Taijiquan Theory of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming: The Root of Taijiquan [Paperback]

Yang Jwing-Ming (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 8, 2003

This profound work is guaranteed to raise the bar and demand debate on this ancient art. In-depth discussions on the theory of regulating the body, breathing, mind, qi and spirit will offer experienced and novice Taiji practitioners a treasure chest of knowledge and debate.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Taijiquan Theory of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming: The Root of Taijiquan is an impeccable and impressive resource for those seeking to learn more not only about the practice, but also the beginning of this ancient martial art form..." -- Wisconsin Bookwatch

About the Author

Yang, Jwing-Ming Ph.D., is a renowned author and teacher of Chinese martial arts and Qigong. Born in Taiwan, he has trained and taught Taijiquan, Qigong and Chinese martial arts for over forty-five years. He is the author of over thirty books, and was elected by Inside Kung Fu magazine as one of the 10 people who has "made the greatest impact on martial arts in the past 100 years." Dr. Yang lives in Northern California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: Ymaa Publication Center (April 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940871432
• ISBN-13: 978-0940871434
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #557,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars New Presentation, December 1, 2004

By 

Charlie Duane (Mass., USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taijiquan Theory of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming: The Root of Taijiquan (Paperback)

The Taijiquan Theory of Dr. Yang, Ywing-Ming
The Root of Taijiquan

Dr. Yang, Ywing-Ming lays out an ambitious agenda for this theoretical treatise, which probably has more relevance for the advanced practitioner or teacher than for the initiate or intermediate student. Having grown up barefoot, studied under authentic masters in the traditional way, and established a world-wide martial arts school in the U.S.A., Dr. Yang has worthy references for this work. First, 35 years of diligent training. Second, the publication of previously secret texts during the last 25 years.

Drawing on the specialized knowledge of various traditions, Dr. Yang creates a broad, comprehensive definition of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), independent of particular stylings. He relates the classic underpinnings of Taiji to modern biology. He shows the progression of internal energy regulation in meditation and Qigong training. He presents Taijiquan as a martial Qigong. The ultimate object of enlightenment entails coordination of inner energy with the greater energy of nature.

This book has an outline format. The page layout consists of one or two paragraphs of formal text, presented in English, followed by Chinese. Next, commentary appears in wider paragraphs of English. Some repetition occurs.

The text does not illustrate the postures but concentrates on their context and purpose. The book centers six regulations (the Body, Breathing, Emotional Mind, Qi, Spirit, and Jin), Pushing Hands, and Sparring. The eight chapters map the physical basis for breath and energy, whether internal or external.

Dr. Yang has created a comprehensive model for disciplined Taijiquan practice that retains martial, health, and spiritual roots. Does his scholarship establish a historic standard? The answer depends on your level of practice. On one hand, the breadth and perception of this treatise may have profound implications. On the other hand, the weight of information may overwhelm the general reader.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well organized book on Taijiquan Theory, September 2, 2006

By 

Patrick H. Dickson "TAIJIQUAN.COM" (Cupertino, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Taijiquan Theory of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming: The Root of Taijiquan (Paperback)

I own many books that are translations of classic Taijiquan writings. Many of the books have a tremendous amount of information for the serious Taijiquan student. The problem I have had with many of these translations, with no fault to the translator, is that the information is presented in no logical order.

It's like being given a jigsaw puzzle in pieces and having to figure out how to put them together to get the whole.

Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming has always been very organized and logical in his approach to presenting information on the martial arts. Consequently, the layout of this book on Taijiquan Theory is extremely well done and is presented in the order that one should learn the techniques taught.

Now, the organization of this book alone would compel me to own a copy. Yet, there is an even more compelling reason to obtain this book. The translations in this book are not of old traditional texts, but rather they are a translation of writings by Dr. Yang himself. Anyone familiar with the published works of Dr. Yang knows the high level of knowledge and skill that he possesses.

When you read this book you are getting a wonderful distillation of years of practice and knowledge that Dr. Yang brings to the table. This is not a collection of writings by numerous artists, but the focused and balanced views of a premier martial artist who has a resume in the martial arts that covers the soft and hard martial arts.

The book's premise is the need to learn to regulate, in order, various processes in our body and mind. The following areas are covered:

Regulating the body
Regulating the breath
Regulating the mind
Regulating the Qi
Regulating the spirit

Dr. Yang starts off the book with an overview of the five parts to regulate. The overview is so well done that a student could take the information and make serious progress in their training.

However, what is very satisfying is that Dr. Yang then takes each of the five parts and thoroughly explains how to achieve the necessary regulation. At times, he might refer to other books that he has published that have even more detailed explanations of the five regulations.

I remember seeing this book for sale and thinking, "oh, I already have books on theory, I probably don't need another." Yet the truth is, after reading this book, if I was given a choice of only keeping one book on Taijiquan Theory, this would be the one I would choose.

Additionally, Dr. Yang covers the following topics while presenting his Theory of Taijiquan:

Jin, Pushing Hands & Sparring
Taiji long and short fighting strategies
Relationship of Jin & Qi
Unification of the internal Qi & external physical manifestations of the Qi

Run, don't walk, and obtain a copy of this book. It is a masterpiece.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great treasure of information, March 3, 2006

By 

Steven N. Haidinger (San Angelo, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Taijiquan Theory of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming: The Root of Taijiquan (Paperback)

For an intermediate Taijiquan practitioner or teacher of the art, this book is a must.
Dr. Yang, Ywing-Ming carefully and elegantly writes a most profound treatise on Taijiquan. His years of experience come through clearly in the way that he is able to describe the use of internal power and leverage which makes Taiji such an awesome health and self defense art.

In this book, Dr. Yang has made a perfect reference document for disciplined Taijiquan practice that holds true to the martial, health, and spiritual roots. This book has an outline format that almost any Taijiquan teacher could use to supplement his or her class. Presented in English, followed by Chinese, the book stands alone as a dynamic bridge between cultures and hundreds of years of Taijiquan history.

Beware though, the depth and wealth of knowledge contained within the pages of this work may overwhelm the general Taijiquan practitioner. But for the brave of heart who wants to explore how deep the rabbit hole goes in Taijiquan, this books serves as a perfect lantern.