Customer Reviews

Tai Chi - 6 Forms, 6 Easy Lessons

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I only rated this DVD a 4 star because it is for people who have never taken Tai Chi. The title is a bit misleading. 6 forms aren't given. 6 movements are taught in one form, the simplified Yang form. As a person with intermediate Tai Chi experience I was hoping for expanded forms. This DVD is for a complete novice. As such, it is very good. The movements are given from the front, back and side so novices can easily copy the movements. Especially helpful even for an intermediate student was how the instructor pointed out common mistakes students make in the various movements. The lessons get longer as the student goes through them. The end of the DVD gives references to more advanced videos as well as Tai Chi movements for specific ailments. If you want to learn about Tai Chi without taking a class, this is a very good start. As a reference for more advances students, it is not really worth it.

This is an excellent video for beginners. Dr. Lam gives six essential lessons in Yang style Tai Chi. The moves are presented by Dr. Lam in front and back angles, by his assistant with Dr. Lam commenting on the form and in group form. The moves are repeated several times and are relatively easy to follow for a beginner.

I recommend you get the DVD version if possible. It is so much easier to fast forward or rewind than with a VHS tape. I don't think this video is suitable for intermediate or advanced students and it does not show the complete Yang form, however it is a great introduction for somebody with little or no Tai Chi experience.

This video is very well done. Excellent for beginners of tai chi. It is clear and easy to follow, with visual presentations from different angles. The moves are repeated, but not to death. I give this video the highest rating possible.

I previewed this CD by renting it before purchase, so there were no surprises. This CD is perfect for an aging grandmother like me, because it presents a truly beginning level of Tai Chi, and every move was possible for me, even though I am moderately physically handicapped, and need a cane for walking and balance. Dr. Lam gives a very complete demonstration of each and every move, and a very soothing manner of presentation. The CD is now a fixed part of my exercise program.

I have reviewed 17 different Tai Chi tapes for beginners, this is by far the best. Dr. Lam presents the best form I have seen. Many other instructors abbreviate the form and movements, trying to make the learning experience easier for the beginner. I found this very confusing, especially when trying to join other groups. I just didn't know what correct form looked like. While my form is not perfect, everyday it improves with the Dr. Lam tapes. The training is provided through warm ups, class demonstration, individual demonstration, and Dr. Lam points out common mistakes made when learning a form. You are given views from the back, side and front. One after another. Learning Tai Chi can be frustrating. Dr. Lam has made it very easy for me.

I found it very easy to learn. I enjoyed it. It is repeated just enough to be sure that you get it right. If you follow what he says and practice each part before you move onto the next, in no time you will be doing these 6 steps and be ready for more.

I wanted to start learning Tai Chi but since my job involves much travel, I didn't have time to take lessons. I wouldn't expect any dvd to fill in as a replacement for a live instructor, but I found this dvd was an exellent way to get started. I am now able to practice all six forms outlined in this dvd. Dr Paul Lam is very easy to follow. The nice thing about dvd is that I can instantly pause or rewind to go back and repeat a move as many times as needed. I am able to replay the full demonstion at the end of the dvd on the easy-to-access menu as many times as I need in order to study a different part of forms. I have found it useful to break the forms down by watching the hand movements then go back and watch the feet and leg movements. I look forward to experiencing the 24 forms video!

This is an excellent DVD/tape for starting Tai Chi practice. Dr. Lam does an excellent job at breaking down 6 fundamental forms from the Yang 24 routine. This "mini-form" is easy to learn (after you get through the challenge of understanding the ' brush-knee/twist-step' - probably the hardest form on the DVD to grasp). The warm up and Qi-gong finish are very gentle and useful. I highly encourage you to get this title if you are new to the wonderful art of Tai Chi. The other title I recommend for beginners is Terry Dunne's "Yang Short Form" - which is more in-depth, and very well produced (which is a rare quality with most Tai Chi videos).

Very nicely paced beginning tai chi video. Forms are demonstrated both with instructor facing towards the camera and then again facing away from the camera. Common mistakes & proper technique are also well illustrated. The quigong exercises may be a bit confusing for the beginner but are well suited to anyone who has studied martial arts previously.

Nicely paced, easy to follow, exercise is not difficult but certainly uses the muscles. Would recommend it to older folks also.