Customer Reviews

Tai Chi Secrets of the Ancient Masters: Selected Readings from the Masters (Tai Chi Treasures)

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I found this book to be very helpful in my study of tai chi. The words of the masters translated by the author are usefull to all levels of tai chi players. It is especially usefull to those seeking to reach a higher level of push hands.I really appreciate the effort by Jwing Ming to translate so many text and make them available to the martial artist who only speak english.

This book was recommended by a friend who's studied Tai Chi longer than me. I wasn't disappointed when I got it, although the size surprised me. The material is excellent, but you can't read it fast. Read it at Tai Chi speed. :0)

The thing that struck me as the most memorable was: Silently learn, then ponder; gradually you will get what your heart desires. Good thing to apply in most of life's teachings.

Study well!

I purchased this book as a gift for my beloved partner, Jim. Below are his comments regarding Master Hwa, the person, and the book:

"I have had the pleasure and opportunity to meet with Master Stephen Hwa this past month in order that he assess my strengths and weaknesses in playing the 108 Forms Classical Tai Chi. I found him to be patient, and interested in my progress and achievements. I also found him to be extremely knowledgeable, engaging, grounded, and invested in my growth as a practitioner.

I would characterize "Uncovering the Treasure" as a comprehensive supplement to the DVD Vol. II Tai Chi Form Instruction which can be found on Master Hwa's web site under Classical Tai Chi. Master Hwa's pedigree regarding the transmission of Classical Tai Chi dates back to Yang, Lu Shan d1799-1872 which for me, is an important criterion for a Master in Tai Chi. I would attest that Master Hwa is a purest whose mission is to preserve Tai Chi in its original form without compromise. While many other form players and teachers have cut corners or have eliminated postures, along with internal discipline, e.g. 24 Forms Yang Style Tai Chi, Master Hwa has painstakingly retained the philosophy, spirit, health benefits, and intended martial application of Classical Tai Chi. What I have appreciated the most are the health benefits acquired through the development of "internal discipline," body alignment/physics, balance, and Chi and isolation of neuropathways and muscle groups in executing the forms/postures in my study and playing of the forms. Additionally, practicing Square Form has been especially important in breaking down postures, e.g. Raise Hands, into manageable components and thereby storing it in the unconscious through rigorous practice. Master Hwa intuitively integrates the Square Form in his DVD Form Instruction to help his students through the learning process.

In summary, 'Uncovering the Treasure' is a necessary guide in studying Classical Tai Chi, especially for distant students. Moreover, I would also recommend DVD Tao of Martial Application for more advanced students as well."

Bought this. I am lucky I can still read Chinese, and now Yahoo has a Chinese translation webpage in yahoo hk.

The Chinese writing looks genuine, as the method of some of the writing is the "Old School" type. Recognize some phrases from Tung (Dong) family's red manual, and another manual.

The manual here describes "make the drum full" from Chi.
My sifu from Honan Shaolin demonstrated chi in his arms. He filled it and I cannot find his pulse on his wrist. That's what is meant by "make the drum full" from Chi.
I still cannot do that. I am lazy, I guess that's it.

When that phrase "make the drum full" was written, there was no plastic or balloons to describe the pressure and filling analogy. I believe the translation and understanding by Dr. Yang here was not up to par.