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Martial arts master Yang Chengfu’s seminal work on the techniques and applications of Yang-style taijiquan—now available to Western practitioners for the first time The publication in 1934 of Yang Chengfu's book, The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan (Taijiquan Tiyong Quanshu) marked a milestone in the modern evolution of the art of taijiquan. Using what is best-termed demonstration narrative, the author presents form postures and suggested applications from his own perspective, as he performed them. This methodology renders Yang Chengfu's direct, hands-on teaching of the art with such immediacy and liveliness that the reader experiences the master’s teaching much as his students d...
Your go-to illustrated guide to the practices, history, and philosophy of the popular Yang style of taijiquan Fu Zhongwen's classic guide offers the best documentation available of the Yang style of taijiquan. The superbly detailed form instructions and historic line art drawings are based on Fu’s many years as a disciple of Yang Chengfu, taijiquan’s legendary founder. Also included are concise descriptions of fixed-step, moving-step, and da lu push hands practices. Additional commentary by translator Louis Swaim provides key insight into the text’s philosophical language and imagery, further elucidating the art’s cultural and historical foundations.
A handbook on the art of tai chi chuan by Chinese linguist, historian and tai chi practitioner Louis Swaim. This text provides instructions based on Fu's 20 years of study with Yang Chengfu, the father of tai chi. Line drawings demonstrate the movements and provide a historical resource.
Along with Chinese art, medicine, and philosophy, taijiquan has left the confines of its original culture, and offers health, relaxation, and a method of self-defense to people around the globe. Using the early texts now known as The Taijiquan Classics which have served as a touchstone for t’ai chi practitioners for 150 years, this book explores the fundamental ideas and what they mean to practitioners, students, and scholars. It also incorporates newly discovered sources that address the history of taijiquan and newly translated commentaries by Chen Weiming.
It is recently believed that the art of Taijiquan lies in the slow forms with a constant speed and smooth transitions from one movement to another. However, in the classical schools of Taijiquan, after disciples acquire the Long Dajia form (Large Frame) well, consisting of a series of exaggerated slow movements, they begin the study of the secret section of the style, called Xiaojia (Small Frame) or Kuai Quan (Fast Fist). The «Fast Fist» is a “combat” way to fulfill the form, where all the movements are made at a different pace, fast forms change with smooth ones and all the methods have a pronounced applied nature. This book is devoted to a detailed description of the fast form of the Taijiquan style Wu - Kuai Quan. This form was practiced and taught to their disciples by such great masters of Taijiquan as Wu Jianquan and Ma Yueliang. CONTENTS: Introduction Chapter 1 Philosophical aspects of applied art of Taijiquan Chapter 2 Ji Ben Fa (Basic Techniques) - Hand Form - Stances - Chui Fa (Punching Methods) - Tui Fa (Kicks) Chapter 3 Kuai Quan - The “Fast fist” form Conclusion
Cheng Man-ch’ing (1902–1975)—also romanized as Zheng Manqing— certainly played a lead role in popularizing tai chi ch'uan throughout the world and greatly influencing the way the art is perceived and practiced. This fact alone should drive all those interested in tai chi to study the man’s history and thought. There is a huge body of writings and video representations of Cheng’s tai chi theory and practice. Unfortunately, much of the available content actually obscures Cheng’s message. The result is that Cheng and his role in tai chi evolution are often not fully understood and faulty conclusions are made. A further result is that many feel either enlightened with what they bel...
As a digital edition, this two-volume anthology offers not only a handy historical overview of taijiquan history, but most chapters focus on actual practice. Guidance is provided through Carol Derrickson’s discussions on taijiquan classic writings as well as from other highly experienced instructors in their own chapters. Dr. Linda Lehrhaupt’s chapter inspires one to practice by explaining how mental changes occur in a student during initial weeks of classes. Although most taiji classes are offered by individuals in their own schools, a number of classes are also offered in academic settings. Andrew Peck gives a fine example of how taiji is taught in a university setting. Other authors p...
As Taijiquan has become increasingly popular, many people have inquired into its origins and development. Answers can be found in the Chen Style, the original method from Chen Village, Henan Province in the People's Republic of China. This book guides the reader through the historical development of the system, its philosophical roots, and through the intricacies of the various training methods of this unique form of Chiinese boxing. Legendary exploits of the Chen family are included to inspire today's practitioners.
How do you solve a random abduction? Angel and Aramudan are vacationing in Hamburg, Germany, when their son goes missing. There are absolutely no clues at all. But deeper forces are at work. Connections formed nearly a century ago combine to provide hope to the parents. Will they succeed in getting their son back? From the glittering port of Hamburg to the dusky village of South India, this is a remarkable story of a family desperate to find their son. From the Andaman Islands to Hong Kong, they get help from unexpected sources. Part history, part travelogue, and totally thrilling, this novel will keep you completely engaged. Join the parents in their search for Aaran.
The Chinese double-edged straight sword (jian), the “gentleman of weapons,” is the focus of this e-book. There are a growing number of people interested in this fascinating weapon, its history, and its use. For your convenience, this anthology assembles the best articles on this subject as published in the Journal of Asian Martial Arts. Chapters 1 and 2 were written by Dr. Richard Pegg, a scholar of Asian studies and art curator with over thirty years of studies in the martial arts. With sound academic and practical experience in swordsmanship, Dr. Pegg writes here on ancient Chinese bronze swords and also on the parallels of Chinese calligraphy and swordplay. The analysis and presentati...