Customer Reviews

Tai Chi Touchstones: Yang Family Secret Transmissions

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Though "secret transmissions" is somewhat of a misnomer, what the author presents is a collection of early published taiji material--mostly by Yang Cheng Fu, though there is one work
indirectly attributed to Yang Ban Hou.

These early works are not a step-by-step manual, but guides to the practicing student to help gain insight into what they're practicing. What any reader should immediately pick-up, however, is that these guides were written for someone learning how to fight.

Though much of the material is by (and thus, oriented towards) a Yang-stylist, the fundamental principles of taiji remain the same in all styles, so there is enough material that all taiji practitioners can benefit by. In fact, this book was recommended to me by a Chen-style practitioner.

The other part of this book, the author's foreword, gives the colorful (and sometimes conflicting) historical background and accounts of the Yang family, which is in of itself a fascinating read.

This book is definitely recommended for any serious taiji student.

This book passes along much history and workings of the Tai Chi Style. As time goes on, these writings are be re-interpreted and the original translation or meanings are getting lost or clouded. It was good the see this book which commented and had explanations from the Yang Family founders and Masters

I've searched through, and read, quite a number of books on tai chi. This compilation of translations is excellent. It is clear, and has the resonance of true classics.

Douglas Wile did a fine job in compiling the Taichichuan (Taijiquan) Classics for the western world.

A must for any serious Taijiquan practitioner, teacher or master.

All the works in the book are difficult to find and translate, so we must thank the author for this.

The T'ai Chi Classics, songs (instructional poems), discourses, and old photographs make this collection of fragments a colorful and instructive addition to your library.
One of the better books for a beginner of Tai Chi. It chronicles the origins and also legends and feats of the ancient masters, and principles concerning it's practice.

This is a wonderful book but it is most suited for serious practitioners who already know the CORRECT Yang 103 empty hand form. This book will truly motivate you to become a better Tai Chi Player.

It is a very interesting approach to Tai Chi. It explains the philosophy and the basic. It is good for people that are starting with the study of Tai Chi.

When you are ready to take your Tai Chi practice a little further be sure to get this book. It will whet your appetite for more training on applications and it will generate lots of questions to discuss with your coach and fellow players.

If you pratice Yang Style T'ai-Chi Ch'uan this book should sit next to your copy of the T'ai-Chi Ch'uan Classics!

If you truly know how to obtain Qi / Chi / Ki energy(Produce heat energy into your hands), This book is a fantastic philosophical guide on using the energy with martial art's techniques !

This book is required reading for Ki Master certification with the Ki Development Assn.