Tai Chi for Health
Published by Chen Style Tai Chi Centre UK
Written By Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei and Master Liming Yue
Co-authored by Dan Chisholm, Tim Birch, Steven Burton, Nick Taylor, Anthony Rushton and Bill Wilkinson
Book Review from Tai Chi Finder
http://www.taichifinder.co.uk
This lovely book is a retranslation of the highly acclaimed book -The Chen Style Taijiquan for Life Enhancement - with the addition of many high quality images and additional sections offering the advice and experiences of Westerners in learning tai chi.
The book is based around the teaching of the Chen style 18 short form, together with ancillary exercises and meditation. Clearly the production of this book has been a labour of love with much care taken over both the translation and the appearance. This is a comprehensive introduction to tai chi - not just for Chen style enthusiasts.
Book Review from Shabir Akhar
Email: shabir.akhtar@btopenworld.com
When I first saw the book I was overwhelmed by the quality and content. The book is a must for all Tai Chi enthusiasts.
The main focus of the book is the fundamental principles of Chen Style Tai Chi as taught by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei. The content covers many different aspects but pays particular attention to the instruction of the 18 step Chen Tai Chi Short Form, created by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.
The book begins by explaining about the history and health benefits of the Chen Style Tai Chi and then proceeds to teach the foundation exercises called ‘Silk Reeling’. The Silk Reeling exercise is at the very core of all Tai Chi. After the Silk Reeling it begins the very detailed explanation, with full colour pictures, of the 18 step Short Form. I have never seen a book before that was so concise in portraying the key elements of Tai Chi.
Later in the book there are instructions on Qigong (meditation and breath exercise) to compliment the Tai Chi form. Qigong is a key attribute to any Tai Chi system so irrespective of style any practitioner will benefit from the instruction.
The second half of the book begins with “Views from the West”, a collection of articles written by several of Master Liming Yue’s Indoor Senior students and associates. These articles cover a range of topics from stress management, health benefits for the elderly, Tui Na massage, a Tai Chi journey to an article by a Professor of Chinese medicine.
Freelance journalist Tim Birch wrote an extensive section by interviewing practitioners from the Chen Style Tai Chi Centre, Manchester, founded by Master Liming Yue. The interviews cover many experiences of the practitioners and give an insight into why we should all practice Tai Chi.
Included in the book is an extensive question and answer session with Master Liming Yue of the Chen Tai Chi Centre, Manchester, UK. This chapter gives a in depth insight into many of the elements of Chen Style Tai Chi including the martial arts aspects such as Fa Jing (energy release) as well as a description of the training in Chen village and how it compares to training outside of China.
At the very end of the book is an introduction to the Chinese Duan Wei grading system founded by the Chinese Wu Shu (Martial Arts) Association, and paves the way to develop an international standard in Tai Chi around the world.
The book is published in full colour both in hardback or paperback and is available from www.shop.taichicentre.com or high street book retailers.
Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei is the 11th Generation head of the Chen Style Tai Chi and 19th generation of the Chen family. The book has been written over a two and a half year period by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei and Master Liming Yue with the assistance of several of Master Liming Yue’s indoor senior students and was launched at the opening ceremony of the 3rd International Taijiquan Exchange competition and Tai Chi Festival, Jiaozho City, China in August 2005.
Master Liming Yue has been instrumental in spreading the teachings of Chen Style Tai Chi around Europe and is an indoor senior student of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei. Master Liming Yue is one of Europe’s foremost Tai Chi masters who has currently held a seventh Duan Wei officially issued by the Chinese Wu Shu Association China and is based in Old Trafford, Manchester, UK.
This book is a must for all Tai Chi enthusiasts. For further detail please contact the publisher: Chen Style Tai Chi Centre at: 0161-2737138 or visit the web site: www.taichicentre.com
Book introduction by the Publisher
“Tai Chi for Health” provides a rare insight to the art of Chen Style Tai Chi from two of the most respected Tai Chi Masters in the world today. Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, currently recognized as one of China's leading Tai Chi exponents and Master Liming Yue one Europe's leading masters.
Tai Chi is said to promote relaxation and this book exudes calmness from the very cover.
“Tai Chi for Health” provides a direct link to the very origin of Tai Chi and through the instruction of its author, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, the reader has access to the highest level of Tai Chi on the planet. There is no doubt to the quality and the content of this book. Not only does it introduce a depth of knowledge rarely provided in instructional texts, but also gives the reader a visual tour of China the process.
The beautiful illustrations appeals from the moment it is picked from the shelf and once opened feels more like a work of art than a reference book. The in-laid pictures enhances the text and content further to make this book a real joy to read that is only bettered by the detail and richness of the photography.
The instructional element provides a clear and well presented guide for the systematic study of the movements and form. This introduces the reader to the theory and purpose behind each action in a concise and beautifully presented medium. Every movement is clearly depicted and includes a detailed description to follow, plus an additional explanation of the key requirement of the movement - an important detail often left out in many books.
As a prospective buyer this book contains information for the complete beginner all the way up to the intermediate practitioner and seasoned Tai Chi instructor. Not only does this book provide the reader with information on the fundamental principles, essential as a building block to progress, but also includes personal accounts from students to give this book a real sense of value that can be used as a gauge to the potential progress that can be made from studying this fascinating art.
Additional chapters from Master Liming Yue's senior students provide the reader with information relating to wider aspects of this art to include; an in-depth personal journey, the inter-relationship between Tai Chi and Chinese medicine, the use of Tai Chi to combat stress for the workforce, and its effectiveness in improving health of the elderly.
Tai Chi is a truly remarkable art that is accessible at any point in ones life. If you were to choose a single exercise that could benefits all that practice then Tai Chi should be the choice of the masses and “Tai Chi for Health” should be the book that students seek for guidance.