NOTE: Please be aware that we only have one or two copies of some
of these. Many aren't even in print any more. Even if it is
listed here it may already be out of stock (we'll try to keep
it updated but they may go fast).
NEW!Hong Branch of Chen Tai Chi TC640 Traditional Chinese Characters
300 pages, photographs and DVD,$24.95
The Hong branch of Chen Tai Chi is a fluid, elegant and graceful style developed by Hong Jun Sheng, passed through Hong Guo to Yang Xi Shuo, the author of this book. The long 81 movement form is shown, along with many applications, most of which are throws. The book covers the long form, qigong and health, those generous applications, and principles according to physics.
But that is not all. The enclosed DVD contains the full long form plus a 24 manner set; some excellent Chi exercises to train Tai Chi flavor; and a healthy representation of two-person applications—emphasizing Chin Na— along with a generous helping of Chen Push Hands practice. The final bonus: a definitely learnable Tai Chi short stick of at least medium complexity. Yang's movements are large and smooth, and the instruction is clear. We have other DVDs from the Hong branch of Chen Tai Chi but none with its short stick series. Simplified characters.
We have one copy remaining of this title in Simplified Characters. If you would like this copy instead, click below.
Wu
Style Tai Chi 37 Manners - TC342
by Zhao Qin
$16.95 Traditional Chinese Characters;
184 pages, Softbound. Illustrations. 2009.
This is a nice, organized presentation of Wu style Tai Chi with a 37 posture routine and intermittent appplications. The teacher, Zhao Qin, fought against the Japanese during World War II. e is an ardent promoter of Tai Chi and approaches it with a scholar's reserve and precision. He is strongly influenced and a defender of Wang Pei Sheng, whom he considers a major figure in the Tai Chi field. He is also a great promoter of Chinese philosophical texts like Yi Ching and considers them simple yet profound classics.
TC815 YANG style Tai Chi Chuan by Fu Zhong Wen
Traditional Chinese Characters;
148 pages, line drawings, softbound$12.95
This is a good book for the Tai Chi library for one main reason; it shows illustrations of the portly gentleman known as Fu Zhong Wen demonstrating the Yang set. Starting with Yang Chen Fu himself, Fu is considered by some to be one of the most perfect examples of Yang form even exceeding famous members of that very family. His physical resemblance to Yang Chen Fu might answer for some of this but his fidelity for detail is the product of much practice—a whole life’s worth—not just some superficial resemblance. For our Tai Chi enthusiasts, a good suggestion. For our Yang Tai Chi students, a must.
C067X Wudang True Teaching The Complete Book of Tai Chi Quan
By Yu Hua Xing, 146 pages, old photographs, $16.95
This is one of the first books written on WuDang style Tai Chi. The author knew some real luminaries, Li Jing Lin, Yang Ban Hou and Yang Chen Fu. This books discusses the classics and principle of Tai Chi. The we are given the entire long set, based on the Yang Chen Fu model, shows a different, even longer variation of the solo set. The pictures and postures are instructive and nice examples of the quality of martial arts in the early part of the 20th century. The set is shown in 385 photos, just about the most broken down next to a video. There is a short section of Push Hands to close the book. A fine document showing the art at a crucial time in its development.
SC530 Internal Boxing Methods (Essays)
by You Zhi Qiong 左致強 Traditional Chinese Characters;
160 pages, photographs, $16.95
Musings and essays by a long time student of the art. After a lifetime of studying with people such as Feng Zhi Qiang and Li Jing Wu this Muslim gentleman has compiled his writings on the whole subject of Nei Jia practice. Besides showing some internal cultivation methods he discusses many aspects of martial culture with a special concern for Wu De (martial virtue) and the truths of Nei Gong practice.
C123 T'ai Chi Ch'uan
by Gu Ru Zhang 顧汝章
Traditional Chinese Characters;
190 pages, old photographs, $16.95
Gu Ru Zhang is known worldwide as the master of the Northern
Shaolin system. He is far lesser known for what some people consider
his superior calling as a master of Cha style. And then he is
even lesser known for his expertise in Tai Chi Chuan. A friend
of Sun Lu Tang who taught him Tai Chi, his version that came through
Sun of Yang style is an unusual combination of Yang style and
Sun’s own characteristics. In this book, besides the form broken
down, there are a number of introductory statements. One section
focuses on the basic principles of Yin and Yang with some interesting
illustrations. The last section in the book concentrates on Push
Hands and, for its time, was one of the longer essays on this
art. Really a key book for its time by someone who was not among
the well known Tai Chi inner circle.
C031X Tai
Chi Chuan Ancestor's Methods Clarified
Compiled by
Wang Jin Wu:
Traditional Chinese Characters; over 220 pages, illustrated,
softbound $17.95
This
is a reprint of writings by Wang Jin Wu, author of "Tai Chi Explanations."
The illustrations are very basic. The writings explore Tai Chi and its
antecedents such as Li Dao Zi's Pre Heaven Boxing, Cheng Yun Di's 9 Small
Heavens Boxing, Chang San Feng's 13 Postures, etc. He also deals with
the Tai Chi Songs and other classical writings, the Tan Tian, Opening
and Closing, there is then a breakdown of all major moves in the Yang
set, then sections on Tai Chi foot and body work. A very early explication
of Tai Chi's principles.
Classic
Reprint: C011X Li's version of T'ai
Chi Chuan
by Li
Hsian Wu
Traditional Chinese Characters;
201
pages, $13.95
This
book, published in 1933, was written by a student of Liu Fang Shen. It
is said to be WU style but the postures are longer, larger frame and more
like typical Yang. The costume and the general movements of this early
Tai Chi book are pretty well known among Tai Chi scholars. The book is
nicely laid out and reproduced.
LionBooks
C062 Yang
Style Tai Chi Chuan Complete
by Yang
Chen Fu
Traditional Chinese Characters; $13.95
The
famous book of Yang demonstrating postures of the Long Fist. Nicely reproduced
with clear printing this is a basic reference for the whole world of Yang
Long Set. Also a section on Push Hands and some indication of applications.
But, really, this books is famous as a clear photographic reference.
B101 Tai
Chi 9 Secrets 81 Postures
Explained
by Wu
Meng Hsia & Wu Bei Feng
Traditional Chinese Characters; $10.95
Example:
"Cai Zai Shi Zhi." Plucking is in the ten fingers. Plucking
(Cai) is to use form grabbing strength, it therefore uses the strength
of the ten fingers using gripping power." It gives key phrases and
condensed concepts.
C016X Tai
Chi Chuan Pu Li Dong Bian Wei He Bian
by Xu
Zhen
Traditional Chinese Characters;
70+ pages, no illustrations, softbound, $9.95
The Published April, 1937 in Shanghai. This book discusses the Primal
Chaos theory and distinguishing the principles of Tai Chi. Topics survey
some unusual ideas such as Yueh Fei's and Jian Fa's contributions: Wang
Tsung Yueh's writings, Wu Yu Hsiang writings, Li Yu Yi's own writings
and more. The author is credited with doing initial historical work on
Tai Chi that lead to the idea that the Yang Family Tai Chi we currently
practice mixes Chen family Pao Chui with softened input from Jiang Fa.
Text Only.
A418 The
Length and Breadth of Tai Chi
by Jung
Wen Yuan
Traditional Chinese Characters;
151 pages, softbound, $13.95
This
is a series of essays by a student of Shih Lin-Jiu. They indeed cover
the length and breadth of the art talking about such things as: Tai
Chi Classics; Push Hands; practice methods; Fa Jing; Internal Practice;
Hard and Soft; Standing practice and more. Short, not too difficult
traditional Chinese. No illustrations.
A405 Tai
Chi Chuan Essays Reprinted
by Zhang
Dun Xi:
Traditional Chinese Characters;
265 pages, color photographs, softbound, 1999, $18.95
Tai
Chi Quan Lun Zi. This Tai Chi book starts with a complete, color presentation
of over 130 postures performed by the author. The rest of the volume is
entirely text. Essays and articles cover diverse topics: Tai Chi's origins,
major ideas, spread, the Eight Methods, Reeling Silk, Yang Family TC,
cavities, Tai Chi is "one family", correct practice, self defense,
correct practice and many other considerations.