of being a part of nature." Soon, viewers are taught the basic principles of posture, breathing, weight distribution, and the dynamic relaxation that gives the form its power. Finally, viewers are led through the first third of the Yang-style short form (the final 40 moves are on the next tape, The Method: T'ai Chi, Intermediate Level). Each movement in the form is a worthwhile exercise in its own right, and Hooton describes them simply and methodically. Sometimes her metaphors for the positions ("the bird's head throws the teabag out the window") seem a bit silly, but they're no less evocative than some of the traditional Chinese names ("Single Whip," "Repulse Monkeys"), and actually work well to make the moves easy to understand and remember. And, even more importantly, each movement is shown from the front first, and then repeated by two demonstrators from behind, making it very easy to follow along correctly. The detailed descriptions are a boon to beginners, and high-production values are a definite plus (especially the colored panels projected on the floor to clarify foot movements). But most helpful are Hooton's tips on visualizing the body to effortlessly tap the power of t'ai chi's gentle, dance-like movements. This video is definitely recommended for anyone interested in learning t'ai chi basics. --Grant Balfour

From the back cover

T'AI CHI Beginner's Level. T'ai Chi is an easy to implement, yet extremely beneficial exercise program consisting of 60 short, simple movements known as the Yang Style Short Form. This volume provides an informative, easy-to-understand introduction to the art and practice of T'ai Chi. It gets you started with the first 20 movements, the fundamental segment of the Short Form. Claire Hooton, your host and teacher, is a disciple of the late Grandmaster Cheng Man-Ch'ing and has been teaching T'ai Chi for over thirty years. This video incorporates Parade Video's "Reverse View" method. "Reverse View" places you right behind teacher Claire Hooton, not just in front of her.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent way to begin Tai Chi, November 1, 1999

By 

Todd Klocke ([e-mail]) (Atchison, Kansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Method - T'ai Chi, Beginner's Level [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I don't believe that I could have found a better instructional video for Tai Chi! Living in a small town in the middle of no where, finding an instructor for Tai Chi was not an option. This video was the perfect solution. Claire first demonstrates the movements that you'll practice first then with the assitance of two of her students you go through those movements again, and in the same method as if you were taking a class. The lessons are broken up in easy to learn segments and at the very end of the video you go through the entire beginner's level again.Her explanations and imagery is easy to understand and to implement. For the price, I don't think you can find a better video for yourself.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not Worth It, June 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Method - T'ai Chi, Beginner's Level [VHS] (VHS Tape)

If had had to do it all over again I would choose a diferent video to start with. Ms. Hooton gives he fundamentals od Tai Chi, but does not present any warm-up or streching exercises before you begin the form. I have taken some Tai Chi classes so I already know many of the movements, but I still find it the movements hard to follow, even with "reverse view".

For the beginner I would try another video and carefully read the reviews before making a purchase.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good starter video for complete beginners, March 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Method - T'ai Chi, Beginner's Level [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I bought this video for my mother and I believe it will be a good tool for her to begin learning Tai Chi. It is not fancy but the price is reasonable and the instruction is coherent. Claire Hooten gives background information on Tai Chi and speaks of the 6 principles (posture, relaxation, etc) at the start. After you watch it once you'll want to fast forward to the 30 minute mark for practicing the movements. She demonstrates the entire short form (first 20 postures) once through then breaks them down in groups of 3 or 4 and gives the instruction twice. The first is just her from the front and the second adds two students who perform with their backs to you for the "EZ learning reverse view". Claire's verbal instructions are excellent - they provide good body cues and a visual imagery. The video ends with a complete run through of the short form in the "reverse view".