Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan: Ancient Chinese Way to Health [Paperback]

Wen Zee (Author), Andrew Weil (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 29, 2002

Developed over many centuries, Tai Chi Chuan is one of the treasures of Chinese culture, incorporating the principles of Taoist philosophy with the accumulated knowledge of the traditional martial arts. Wu Style is known as the "three-in-one exercise," invigorating the mind, the internal energy (qi), and the body. At all times the practitioner focuses on using mental strength, not raw force. With the mind, one directs the qi, and with the qi, one directs the whole body. Continuous round movements are made without ever breaking or interrupting the flow of internal energy.

Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan describes the origin and philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan, and then details its multiple health benefits. Step-by-step instruction in the practice of the Tai Chi Chuan solo form (including many photographs) is presented, followed by a chapter describing the two-person exercise known as Push Hands, for which the Wu Style is famous.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Wen Zee, formerly of Shanghai, China, came to the U.S. in 1993. From 1994 to 1997, he served as a visiting scientist at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. He teaches Chinese herbal medicine and Tai Chi Chuan classes in the University Hospital's Wellness Center in Tucson, Arizona. With Master Ma Yueh-liang, he is co-author of the books Tai Chi Chuan: Forms, Concepts, and Applications of the Original Wu Style and Wu Style Push Hands.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books (March 29, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556433891
• ISBN-13: 978-1556433894
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #632,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good writing, poor photos, February 16, 2009

By 

Richard C. Rhiew - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan: Ancient Chinese Way to Health (Paperback)

This book is one of the few in English on Wu style taijiquan. It was written by Dr Wen Zee, who could speak and write English. In fact, he was my first major teacher in Southern Wu style--although I only knew him briefly before he died. In general I prefer the writing in this book to the photos. The pictures were, in my opinion, poorly done--having him wear white against a white/light background was not a wise decision; also sometimes he appears at somewhat odd angles instead of being vertical. If you are familiar with the Wu style Long Form then this book can be used to jog your memory--otherwise, don't attempt to learn from this.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wu Style Tai Chi, June 9, 2008

By 

Olive - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan: Ancient Chinese Way to Health (Paperback)

I have taken Wu Style Tai Chi and this is the only
book I found that was identical to the teachings of
my instructor. Precise, easy to understand with an
excellent explanation of the practice. I highly
recommend it for anyone taking Wu Style Tai Chi.

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Material on Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan, February 15, 2003

By 

Tarek Mohd Farouq Kiblawi "tkiblawi" (Amman Jordan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan: Ancient Chinese Way to Health (Paperback)

Simply put, this is a very good book. It explains so many useful concepts that you need to focus on and try to apply in your tai chi practice. The language (including the very useful translations from Tai Chi Classics) is clear and the book is well organized. Notice however that although the book also describes the slow form, you will not be able to learn it from the book. The form is there for reference.