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The Complete Guide to T'ai Chi
Tai Chi Chuan is the most widely practised system of physical and mental exercise in the world. In China alone, it is estimated that some 100 million people use Tai Chi Chuan for its proven health and relaxation benefits. This practical handbook describes the Cheng Man-Ching form of Tai Chi Chuan. Each movement and exercise is fully annotated and illustrated with step-by-step colour photographs and diagrams. Useful for both beginners and those looking to improve their technique, it shows how postures and movements can be tested with the aid of a partner to give instant feedback.
120 pages, Hardcover
First published May 15, 1997
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About the author
Stewart McFarlane
22 books14 followersDR STEWART McFARLANE IS A WELL-KNOWN SCHOLAR of Chinese Religions and Buddhism, and a teacher of Chinese Martial Arts. He was Director of Asian Studies at Liverpool Hope University until his retirement in 2004.
TRAINING IN WING CHUN
He first trained in Wing Chun kung Fu as a student, with Hong Kong students in 73-74 at the height of Bruce Lee’s fame, and the Wing Chun/Jeet kune Do craze. After finishing his degree, he joined the Soto Zen community (Order of Buddhist Contemplatives) at Throssel Hole Priory in Northumberland.
THE BRUCE LEE CONNECTION
In 1975, he was studying Chinese at Durham University one of his Chinese teachers was Rose Li, a very good Yang style t’ai chi teacher. He trained with her from 1975-77. When he started lecturing at Lancaster University, he trained in Wing Chun under Sam Kwok, his teacher Yip Chun & eventually with Lo Man Kam in Taiwan. (Yip Chun is Yip Man’s son, Lo Man Kam is Yip Man’s nephew, Yip Man was Bruce Lee’s Wing Chun teacher in Hong Kong.)
PROTECTING THE DALAI LAMA
In 1995, he was asked to form a security team of martial artists and conflict resolution specialists to help provide the security protection for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which they did from 1996 to 2004 whenever he visited the UK.
BBC DOCUMENTARY
In 1997 he made SHADOW BOXING ON THE PATH TO NIRVANA, a 4-part documentary on the spiritual dimensions of Martial Arts produced by the BBC WORLD SERVICE, travelled extensively for that and had the chance to train with some of the world’s leading martial artists such as Dan Inosanto (Bruce Lee’s friend & colleague, JKD & Philippine martial arts), Stephen Hayes (Ninjutsu), Mary Heiny (Aikido), Bob Frager (Aikido), Lily Lau (Kung Fu), Jimmy Wong (Tai ji), Master Shih Yen Tzu of the Henan Shaolin Temple, and a number of very good Chinese T’ai ji masters in Malaysia.
LIVING WITH ELEPHANTS
Now living in Thailand, he finds that the climate and regular contact with elephants are highly therapeutic.He also rescues and trains dogs. He speaks and reads Thai and is now a regular contributor as a lecturer at the Siam Society in Bangkok and a number of research and cultural centres in Thailand
TRAINING IN WING CHUN
He first trained in Wing Chun kung Fu as a student, with Hong Kong students in 73-74 at the height of Bruce Lee’s fame, and the Wing Chun/Jeet kune Do craze. After finishing his degree, he joined the Soto Zen community (Order of Buddhist Contemplatives) at Throssel Hole Priory in Northumberland.
THE BRUCE LEE CONNECTION
In 1975, he was studying Chinese at Durham University one of his Chinese teachers was Rose Li, a very good Yang style t’ai chi teacher. He trained with her from 1975-77. When he started lecturing at Lancaster University, he trained in Wing Chun under Sam Kwok, his teacher Yip Chun & eventually with Lo Man Kam in Taiwan. (Yip Chun is Yip Man’s son, Lo Man Kam is Yip Man’s nephew, Yip Man was Bruce Lee’s Wing Chun teacher in Hong Kong.)
PROTECTING THE DALAI LAMA
In 1995, he was asked to form a security team of martial artists and conflict resolution specialists to help provide the security protection for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which they did from 1996 to 2004 whenever he visited the UK.
BBC DOCUMENTARY
In 1997 he made SHADOW BOXING ON THE PATH TO NIRVANA, a 4-part documentary on the spiritual dimensions of Martial Arts produced by the BBC WORLD SERVICE, travelled extensively for that and had the chance to train with some of the world’s leading martial artists such as Dan Inosanto (Bruce Lee’s friend & colleague, JKD & Philippine martial arts), Stephen Hayes (Ninjutsu), Mary Heiny (Aikido), Bob Frager (Aikido), Lily Lau (Kung Fu), Jimmy Wong (Tai ji), Master Shih Yen Tzu of the Henan Shaolin Temple, and a number of very good Chinese T’ai ji masters in Malaysia.
LIVING WITH ELEPHANTS
Now living in Thailand, he finds that the climate and regular contact with elephants are highly therapeutic.He also rescues and trains dogs. He speaks and reads Thai and is now a regular contributor as a lecturer at the Siam Society in Bangkok and a number of research and cultural centres in Thailand
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 16, 2018
This seems like a decent tai chi guide. There's not much information in it besides the instructions for the actual form, which is fine by me. The form is laid out really clearly with detailed descriptions, colour photos and even diagrams to indicate foot position and body weight distribution. My only criticism would be of the form itself. Cheng man ching's 37 form differs from the 24 form in that the postures seem more compact and the weight distribution between the feet seems much more even, without the "empty stances" of the 24 form. I guess this means that the form is probably a little easier, a little more accessible, probably also a more practical option for use as self-defence because the postures are sturdy and stable rather than balletic. The downside is that the form feels a little boring to me. The 24 form is kind of beautiful and simply feels more compelling. The 37 form in comparison feels underwhelming.
All in all though this is a good tai chi guide and the 37 form seems like a perfectly valid if somewhat boring version of tai chi.
All in all though this is a good tai chi guide and the 37 form seems like a perfectly valid if somewhat boring version of tai chi.
February 9, 2012
This book is really really good. It covers everything about Cheng Man-Ch'ing Form of tai chi (37 Yang Form).
The main section comprises a detailed practical guide to the Cheng Man-Ch'ing Form. The introduction contains a short history beginning from the origin of tai chi to Master Cheng Man-Ch'ing developing the 37 Form from the original 108 positions; all this is more than enough for a beginner to get a basic idea about tai chi. Something new to me was that learning Prof.Man-Ch'ing was a sickly child which resulted the interest of developing the 37 moves.
Other than the above, it includes beginning stretching and flexibility exercises (though you can practice any form of Tai chi without them) and Tai chi's connection and benefits regarding mental & physical health and fitness.
The best thing about this is advices on breathing with a check list of everything from head to toe, including facial muscles relaxation. It also gives step-by-step guidance to weight distribution and body alignment. The final section deals with advanced tai chi Push Hands skills and applications.
Whether you are a beginner or someone like me who wants to move into another form, this book is very valuable. And if the review sounds too technical (sorry!), well, but Tai Chi isn't. It's the best antidote to the modern-day stress.
The main section comprises a detailed practical guide to the Cheng Man-Ch'ing Form. The introduction contains a short history beginning from the origin of tai chi to Master Cheng Man-Ch'ing developing the 37 Form from the original 108 positions; all this is more than enough for a beginner to get a basic idea about tai chi. Something new to me was that learning Prof.Man-Ch'ing was a sickly child which resulted the interest of developing the 37 moves.
Other than the above, it includes beginning stretching and flexibility exercises (though you can practice any form of Tai chi without them) and Tai chi's connection and benefits regarding mental & physical health and fitness.
The best thing about this is advices on breathing with a check list of everything from head to toe, including facial muscles relaxation. It also gives step-by-step guidance to weight distribution and body alignment. The final section deals with advanced tai chi Push Hands skills and applications.
Whether you are a beginner or someone like me who wants to move into another form, this book is very valuable. And if the review sounds too technical (sorry!), well, but Tai Chi isn't. It's the best antidote to the modern-day stress.
July 24, 2020
The concept of the taiji ("supreme ultimate"), in contrast with wuji ("without ultimate"), appears in both Taoist and Confucian Chinese philosophy, where it represents the fusion or mother of yin and yang into a single ultimate, represented by the taijitu symbol . Tàijíquán theory and practice evolved in agreement with many Chinese philosophical principles, including those of Taoism and Confucianism.
Tai Chi emphasizes breathing and movement that are both flowing and graceful. Though its primary action is in the movement and breathing, this must all be carried out with particular mental focus during Tai Chi. This is why Tai Chi has often been referred to as meditation in motion.
In theory, Tai Chi directly affects qi - the "vital energy" or "life force" of the body - where proper flow of qi is said to be necessary to maintain health. During Tai Chi, this energy flows through the body through a network of 20 pathways (meridians from acupuncture). When these pathways are blocked, qi does not flow properly, and in theory, illness ensues. Tai Chi is thought to stimulate this flow of qi through the body and organs through its movements and breathing. Tai Chi can be seen as acupuncture from the inside.
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Tai Chi emphasizes breathing and movement that are both flowing and graceful. Though its primary action is in the movement and breathing, this must all be carried out with particular mental focus during Tai Chi. This is why Tai Chi has often been referred to as meditation in motion.
In theory, Tai Chi directly affects qi - the "vital energy" or "life force" of the body - where proper flow of qi is said to be necessary to maintain health. During Tai Chi, this energy flows through the body through a network of 20 pathways (meridians from acupuncture). When these pathways are blocked, qi does not flow properly, and in theory, illness ensues. Tai Chi is thought to stimulate this flow of qi through the body and organs through its movements and breathing. Tai Chi can be seen as acupuncture from the inside.
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February 10, 2017Complete Book of T’ai Chi by S. McFarlane @ 1999, ISBN: 0789442590, PB, LBS, 3/2016
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March 6, 2014
used in hong kong
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2016
Very complete, easy to follow & well illustrated how-to book on Tai Chi. I bought the book & refer to it often. Thanks!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews