The Essence And Application of Taijiquan

While a beginner would find little within this book due to complete lack of transitional instructions (shifting between postures, directional indicators, weight distribution diagrams, etc.) the text that accompanies the photographs provides sufficient information to someone already familiar with the form, wishing to expand their knowledge directly from the source. 

Yang Chengfu attempts to describe the applications to techniques, giving the reader some idea of what the intention of the movements are. However, knowing that real applications were traditionally reserved for in-door (rumen) students, I am a bit skeptical about the descriptions being provided.

A few of the Taiji classics are listed at the end, which is a plus for any Taiji Quan book. Overall, a good source of reference to the long form, originating directly from the source (although I still prefer Fu Zhongwen's version.)

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Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan: Theory and Jing

In his book, Dr. Yang Jwing Ming attempts to describe the concept of jing in a solid, physical, comprehensive manner. He also covers basic Qi Gong concepts, the symbolism of the ba-gua trigrams, and how they correlate to the concepts of Taiji Quan. All in all, this is a very solid source of information, with plenty of citations for further cross-referencing.

The topic of jing is covered from every angle, along with advice on how to train it, emit it, and how it applies to the 13 postures. The only down side is that the diagrams are very often a page or 2 after the text explanation, but this was most likely done to save space rather than leave blank pages for photographs.

The Taiji (yin yang) symbolism is also discussed in depth, along with it's application to the Taiji Quan movement and tactics. The ba-gua trigrams' correlation to technique and movement are also discussed, and a reasonable explanation provided.

What further cements my positive opinion of this book, is the inclusion and translation of the Taiji Classics, which are the founding back bone of Taiji Quan practice. Without proper understanding of the Taiji Classics, the average practitioner can only hope for a superficial knowlege of the form, and blind coreography.

If you are serious about your Taiji Quan training, and wish to improve it beyound simple dancing of the form, this book will help you progress in many areas that are crucial to Taiji Quan as a martial art.

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Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi Chian Vol. 2

In this Vol. 2 of Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi, Prof. Yang Jwing Ming covers some basic applications of Taiji Quan. For each application there are 3 sections: a takedown, a chin-na (joing manipulation/control,) and a cavity (pressure point) strike.

On the plus side, some of the applications are quite brilliant, and work rather well. On the down side, some of the applications are a bit of a stretch, and may not work on a resisting opponent. The photographs are pretty good, but both Dr. Ming and his opponent wear black pants and black shoes, making foot placement hard to distinguish, as the photos are black and white.

Further covered, is the Taiji ball, a rarity in itself. A training routine is given, and is quite effective for both the beginner and advanced practitioner. Push hand training and fighting strategy are well discussed, and photographs are provided. The fact that the book contains translations of the Taiji Classics is a major plus.

Overall, this is not exactly advanced material considering the information which has been made available over the last few years. Still, this is a wonderful addition to any serious Taiji practitioner's collection, and will definitely enhance your understanding of the art.

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Taiji Chin Na: The Seizing Art of Taiji Quan

Another great book by Dr. Yang Jwing Ming. Anyone familiar with Yang Taijiquan and Chin Na or Jiu Jitsu will find the content pretty useful and innovative. The author outright admits to using White Crane Qin Na in a Taiji Quan context, and points out how others can be incorporated.

The Thirteen Postures, push-hands, and their Qin Na applications are depicted in great detail. This is an excellent section for those wishing to study the in-depth combat elements of Taijiquan.

My only gripe with the book, (this seems to be a common pattern in most YMMA books) is the diagrams. Some of the techniques are hard to follow, and seem a bit far-fetched. It isn't always clear how he gets from point A to point B, which is where the text comes in. Then again, as I mentioned earlier, you really do need a good understanding of Chin-Na or Jiu Jitsu, to appreciate some of the presented techniques.

Unless you have at least some background knowledge of Taiji and Chin-Na/Jiu Jitsu, you may not get much out of this text. However, I must say, Yang Jwing Ming is by far one of my favorite authors, and is very knowledgeable on the topic.

I would strongly recommend this book to intermediate students.

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