Product Details

• Actors: Dr. Keith Jeffery
• Format: Box set, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Synergetic Distribut
• VHS Release Date: January 1, 1999
• Run Time: 113 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1893792005
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,933 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Tai Chi for Busy People is a solid introduction to the philosophy and practice of this ancient Chinese martial art. The instructor, Dr. Keith Jeffrey, has 20 years' experience teaching tai chi at college and workshops, and in this video he offers an approach to instruction that is thorough and easy to remember. For many beginners, sorting out the fluid, sensual movement of the whole body from one tai chi position to the next proves baffling; Dr. Jeffrey's approach clearly and easily untangles each step and hand position. The resulting tai chi sequence is a graceful, sensual 5- to 10-minute routine certain to bring energy, balance, improved circulation, and a clear mind to those who master it. Be forewarned, however, that Dr. Jeffrey's introduction to each movement and how the steps integrate into the whole sequence takes up (as perhaps it should) the majority of the tapes, a chunk of time truly "busy people" can't afford. On the other hand, your practice will be undoubtedly easier to remember and master with the thorough instruction offered in this well-crafted video. --Cass Nevada

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST T'ai chi video EVER!, February 12, 2001

By 

D. Small "Dan" (Sarasota, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tai Chi for Busy People [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a wonderful video -- easy to follow with great explanations and something other t'ai chi videos don't have -- humor! Dr. Keith Jeffery is a very witty guy and his humor really helps one learn the simple, yet effective, t'ai chi moves. This video also has great scenes of wildlife in action that serve to illustrate the origin of the often odd t'ai chi names. Keith performs the t'ai chi moves in gorgeous British Columbia settings, as well as in a well-designed studio setting with a mirror to help the student view his movements from front and back. I have eight t'ai chi videos; this is the best of the bunch and the only one I view/do on a regular basis. Buy it!

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This one works!, December 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tai Chi for Busy People [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I was surprised that starting this tape at the end of a tiring day got me up on my feet repeatedly as a willing participant (with no experience)! Yes, the amiable Keith talks a lot, but "you have control" with your remote, and short sessions are designated. The message is sound and positive, though, and the beach scenes and background sounds are peaceful. He uses a wall mirror and you view him from the back like you're in his class to learn the 5-minute (although extendable), easy-to-memorize "infinite nine" form. The best part of this long and thorough tape is the last sequence, where breathing is finally added, making this the closest to swimming I've felt on dry land. I accomplished my purpose -- to improve my balance in my less competitively athletic mid life -- and more. It's the perfect way to start or end the day and one can't argue that there isn't time or space!

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Tai CHi video I have seen - you can learn Tai Chi here, December 6, 2002

By 

J. Moore "hierophant" (Garden of Earthly Delights) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tai Chi for Busy People [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I just got this video and was very impressed with the content. Unlike most other tai chi tapes it's not just a demonstration of the movements, but an explanation of the principles, the benefits, and the self defense application.

The video is well designed to learn the movements in short stints. Dr. Jeffrey demonstrates with his back to you but facing a mirror so you don't have to go the opposite way while learning. Why haven't others thought of this way of teaching before.

The movements are chunked into easy to learn bits. This way you can learn one small set and practice that till you've learned it, and then move on. This is in opposition to most other tapes I've seen that do too much at once.

Time is spent on balance and posture which a previous reviewer panned, but I would say is a very important and valuable part of the tape. If you understand why you do the movements in certain ways you will learn them better.

I would commend Dr. Jeffrey on the amount of thought that went into the pedogogical parts of the tape. You can learn a short form of tai chi, understand what you should get from each movement, and then reap the rewards from practice.

Just great.