Customer Reviews

Tai Chi for Beginners and the 24 Forms

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is very helpful for learning the 24 forms of Tai Chi. It is full of detailed photos and descriptions that make each form easy to learn. Lam is considered one of the masters of Tai Chi. I find this form of Tai Chi to be graceful and healing. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to learn Tai Chi.

I came across this book in my doctors office while in for a fibromyalgia follow up. I was captivated by it, absolutely captivated. The quality of the pages in this book is awesome. The lesson illustrations are gorgeous and comprehensible (see the image I uploaded for an example page). My doctor is a 1-year student, and we talked about how it might help me with my fibro issues. Coincidentally (?) the New York Times had just published an article on August 18th, 2010 about how tai chi has been found to help fibro patients. An excerpt is here:

"A clinical trial at Tufts Medical Center found that after 12 weeks of tai chi, patients with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, did significantly better in measurements of pain, fatigue, physical functioning, sleeplessness and depression than a comparable group given stretching exercises and wellness education. Tai chi patients were also more likely to sustain improvement three months later."
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I really hate the need I have to take powerful meds and narcotics to control my symptoms, and I'm hoping Tai Chi can replace some, if not all, of them. So I bought the book, signed up for a 10 week beginner class with my doctors instructor, and I can't wait to get started. I'll definitely be using this book in my practice sessions at home to gain proficiency with the moves.

A word of warning - this book is definitely for the first timers and relative newbies. I wouldn't recommend it for intermediate or advanced students. Unless you just want to have it in your collection or in your office for others to see.

This is a great book for anyone who wants to use tai chi to relax and heal their bodies, minds, and spirits. It will help you to center on your breathing and learn the most commonly practiced style of tai chi in the world. This book emphasizes that tai chi can be practiced by people in all walks of life and not only experts. It explains how the unblocked flow of chi in the body can vastly improve all aspects of your life. You don't have to be a master to feel the benefits, and this book explains how tai chi can be a great model for self-care. Tai chi is gentle yet very powerful if practiced regularly, and this book is a good start for anyone.

This book is excellent and I recommend it to anyone who is planning to purchase any Tai Chi DVD or contemplating to start any Tai Chi program. It is essential to understand the inner working of the forms before one starts Tai Chi and Dr. Lam explains it very well. It will be a lot easier to follow the DVD after the book is read.

This may be the best book about Yang 24. It is well written and has great photos. The best way to learn tai chi is with a qualified instructor but this book is good for beginners or someone trying to hone his/her skills.

This book explains it like you're a five-year-old without being condescending. I live
in an extremely rural area and wanted to learn and practice Tai Chi for improving my
health. I can do it! and all by just reading it and practicing it step by step.

I realize there's a lot more to be gleaned from an instructor, but this book helps
a lot.

I am giving this 3 stars not for poor content. This book does all it is supposed to do. Lots of pics and instruction. However, I honestly think Tai Chi is best learned via an instructor. I had a hell of a time trying to 'reverse' the moves since I was looking a pictures that were pointed at me. And keeping the book at a distance where I could still see it and do the moves was well....difficult at best. Maybe it's just me. If you are able to take visual instruction from a book with no trouble, then it is a well put together book with basic moves to really get you started.

What a Beauty of a book this is!
Clear, concise and comprehensive on the subject of the 24 form.
Beautiful pictures and illustrations. I highly recommend it to everyone!

Cynthia Fels
Educational Consultant
Earth Walk Tai Chi
Senior Trainer and Tai Chi for Health Instructor
Author of : The Tao of Teaching Tain the Chi: A learning and Teaching Manual available from my website
www.earthwalktaichi.com

This book is a great way to introduce yourself to Tai Chi. With patience and practice, the book makes learning both fun and easy.

The book I ordered was exactly what I wanted as a beginner of Tai Chi. The service was excellent and the book was in pristine condition. Thank you for a pleasant transaction!