Full Description
Tai Chi, also known as T'ai Chi Ch'uan, is the moving form of a combination of yoga and meditation. It is an internal Chinese martial art, the philosophy of which is not to meet force with force, but to meet it with softness and follow its motion, redirecting it, and so meeting yang with yin.
This book takes the reader through 24 Yang sequence. Each stage is accompanied by easily understandable descriptions of how the movements in the sequence, along with new illustrations indicating the moves. The text also references health benefits and significance within Tai Chi.
Clearly written for anyone new to Tai Chi, exquisitely illustrated and beautifully made with traditional Chinese bookbinding techniques, Tai Chi makes an excellent gift for both beginners and dedicated Tai Chi enthusiasts.
Contents
Introduction
The origins of Tai Chi, its health benefits and the ethos of Yang style Tai Chi.
The Postures
1. Commencing (Qǐshì), Preparation, Beginning
2. Part the Wild Horse's Mane (Zuǒyòu Yémǎ Fēnzōng)
3. White Crane Spreads Its Wings (Báihè Lìangchì)
4. Brush Knee and Step Forward (Zuǒyòu Lōuxī Àobù)
5. Playing the Lute (Shǒuhūi Pípā)
6. Reverse Reeling Forearm (Zuǒyòu Dào juǎn gōng)
7. Left Grasp Sparrow's Tail (Zuǒ Lǎn Què Wěi): Ward Off (Bīng); Rollback (Lǚ); Press (Jǐ); Push (Àn)
8. Right Grasp Sparrow's Tail (Yòu Lǎn què wěi)
9. Single Whip (Dān biān)
10. Wave Hands Like Clouds (Yúnshǒu)
11. Single Whip (Dān biān)
12. High Pat on Horse (Gāo tàn mǎ)
13. Right Heel Kick (Yòu dēng jiǎo)
14. Strike to Ears with Both Fists (Shuāng fēng guàn ěr)
15. Turn Body and Left Heel Kick (Zhuǎnshēn zuǒ dēngjiǎo)
16. Left Lower Body and Stand on One Leg (Zuǒ Xià shì dúlì): Single Whip Squatting Down; Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg
17. Right Lower Body and Stand on One Leg (Yòu Xià shì dúlì)
18. Shuttle Back and Forth (Yòuzuǒ yùnǚ chuānsuō)
19. Needle at Sea Bottom (Hǎidǐ zhēn)
20. Fan Through Back (Shǎn tōng bì)
21. Turn Body, Deflect, Parry, and Punch (Zhuǎnshēn Bānlánchuí)
22. Appears Closed (Rúfēng shìbì), Withdraw and Push, as if Closing a Door
23. Cross Hands (Shízìshǒu)
24. Closing (Shōushì)
