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

by Wong Kiew Kit

Book Overview

Master the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan with this informative guide.

One of the most popular Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan is also one of the most effective stress relievers available. In China, it is also used extensively for the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and its beneficial effects on health and fitness are now widely recognized in the West. The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan is a comprehensive and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804834407
• ISBN13: 9780804834407
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Lives up to it's title...

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!

More styles illustrated than other similar books

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.

A must-read for all Taiji students.

This is the book that I recommend for all Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) students. It is an excellent introduction to that art, plus it discusses important topics such as the role of qigong (chi kung) and internal force in Taiji practice. Especially for beginners or those who are new to the art, I recommend reading the preface, the first two chapters (on Tai Chi as a martial art and on the concept of yin-yang), Chapter 6 (the importance of chi kung) and Chapter 12 ("Enriching Daily Life with Tai Chi Chuan").

Taichi Chuan better than all books I've read so far

I like this book a lot because the illustration and detailed movements helped me much bet ter than other books I've read in Taichi. Of course, having an instructor is better than reading a book, but if you don't the chance to take a Taichi class, BUY THIS BOOK! I feel confident in doing Taichi after reading this book, but I'm looking forward to taking a class to see how different reading this book and taking a class is.

It doused my unquenchable FIRE for Tai Chi Chuan knowledge.

This book is THE most comprehensive guide to the "supreme ultimate art" in EXISTANCE! This book gave me Chi Kung excercises that allowed me to actually feel the chi flow into my hands plus it talked about ALL the styles of Tai Chi Chuan, gave the philosophies and principals of each style, talked about energy extention (channeling your energy into a staff to give it the slicing power of a sword), and it reveals the ultimate attainment of any martial art, spiritual cultivation! If your fire still needs quenching after compleating this book the author includes notes and follow-up books for each and every chapter that can be expanded plus listings and addresses of other great masters! I strongly feel that the author really went overboard to give you simply THE best!!!