Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Wellspring Media
• VHS Release Date: April 25, 2000
• Run Time: 105 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004R61E
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #433,825 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Martial arts master Lawrence Tan combines elements of yoga, tai chi, and qi gong to form one exercise that can be used either to energize or relax, depending on how the movements are performed. He instructs viewers by first demonstrating the moves himself, then using models, and finally teaching a class on-screen. Each step is shown with care and deliberation, ensuring that the novice can keep up. Tan, a pony-tailed instructor with 30 years of martial arts experience, uses graphs to explain his principles and is fond of colorful expressions ("The mind is a drunken monkey"; "Float down through liquid Jell-O") to make his points. This 38-minute lesson should get viewers on the right track, whether the goal is "three minutes to power" or "three minutes to peace," or both. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and simple to learn, July 15, 2002

By 

Michael A. Bjornson (Federal Way, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Universal Form (DVD)

This DVD is easy to follow and the exercises really seem to work. I was somewhat dubious at first, but after trying the exercises I'm quite excited. The form is easy to learn, and the format makes it easy to follow from the first time. The same form is used for a "power" exercise and a more meditative "peace" exercise. Both work well, and his philosophy appears well thought-out and grounded.
I like the fact that he uses real people in the video, not models or experienced martial artists. It has a authenticity to it.
If you want something more simple to learn than Tai Chi, yet has many of the same benefits, I would recommend this video.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life Changing, December 8, 2005

By 

Charles Rickard - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Universal Form (DVD)

I bought this DVD after seeing Master Tan on TV. As a Martial Arts instructor, I had hopes of learning more about ChiKung and the internal side of Martial Arts. I wasn't dissappointed! The first time I did the three minutes to power, my muscles felt as though I'd been lifting weights. I was also instantly more energized. But it was after doing the three minutes to peace for every night for several weeks that I could feel the energy moving through and healing my body. I'd had cronic shoulder and elbow pain for years and after a couple of weeks doing the Universal Form, it was gone! And I haven't had any more in the three years I've been practicing the Universal Form.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is GREAT!, January 20, 2008

By 

J. H. Iovino (St. Michaels, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Universal Form (DVD)

I recently ordered this DVD from Amazon and after only one session I can tell it has helped my back pain, cleared my mind, and improved my overall mood. Its very easy to learn, short, and invigorating but not strenuous. I've taken Tai Chi, various forms of Yoga and Pilates and this is my favorite practice to date because it boils down and incorporates everything you need into one short moving meditation that includes stretching, breathing, concentration and muscle tension. I can't endorse this product enthusiastically enough! If thisDVD has helped my back pain after one session I can't wait to see what it does with continued practice. Highly recommend this DVD!!!