The Inner Structure of Tai Chi: Mastering the Classic Forms of Tai Chi Chi Kung

by Mantak Chia, Juan Li

Explores the deep, internal work necessary for the effective practice of tai chi

• Reveals the Taoist principles that gave birth to the Yang-style tai chi forms

• Shows how tai chi can circulate powerful healing energies through the body

Taoist adepts developed tai chi as both a martial art and a way to cultivate their physical body, energy body, and spirit body. Like all Taoist exercises, its main purpose is to form a connection to the basic energy that is the foundation of all life: chi. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, tai chi was considered a secret practice that was passed down only within a closely knit structure of family and loyal disciples. Despite its widespread growth in popularity as a martial art and health exercise, many of its underlying internal practices remain unknown.

The Inner Structure of Tai Chi explores the deep, internal work necessary for the effective practice of tai chi. Designed for practitioners at every level, the book contains step-by-step illustrated instructions for mastering the 13 forms of early Yang-style tai chi, also known as Tai Chi Chi Kung. The authors demonstrate the relationship of the inner structure of tai chi to the absorption, transformation, and circulation of the three forces that animate all life--the Universal force, the Cosmic force, and the Earth force--revealing the principles and practices necessary to receive the full spectrum of physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits that tai chi can bring.

Genres: Martial Arts, Health

264 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 1997

About the author

Mantak Chia is a Taoist Master. He is best known for teaching his Taoist practices under the names of Healing Tao, Tao Yoga, Universal Healing Tao System and Chi Kung. Throughout decades of teaching, he has run numerous workshops, written a series of books, and published a number of training videos. For this reason, some people call him an author, a teacher or a healer. He views himself primarily as a teacher, "who helps his students empower themselves through cultivation of their chi energy." (-wiki)

Reviews

[Mitch Ping · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book fairly quickly , and didn’t spend enough time practicing each of the moves.

“Tai chi is to connect to the oneness of the universe”

Every organ, muscle and cell of the body has a purpose. And when you align everything together you get the maximum chi.

Need to balance your yin and Yang and all 5 elements.

Tai chi can increase Tendon & bone strength. Rather than building muscle- because the muscle needs extra nutrients to grow and can take away from overall energy. And when you’re older your muscles fade away where your tendons don’t.


Diaphragmatic breathing is important for optimal chi flow.

Sexual reproduction takes a lot of energy. A lot of animals die soon after sexual reproduction.

I want to learn the art of sexual transmutation and love making that increases energy flow.

[David Silveyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the minutae of Tai Chi movements and philosophy. The basics are stated and elaborated on in a very clear and logical manner. I got this book because I also have a video on Tai Chi practice that I wasn't fully understanding and so I got this book to help clarify it for me. Moreover, there are ample diagrams to illustrate the methods and techniques of Tai Chi Chi Kung, a derivative of Tai Chi.

[Vasilis Stefanou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explains all the main Tai chi principles, theories and their connection with Daoist cosmology in simple terms. It also includes a form, fighting moves and other Daoist practices, all accompanied with illustrations.

[Tom Menke · Rating 4 out of 5]

good place to start

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent beginning book. Dyagrams & definitions were helpful. Chart w directions, elements, planet etc good visual.

[Caomhghain · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting to the theory as well as the practice of Tai Chi as well as some ways of improving performance.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presents a clear and simple description of internal energy.