Tai Chi Classics

While I am not a big fan of Waysun Liao, this book does give solid instructions for various Qi Gong techniques employed during Taiji Quan training. He covers various Qi mobilizing techniques, opening the meridians, and the bone breathing Qi Gong, which IMO justifies the book. However, the discussion of Jing is very vague, and seems to shroud it with needless mysticism and jargon.

The history section is the standard repetition of mythology, with little to no thought given to recent research which has clearly disproved it. This is not surprising, considering that Liao claims "mysterious Taoist priest" temple lineage for his Taiji Quan style (on that note I find it ironic that he uses the Cheng Man Ching form at the end of this book.)

At the end, he presents a few Taiji Classics with comments (which IMO every Taiji book should include at least to some extent,) and the Cheng Man Ching 37 Movement form. The form is presented in light sketches, and can be very hard to follow, as the images are on the edges of the page. The text accompanying them provides further instruction.

Overall, not a bad book for Qi Gong and Taiji classics, but much better instruction of the form is widely available.

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T'ai Chi Ch'uan for Health and Self Defense

First and foremost, this is not a text for a beginner. If you are looking for a book that teaches the form, this is not what you are looking for.

For an intermediate student, this little book will become a valuable sources of reference. Contained here, are translations of the Taiji Classics. Mainly:

-The Tai Chi Chuan Classic,
-Wang Chun Yueh's Mental Elucidation of Thirteen Postures,
-Wang Chun Yueh's Tai Chi Chuan Treatise,
-Song of Substance and Function of the Thirteen Postures,

Each passage contains comments seasoned by T.T. Liang's many years of experience. The writings describe the appropriate weight distribution, posture, breathing, and sensations which a practitioner should feel if doing the form properly.

Definitely an eye opener for anyone who is serious about their study of Tai Chi Quan, and wants a deeper understanding of the forms and their applications.

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The T'ai Chi Boxing Chronicle

If you are looking for a step-by-step form book, this is not for you. This is not intended for a beginner. The author assumes you are already familiar with the basics.

Contained in Guttman's text is the essence of the practice, the sensations you should feel during the movement, the weight distribution, etc. with heavy emphasis on peng-ching. While Kuo Lien-Ying is dealing with the Chen family chronicle (and is himself a Quan P'ing Yang stylist,) it is still very valuable for anyone practicing Taiji Quan.

In addition to dealing with the Chen Family Chronicles which in themselves are a gem, the book covers the philosophy and the energies (forces) of Taijiquan, the foot movements and their intricacies, as well as the postures which they are implemented in, explaining each in painstaking detail.

In a market oversaturated with picture books, this one has special meaning as it attempts to explain the finer details in the movements, as a teacher would. Not an easy read, but you will not walk away empty-handed by any means.

For Qi Gong:
-Dr. Yang Jwing Ming’s “Roots of Chinese Qi Gong”
-Dr. Yang Jwing Ming’s “Qigong, The Secret of Youth”
-Mantak Chia’s “Awaken Healing Energy Through Tao”

These 3 have simple, easy to follow diagrams, weight distribution charts, foot placement charts, and breathing instructions, as well as some info on the classics, which will give you far more use and information than this book.

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Ultimate Guide To Tai Chi: Best of Inside Kung Fu

I'm not really sure where to begin with this. The book is a wonderful collection of Taiji Quan wisdom. The articles on each topic present you with a wide variety of perspectives on each of the subjects discussed. In particular, the history had 3 different authors present 3 different views. There is a section on history, training, how to tell good form from bad, difference between wushu and martial aspects of Taiji Quan, spotting good teachers, and many many more.

This is without a doubt, something I wish I had when I started my Taiji Quan practice, and something you will want. I highly recommend the book to every Taiji practitioner. You will benefit greatly from the diversified wisdom of long-time masters of the art.

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There Are No Secrets

This is in part a light-hearted recounting of the life of the late Professor Cheng M'an Ching. The author describes time spent at Professor Cheng's New York Taiji studio, and some of the lessons learned.

While to an average reader this material will not seem like much, to Cheng M'an Ching style practitioners this is an affirmation of the Professor's skills, knowlege, and personality. Parts of the book contain anecdotes about the Professor's life, while others offer his advice for daily practice, with bits of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine,) Confucianism, and Taoist thought thrown in.

If you are looking for stories about Professor Cheng and some of his advice to his students, this book is for you. If, however, you are not a CMC stylist, or are looking for a Taiji how-to book, you might need to look elsewhere. Otherwise, a welcome addition to any Cheng M'an Ching stylist's library.

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