Book Description
Clear, step-by-step, carefully illustrated instructions present the basic body movement skills that are at the root of all qi gong and t'ai chi forms. Weight distribution, concentration, and visualization are extensively considered, providing an extraordinary level of detail. The forms depicted include Holding the Ball, Bending from the Waist, Riding a T'ai Chi Horse, the Springy Step, Carry Tiger Back to Mountain, the Rooting Exercise, and the Ascending Dragon. The author includes evocative stories of his encounters with tai chi masters and a synopsis of the nine secret messages. Kotsias's style is deft and concise, his message sincere and gut-level. As a preparation for study with a teacher, a guide to practice, or simply as a system of exercise to practice by oneself, this text admirably serves the student's needs.
The Essential Movement of Tai Chi FROM THE PUBLISHER
Distinguished by its strong reputation among serious enthusiasts, its stories of the famous and near-famous, and its innovative "dance-step" foot placement illustrations which convey subtleties of weight distribution and flow absent in other books.
SYNOPSIS
Clear, step-by-step, carefully illustrated instructions present the basic body movement skills that are at the root of all qi gong and t'ai chi forms. Weight distribution, concentration, and visualization are extensively considered, providing an extraordinary level of detail. The forms depicted include Holding the Ball, Bending from the Waist, Riding a T'ai Chi Horse, the Springy Step, Carry Tiger Back to Mountain, the Rooting Exercise, and the Ascending Dragon. The author includes evocative stories of his encounters with tai chi masters and a synopsis of the nine secret messages. Kotsias's style is deft and concise, his message sincere and gut-level. As a preparation for study with a teacher, a guide to practice, or simply as a system of exercise to practice by oneself, this text admirably serves the student's needs.