"IN Master Ting’s second book, he sets forth a far deeper path of discovery for the Tai Chi practitioner of every style and level. Master Ting describes and explains the Basic Foundational Principles normally shared only between the closed-door student and the Master under whom he studies.
What makes this book stand out is the clarity of language and imagery used to explain concepts often misunderstood, or simply missing, due to translation difficulties and a reluctance to share this special knowledge with more than just a privileged few. He carefully presents, chapter by chapter, a blueprint of study which ultimately reveals the internal elements so often forgotten or overlooked by modern students.
If you are looking for a Tai Chi book written in clear, understandable, and visual language that you will come back to again and again for advice and suggestions, this is that book. What Master Ting hopes to do is to make you the master of your own Tai Chi."
I am a fairly long term practitioner of tai chi and have read a number of books on tai chi. The late William Ting's Essential Concepts is a treasure. It is the clearest, most actionable of all. He answered a host of questions I have long sought the answer to but most importantly he presents a detailed, coherent and clear discussion of the core principles of accomplishment in tai chi.
Ting gave me a more robust understanding of Chinese tai chi terms and more concrete explanations of elliptical slogans that are offered to students. I am reminded of the quip, "It's not just practice that makes perfect. It's correct practice that makes perfect." I finally have a much more integrated and useable guide for correct practice.
Mr. Ting is very obviously a Master, wich is easily deduced as reading progresses through this superbly well crafted introduction to Tai Chi. A refreshing no-nonsense and practical approach assures the reader quickly that the author knows what Tai Chi is about and delivers the goods in perfect harmony with expectations invoked by the title.
"feel this wave-like motion go thru your body" "move from the bottom up, from inside to outside" "the unbroken spiralling connection from the toes to the fingers" "Sink, turn, expand" "..an underlying, continuous state of change in the universe"