Customer Reviews

Tai Chi - Energy Training for Mind and Body, Vol. 1

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have never done any kind of martial art what-so-ever. I have been wanting to learn T'ai Chi for a long time, and it has finally happened! The instructor (Jane Storey) does very well when instructing on how to do the T'ai Chi long form. She explains each individual move and gives several demonstrations to make sure you know how to do it. Being a DVD makes it easier too. For those moments when you're not sure about a movement, just hit the back button on your DVD player and you can just keep reviewing until you are sure. I have the first DVD finished and can't wait to start on the second one! I would definitely recommend this to people who want to learn T'ai Chi.

Up until the summer I was feeling very depressed, sluggish, I was working out, but I was only really going through the motions.
I bought this DVD on a whim and just tried it once a week to begin with... to my surprise I started really looking forward to my weekly Tai Chi session... I think that Energy Training is the important factor, this isn't about working out, it's about harnessing Energy and because I'm so scattered, because of everything I'm doing this was really what I needed... I have now even started doing a bit of Yoga as a result of being more centered.... Thankyou Jayne Storey, this is a great DVD.

Yang Style Taichi has been modified several times even within the first three generations of Yang family itself. While Taichi is first and foremost a martial art form, over the years, Yang style has gained more focus on health and spiritual cultivation over combat due to its vast popularity among people who need a morning exercise routine. This DVD will help you sweat and feel good about yourself but the form as taught will not help you correctly align your body, or develop your Chi (Qi,) much less defend yourself. If you treat Taichi as any other body exercise that improves your spirit, endurance, mood, fitness, etc., then this DVD will serve just fine. If you are looking to learn Taichi as a martial art, then you will need to look for a teacher or VHS tapes if you really do not have the resources. Due to low demand, most true masters do not have their teachings on DVDs yet. Masters William CC Chen and Yu Cheng Hsiang both offer their true variations of Yang style on VHS (I don't think Amazon carries them yet. Google for them.) Of course, these 'real' variations are much more difficult to learn (Just in terms of time, Yu Cheng Hsiang's 108-form will require at least 45 minutes to perform from beginning to end.) Though these tapes aren't cheap, they are the next best things to learn from a real life Taichi master.

If you want to learn tai chi long form this is the DVD to get. Wonderful production quality, clear, precise instruction, and shots from different angles make it easy to follow. Some people find the music annoying, others seem to enjoy it. If you don't like it simply mute it as it plays mostly during a non-talking part of the DVD. I only wish Jane Storey made a tai chi short form version--I would buy it in a second. Definitely worth purchasing.

I wish the reviewer from China (think what you want, June 9, 2004 Reviewer: A viewer (Shanghai, China)) would have offered an alternative DVD in the review. For us beginners this is a great DVD that makes us feel good - if you know of something that is more accurate, then please avoid the condescention and recommend an alternative item.

Jayne Storey is an excellent instructor and this video shows different angles which are a great plus. Storey is graceful and the video is very well done in a beautiful outdoor environment. If you are into learning a graceful tai chi exercise, I would then recommend
this volume and volume 2.

-A Viewer

I've been looking for a Tai Vhi DVD in the Yang Form for ages, this is it. Everything about it is really nicely done... I even took TV outside one day and practiced in the Garden... That was the best. LOL

Jayne Storey gives a practical and thorough job of teaching the art of Tai Chi. I found this instructional video to be one of true quality. I really liked the funky music and beautiful scenery. As a beginner, I really needed excellent instruction, and believe I found it here!

I first thought I would NEVER be able to learn Tai Chi, but now I am confident in my style. I owe this confidence to the careful and professional manner of Ms. Storey's technique. This true master of Tai Chi is a superb teacher. I am going to order Volume II as soon as possible.

Bravo!

I am very disappointed by this DVD. The production quality is terrible (like watching a home video), the instructions are not clear and are hard to follow. I am a beginner and wanted to learn how to do Tai Chi. This is not the dvd for that!

This is without a doubt my favorite Tai Chi instructional DVD.
Jayne Storey is really on the money. Must be that british no nonsense thing. The whole thing is filmed on a beach in the Seychelles or some other exotic place. Also of note is the navigation system. Very well laid out.

There is also a trailer for an online sci-fi game on this DVD.
I downbloaded it off the internet for free, it's cool. but not related to the Tai Chi.. Some kind of Sponsorship i think.. Anyway first rate!... I'm buying Vol 2 now.