The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan: A Comprehensive Guide to the Principles and Practice (Paperback)

~ (Author) "A typical Tai Chi Chuan master frequently exhibits many of the qualities of a model martial artist: while confident of his martial skills, he is..." (more)
Key Phrases: peng technique, left thrust kick, primary hand movements, Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, Single Whip (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Clearly written and accompanied by practical illustrations, this is a comprehensive handbook on the martial art of Tai Chi Chuan for beginners and more advanced practitioners alike. It covers the main styles, including Wudang, Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun; the basic movements for balance, power and agility; specific techniques and combat sequences; Tai Chi Chuan for enriched work, rest and play; and principles and practice for spiritual development.

From the Inside Flap

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 317 pages
• Publisher: Element Books Ltd (November 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852307927
• ISBN-13: 978-1852307929
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #664,651 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lives up to it's title..., July 23, 2003

By A Customer

I'm a fairly new student of Tai Chi Chuan as I've only been studying for two years. Without going into the why, I was looking for a supplement to my classes. I've looked at literally a hundred Tai Chi books, and while many cover the simplistic forms. Sifu Wong covers a detailed history and the origins of this martial art including all of the current derivatives and styles. That's right, I said Martial Art! Something that most books and video's on this subject seem to forget is that Tai Chi Chuan IS still a Martial Art and to get the FULL benefit, not only should you learn the FORMS, but an understanding of the martial application. Sifu Wong does a wonderful job of explaining all styles with a detailed flow diagram to guide you through each one. You won't lean Tai Chi from a book, but if your already taking classes, and need a reference to help you remember that new piece you just learned or to understand the application of it, or perhaps a more detailed history and the origins of your style. Curious about other styles? --> THIS IS YOUR BOOK!

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More styles illustrated than other similar books, June 29, 2003

By	Harold McFarland (Florida) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan: A Comprehensive Guide to the Principles and Practice (Tuttle Martial Arts) (Paperback)

The title says it all with "The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan". With many Tai Chi Chuan books just detailing the sequence of one particular form, it is refreshing to find one that details the history, philosophies, various styles, philosophy, and spiritual development. Author Wong Kiew Kit, a Grandmaster living in Malaysia, does a thorough job of describing and detailing the various styles. This is the first Tai Chi Chuan book that I have read that covered more than one or two styles in detail. Wong Kiew Kit details Wudang Tai Chi Chuan, Chen-Style, Yang-Style, Wu Yu Xiang-Style, Wu Chuan You-Style, and Sun-Style. The illustrations are line drawings that sometimes take some effort before you really understand the movements to be made. However, if you are looking for a reference on Tai Chi Chuan that will bring a complete understanding of the subject in all of its nuances including history, philosophy, patterns, and just about anything else, this is a highly recommended purchase.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent overview of the art, August 22, 2000

By	Stephen T. Wangner (Hicksville, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This book is an excellent overview of all the styles of Tajiquan, including forms, martial applications, weapons, and qigong. The only fault is that the diagrams are difficult at best to try to follow and learn a form. But then again, if you really want to learn a form, you should be working with an instructor anyway.