T'ai Chi
Disclaimer
Please note that the publisher and author(s) of this instructional book are NOT RESPONSIBLE in any manner whatsoever for any injury that may result from practicing the techniques and/or following the instructions given within. Martial arts training can be dangerous—both to you and to others—if not practiced safely. If you're in doubt as to how to proceed or whether your practice is safe, consult with a trained martial arts teacher before beginning. Since the physical activities described herein may be too strenuous in nature for some readers, it is also essential that a physician be consulted prior to training.
"All the photographs in this book are printed in reverse image to facilitate imitation of the movements illustrated. Thus you should follow the photogaphs exactly as though you were looking at your own reflection in the mirror. Accompanying the photographs are diagrams showing the exact position and weighing of the feet. Note that the foot diagrams are not reversed and hence show the position of your own feet as you stand looking in the "mirror" of the photographs. In some cases the photographs are not reversed and these examples are noted in the instructions."
Published by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.
Copyright © 1966 Cheng Man-ch'ing and Robert W. Smith
All rights reserved.
LCC Card No, 67-23009
ISBN 978-1-4629-0158-6
First U.S. edition, 1967
First paperback edition, 2004
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Contents
| Foreword | ix | |
| I. | Introducing T'ai-chi | 1 |
| The Name | 2 | |
| History | 3 | |
| II. | Principles of T'ai-chi | 5 |
| Relaxation and Ch'i | 5 | |
| Like a Child | 6 | |
| III. | T'ai-chi for a Healthier Life | 8 |
| The Three Factors | 8 | |
| Movement | 9 | |
| Slowness | 10 | |
| Swimming in Air | 10 | |
| Linkage | 10 | |
| Tranquillity | 10 | |
| Breathing | 11 | |
| IV. | The Solo Exercise | 12 |
| Posture 1. Preparation | 13 | |
| Posture 2. Beginning | 14 | |
| Posture 3. Grasp Sparrow's Tail, Ward-off, Left | 15 | |
| Posture 4. Grasp Sparrow's Tail, Ward-off, Right |
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