Raymond Pawlett
This fully illustrated step-by-step guide takes you through each of the movements of the basic Tai Chi form. Also included are essential warm-up exercises, correct posture and stance, martial applications for each movement, and origins and principles.
112pp, 11x9, illus. ... Hardback
Published price £11.99 -- You save £6.30 ... 53%
Tin-Yu Lam
Tal Chi is an ancient Chinese soft martial art that strengthens and relaxes the body through slow, gentle movement combined with co-ordinated breathing. It can be practiced anytime, anywhere, however fit you are and without special equipment, special clothes or special shoes. It is the perfect technique to get you back on track when you are feeling stressed during your busy day.
144pp, 8x6.5, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £9.99 -- You save £6.00 ... 60%
Christian Hanche
After considering its underlying philosophy, and how the various styles of Tai Chi developed, the book examines concepts like rooting, and the principles of movement on which all the styles are based. Movements and exercises are demonstrated with both text and sequenced photographs. The combination of general information and hands-on exercises for newcomers to this ancient art results in a well-rounded and comprehensive work. The visual aspect is highly complementary to the text, giving a fuller understanding to the reader.
96pp, 10.5x7.75, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £8.99 -- You save £4.50 ... 50%
Stuart Ave Olson
T'ai Chi is a physical expression of Taoist thought--a philosophy in motion. The relationship between the I Ching, Taoist philosophy, and T'ai Chi is well established in many of the classical texts and teachings handed down by the Yellow Emperor and Chang San-Feng, yet it has essentially remained a mystery in the West. Stuart Alve Olson, a longtime student of renowned T'ai Chi Ch'uan Master T. T. Liang, shows how the hexagrams of the I Ching relate to the eight basic postures of T'ai Chi, and how together they comprise the orderly sequence of the postures in the Before Heaven T'ai Chi form. The practice of this form initiates a process of internal alchemy that allows for the stimulation and accumulation of chi through the major energy systems of the body. Physically, this process restores youthful flexibility. Spiritually, it frees the mind to roam the sublime Tao. Because the Before Heaven sequence of postures is the foundation of all T'ai Chi forms, this book provides valuable advice for all practitioners, regardless of the style they practice or the depth of their experience. An essential reference book for any serious student of Taoism, T'ai Chi According to the I Ching is an invaluable guide to how even the most esoteric aspects of Chinese philosophy are firmly rooted in a physical practice.
192pp, 10x8, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £17.99 -- You save £10.00 ... 56%
Peter Chin Kean Choy
After covering the underlying principles of t'ai chi and how they fit together, and explaining the link between t'ai chi and chi kung (in which, as the author puts it, chi kung represents the roots and t'ai chi the trunk of the tree of knowledge of "chi" - energy - healing) this book provides step-by-step instruction on t'ai chi exercises as a series. It also describes how an individual exercise can have specific benefits, such as "letting go of self-criticism and accepting yourself as you are" or "learning the art of receiving and giving with love".
160pp, 9.25x7.5, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £12.99 -- You save £6.00 ... 46%
Kuo Lien-Ying & Simmone Kuo
Tai-Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice has now been edited and expanded by his widow and disciple, Simmone Kuo. Her version includes new material on the philosophical origins of Tai-Chi Chuan, particularly how it relates to the I Ching, the most ancient text of Chinese wisdom. The book also provides explanations of the meaning of this ancient and elegant martial art--its name and history--the keys to understanding the Thirteen Movements, archival photographs of Lien-Ying performing the movements, and other supplementary literature.
124pp, 8.25x5.5, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £10.99 -- You save £6.20 ... 56%
Paul Crompton
This beginner's guide offers advice on the vital components of T'ai Chi - breathing, focus, visualization, and the flow of chi. Featuring step-by-step instructional photos and a unique hands-free, prop-up design, this colourful guide is a complete introduction to T'ai Chi, with core movements that can be done at home. Each exercise is accompanied by information on its purpose, the correct technique, and how to customize the movement if you suffer from weak or swollen joints. Remainder mark.
96pp, 8.25x11.25, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £13.99 -- You save £8.00 ... 57%
Gary Khor
Grandmaster Gary Khor provides an overall programme for asthmatics as well as for those wishing to improve their health and well-being. Specially selected Tai Chi exercises, designed to improve breathing and strengthen the chest area are provided, as well as recommendations on diet, breathing exercises and short meditations. An easy-to-understand guide that offers a holistic, non-drug approach to the management of asthma and the prevention of attacks. Remainder mark.
162pp, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £10.00 -- You save £5.01 ... 50%
Grandmaster Gary Khor
Life may not begin at forty, but with Tai Chi, it will begin to be better and healthier. The benefits of Tai Chi for sufferers of arthritis, back pain, high blood pressure, fatigue, stress, osteoporosis, and other ailments common in middle age are remarkable. Tai Chi master Gary Khor offers readers a holistic program of exercise for health, vitality, and well-being at forty and beyond. Shop soiled. Remainder mark.
160pp, 9.75x6.75, illus. ... Paperback
Following on from the success of "T'ai Chi, Chi Kung: 15 Ways to a Happier You", the author takes the therapeutic elements of T'ai Chi to the next level, while simultaneously introducing new and dynamic issues. Choy has pioneered the concept of Aqua T'ai Chi. This method concentrates on fluidity of movement, overcoming the initial embarrassment many beginners feel and helping the most awkward student towards swan-like grace. As the physical body flows more easily, it is able to tune in to its own internal chi, and to the positive chi energy in the world around. It is not just the individual that gains from the author's techniques, couples can benefit too. Partner exercises encourage each partner to flow with the other, enhancing "give and take" in any relationship.
192pp, 9.25x7.5, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £12.99 -- You save £7.00 ... 54%
Chungliang Al Huang
The peaceful, concentrated dance of Tai Ji stands in marked contrast to the fast and furious pace of our modern world. With easy-to-follow descriptions of basic Tai Ji (Tai Chi) movements and a detailed discussion of Tai Ji’s relationship to nature, space, and time, Chungliang Al Huang, one of the world's most revered and inspiring teachers of Tai Chi, provides an abundance of useful information on this ancient and beautiful art. Chungliang Al Huang describes Tai Ji as “a moving body meditation” that emphasizes proper breathing and body postures making for optimum health of both the body and the mind: "We call Tai Ji - the no-mind, no-control, no-purpose Dance of Nature." Promoting strength, relaxation, and clarity, this book will teach you how to unify mind and body, and achieve a more healthful state of being.
80pp, 9.25x7.25, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £10.99 -- You save £7.00 ... 55%
Ren Guang Yi
The Chen style of taijiquan (an alternate spelling of tai chi chuan) is the parent art of all tai chi systems (yang, wu, chen, sun, etc.). This book covers the history of Chen-style taiji, provides a fully illustrated instruction in the 38 sections that make up the form; and then offers the most comprehensive introduction to the self-defence applications of the form available in the English language.
96pp, 9x6, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £10.99 -- You save £6.00 ... 55%
Dave Lowry
Traditions is required reading for serious martial artists. It is the third book of essays from prominent martial arts writer Dave Lowry and contains fascinating stories that illustrate key martial arts principles. This collection includes discussions on the spirit of ryomi, the process of self-evaluation and improvement; the importance of yuyo, the distance where an attacker must focus his strike; and the significance of ma, the space in time between successive attacks.
176pp, 9x6 ... Paperback
Published price £14.99 -- You save £8.00 ... 53%
John Little & Curtis Wong
Practiced by millions of people around the world, the ancient and gentle Chinese martial art of tai chi offers the perfect balance of mind and body, strength and flexibility, grace and agility. Its smooth, fluid movements demand precision and control while offering exercisers of all ages improved fitness, stress reduction, and self-defense skills. Whether you are a curious novice, an intermediate student seeking deeper understanding, or a tai chi expert, Inside Kung-Fu's Ulitmate Guide to Tai Chi offers you a wealth of insightful, reliable, hard-to-find information from world-renowned experts in every aspect of tai chi. Inside, you'll find chapters that inform and inspire, addressing such topics as: -The history of traditions of tai chi chuan - How to find and evaluate schools and teachers - Creating a strong foundation of basic techniques - Mastering advanced techniques, including the cultivation of chi, breath control, and the use of weapons -The founders of tai chi and teh variety of tai chi styles - The self-defense applications of tai chi. In this volume, you'll find everything you need to know to enhance your practice, increase your understanding, and reap the proven health and fitness benefits of the powerful internal martial art of tai chi. John R. Little is the author of The Warrior Within and Bruce Lee: Words from a Master as well as other books on Bruce Lee. He is also the author of numerous published articles on martial arts philosophy and practice. Curtis F. Wong is the publisher of Inside Kung-Fu and other highly respected martial arts magazines.
320pp, 11x8.5, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £13.99 -- You save £7.00 ... 50%
James Sidney
The Warrior's Path presents the timeless wisdom of contemporary masters of the Japanese martial arts - men and women who brought martial arts into the modern era and whose lives have been defined by their devotion to training. Here they share their personal stories, offer perspectives on what martial arts study can offer people today, reflect on the role of formal competition, and describe what it's like to train as one grows older. The masters featured here began their training in the early twentieth century - a seminal time in the history of Japanese martial arts. They studied with some of the pioneers of judo, karate, aikido, iaido, kendo, and naginata - masters who emphasized that these battlefield arts were best understood and practiced as budo , or martial arts for self-development. These engaging stories, accompanied by the author's striking photographs, make this book essential reading for students and teachers of martial arts.
176pp, 10x10 ... Paperback
Paul Brecher
Develop your internal energy and practice moving meditations, techniques for strengthening the will, relaxing, and proper breathing. Explore the principles and the set movement patterns behind 6 ancient styles.
128pp, 9.5x7, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £11.99 -- You save £7.00 ... 58%
128pp, 9.5x7, illus. ... Hardback
Published price £12.99 -- You save £7.40 ... 57%
Howard Reid
A richly illustrated overview of the martial arts, this book covers well-known disciplines such as karate, kung fu, and tai chi, as well as little known practices such as kalaripayit from India, eskrima from the Philippines and naginata-jutsu from Japan. There is a fascinating section on Bruce Lee's martial arts style and the connection between martial arts and entertainment in China. Lavishly illustrated, this is a classic text no martial arts practitioner will want to be without.
10x7, illus. ... Paperback
Published price £17.99 -- You save £12.00 ... 67%
Joseph Smith
This martial arts manual is a comprehensive guide to the basic forms and principles of Wing Chun kung-fu. In 180 black-and-white photographs, Wing Chun Kung-Fu: A Complete Guide leads the reader step-by-step through the beginning forms of Wing Chun kung fu, including Chi gerk, Chi sao, and Wing Chun sticky-hand and sticky-leg techniques, as well as detailed commentary on the theory behind each move. An additional section devoted to weight-and power-training exercises will be of particular benefit for serious students of Wing Chun. Wing Chun Kung-Fu: A Complete Guide is the perfect text for the beginning student, the experienced Wing Chun practitioner, or the cross-training martial artist. Remainder mark.
104pp, 9x6 ... Paperback
Published price £9.99 -- You save £5.00 ... 50%
Yip Chun & Danny Connor
Yip Man, Bruce Lee's mentor, elevated wing chun (originated in the 17th century) from relative obscurity to great popularity in both China and the West. Today it is probably the most widely practised style of kung fu in the world. Yip Chun, Yip Man's eldest son, here explains the moves that comprise wing chun - and the Confucian philosophy that infuses its practice with spirit.
128pp, 10x8, illus. ... Paperback
Winston L King
"In this engaging examination of the development of the Samurai and their relationship to Zen, King (Divinity Sch., Vanderbilt Univ.) covers a lot of ground. He discusses the martial arts, Zen history, Japanese cultural history, the art of sword making, and kamikaze pilots, among other topics, in terms of the thread of Japanese spirituality that runs through them all. He examines the influence of Zen on the warrior ethic and handles deftly the difficult issue regarding the alignment of nonviolent Buddhist philosophy with the training of warriors. In addition, King carries the discussion up to the present, drawing illustrations from World War II and current Japanese business practices to strengthen his contention that the way of the Samurai and Zen are inextricably woven into the fabric of Japanese behavior." - Library Journal.
288pp, 8x5.5 ... ISBN 0195092619 ... Paperback
Published price £10.99 -- You save £7.00 ... 64%
