Il tao del Tai-chi chuan: la via del ringiovanimento

by Tsung Hwa Jou

It has long been my dream that one day Americans of all ages, creeds and colors will be practicing Tai-Chi Chuan in the beautiful parks of this country.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Taoism, Philosophy, Spirituality, Health, Eastern Philosophy

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Matt Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who have already invested at least a year of hard practice & study, this book is your no-nonsense companion to what must be understood.

Just get it. Trust me.

It took me 10 years and the purchasing of 15 other books of varying quality to finally happen upon this one. It is without a doubt one of THE great books for Tai Chi enthusiasts.


At the risk of sounding dramatic, I strongly suggest pacing yourself with this material. It is supersaturated with incredible information which makes it possible for readers to become overwhelmed with their own fascination.

Get it and you'll see what I mean.

[Blaine Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been practicing taiji quan since 1986 and was lucky to have come across this book early in my study. Master Jou's book is one of the best on the art, philosophy, and practice of taiji quan. First published in the early 1980s, it was one of the first comprehensive books on taiji with chapters on 1) Roots, 2) Philosophy, 3) Foundation, 4) Classics, 5) Experiences, and 6) Push Hands, the last which is the two-person applications practice in taiji.

Although it has position drawings and explanations for all three of the main taiji styles - Chen, Yang, and Wu -the better part of the book is on the background history and philosophy of the taiji art in the context of Chinese culture. I found the the chapter on Foundation that introduces important parallel practices such as taiji qigong (Tai-Chi Chi-Kung), taiji meditation, and the Chen-style practice of silk-reeling to be exceptionally helpful. The sections on Daoist five-element theory, yin-yang theory, and the Yi-Ching (I-Ching) are excellent introductions to this essential knowledge of the taiji art.

All in all this is an excellent companion for anyone who's pursuing a committed study of taiji. It's no substitute for a teacher however, but once you've found a teacher, this is one of the best books to ground your knowledge of taiji.

[Sam Leopold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was introduced to me many years ago as the “definitive book on Taichi. I’ve read it over and over, took many notes, learned many practices. One such practice, a certain breathing technique which he translates from the Chinese as “breathing without breathing” has actually made a big difference in my life and practice. Yes, no book replaces a good teacher, and I can attest to that from personal experience, but this book is one you might get a lot from. It’s out of print I think, so buy it now, but best if you’ve already had some experience with the practice, as was mentioned in other reviews.

[Romed Bucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Tai Chi bible
I've been reading this book for 30 years and still can discover new knowledge.
If you struggle to understand, give it time. This book is not for entertainment or information, it's a guide to truly comprehend the deeper knowledge behind Tai Chi Chuan, regardless style and form.

[Mark Hartland Blimling · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lot of information on the art and history, clearly a reference guide to internal arts

[Casey Sutherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction overall. Sad to hear that most of this group has passed on 🙏

[Jimgosailing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters from Jou, Tsung Hwa
May 1988.
“Taujiquan is based on the Yijing, especially on the idea of "change." Nobody can perform the forms and postures of taiji perfectly, for perfection is relativean ideal dependent on individual perception. In playing taiji, your aim must be to change again and again; to vary your practice in order to make progress in understanding the principles you attempt to embody.

Even if you try to hold everything constant, even if you strive to reproduce some image of a “perfect form," nature itself ensures that conditions within and around you are never the same, and no two performances will ever be identical. You can either be frustrated by this or you can tan the way in which change, the only constant, can be employed to attain higher levels of wellness, happiness and awareness.
Sometimes in your efforts”

. . . . .

This book is a reference, something to be dipped into repeatedly.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was awesome and gave me a whole new appreciation for t'ai ch'i and meditation. I found I got lost with all the Chinese words used in this book as they typically only gave the definition the first time they used the word, but it's way too hard to remember all of these, so I ended up losing a lot of the meaning as the book went on. I think I'll read this book a second time to see if I can do better on a second go. Still a really good book, and I'd love to read the other two books in this series. :)

[Mzd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Authoritative. He was a physicist, not a writer, so it isn't the easist read. But you can keep coming back to it for years and get more out of it as your practice progresses.

[Joe Houde · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you study Taiji, you should buy this book. HIstory, classics centrally located. Plus some really interesting takes on the study of the art.

[Karen Glotzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece for those obsessed with understanding this art. The Bible of Tai Chi. I use it for reference often.

[Brayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just know that no book can teach you Tai Chi. You need a master no matter what you think.

[Otter57 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, but rather heavy going in many places. Could do with a good edit.