A Study of Taijiquan [Paperback]

Sun Lutang (Author), Tim Cartmell (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2003

This extensively illustrated primer is the first English edition of Sun's classic 1919 book which explores both the theory and practice of the style, with emphasis on movements and postures. Tim Cartmell's translation provides both a standard by which practitioners can judge themselves and valuable information relevant to all versions of taijiquan. Tim Cartmell has done the American Taijiquan community a great service translating Sun Lutang's books into English.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tim Cartmell began his training with the Chinese styles, including ten years of study in Taiwan and Mainland China. Among his teachers were Sun Jian Yun and Sun Bao An, the daughter and grandson of Sun Lu Tang. Tim is the translator of Practical Chin Na, the author of Effortless Combat Throws and the co-author of Xing Yi Nei Gong: Xing Yi Health Maintenance and Internal Strength Development. Tim is an Asian Full-Contact tournament champion, and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submissions grappling champion. He currently runs the Shen Wu Academy of Martial Arts in Southern California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books (October 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556434626
• ISBN-13: 978-1556434624
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #139,445 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #81 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Tai Chi & Qi Gong

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, March 16, 2004

By 

eric burgess "Simon" (Mi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Study of Taijiquan (Paperback)

Tim Cartmell has done the American Taijiquan community a great service translating Sun Lutang's books into english. While the Sun style is one of the five orthodox styles of Taijiquan it isn't well known outside the Community but is gaining more acclaim due to the efforts of Dr. Paul Lam. The First 61 pages (not including the Introduction) gives the reader a breif biography of Grandmaster Sun illustrating and explaining some of his genius. Then page 62 to 193 gives a photo of a movement from the Sun empty-hand form followed by a short explanation paragraph. Finally page 197 to 220 gives a brief explanation of Push Hands. This book introduces the reader to the Sun style.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, January 19, 2005

By 

Krisno Pryosusilo (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Study of Taijiquan (Paperback)

From this English speakers perspective, Tim Cartmell's translation of a classic text by Sun Lutang is superb.
I began my Taiji training a year ago in the Yang style as it appears to be the most popular style available in Australia. However, I saw a video of competition Sun style taiji and was hooked.
This book has helped to feed my hunger for knowledge about the unique style developed by Sun Lutang.
Based upon this book (and Tim's input in Dan Millars translation of Sun Lutang's Xing Yi Quan book) I would not hesitate to recommend any book which has Tim as a participating author/translator.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars eine Bereicherung, September 10, 2010

By 

Konrad Stein "El viejo lobo." (Hettstedt) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Study of Taijiquan (Paperback)

Dieses Werk bereichert jede Kampfkunstbibliothek. So sollte es zumindest sein. Sun Lutang ist ja einer der Großen des chinesischen Wushu, was sich mit dieser Arbeit durchaus bestätigt. Das Buch ist allerdings keinesfalls für Anfänger gedacht, schon deshalb, weil es über kein gutes Bildmaterial verfügt. Das ist aber mein einziger Kritikpunkt.