This important resource for both students and teachers exposes the true meaning behind the flowery, esoteric language of Tai Chi's classic Chinese texts, and offers concrete examples of the principles of Tai Chi in action.

The Yang family taught two separate tai chi systems. One for the public, another just for heirs. When Robert Boyd became a Disciple of fifth generation Yang family heir, Ip Tai Tak, he was allowed to learn the family system -- the snake style. Now he reveals this duality and introduces the snake style openly to the public.

Fo rht first time in history, you can reap the benefits of closely guarded wisdom! Explore Dr. Yang's translations and their meanings of these long-held secrets of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan.

This form may look very different than the modern Yang Family 108 Movement form that is widely taught around the world today. Although all the standard frames or movements are in this form, the extended transitions as well as the obvious Silk Reeling clearly show the original martial application of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. This "Yang Lu Chan Old Style Tai Chi Form" is considered an advanced version of what is commonly known as "The Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan" taught all over the world today. Master Yang Cheng Fu developed his very popular form in 1928. However, the forms practiced before that date are considered "Old Style" Yang Tai Chi and are extremely rare to find being taught anywhere in the world. The Old-style differs from all the other Yang Tai Chi forms as it contains many explosive strikes, and kicks, and quick movements in addition to the soft flowing actions of the Yang Cheng Fu form. It is considerably longer taking about 30 minutes to perform. In addition to the classic Tai Chi movements, you will also see many elements of Hsing I and Bagua in the form as well as some Chen style Tai Chi. There is a very good reason that this might be the case as the founder of this Old-Style Form of Yang Tai Chi was Yang Lu Chan. He was good friends with Kuo Yun Shen of Hsing I and Tung Hai Chan of Bagua. It is known that they use to train together and like all friends in the martial arts taught techniques to each other. The differences between what I have learnt and the Yang Family Long From popularly taught is that in the old Yang style, there are many energy release (Fa-jing) movements. These are omitted from the modern version. There are many more lower movements in the Old Yang style such as the Twisting Body, and Holding the Tai Chi Squatting and Punish the Leg movements. The Old Yang style is much more athletic in nature with a Martial Arts focus. Also, there are many more postures in the Old Yang style than in the modern version, and the transitions are much more involved in the Old Yang Style form. The Old Yang style shows from the beginning, the 'opening and closing' movements, also the yin and yang of the hands and feet. Most importantly the Silk Reeling (Chan Si Gin) and martial applications are preserved.

Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) is one of the most popular and effective health and exercise activities practiced today. This revised edition offers beginners a comprehensive introduction to Tai Chi, a step-by-step guide to learning the complete form and the fundamentals necessary for correct practice. In this guide, you will learn: -History of Tai Chi Chuan -The relationships between Qi, Qigong, and Tai Chi -Tai Chi Chuan's Thirteen Postures -Tai Chi Qigong Sets -The Complete Yang Style Long Form, step by step -How to practice Tai Chi for best long-term results

Explores the deep, internal work necessary for the effective practice of tai chi • Reveals the Taoist principles that gave birth to the Yang-style tai chi forms • Shows how tai chi can circulate powerful healing energies through the body Taoist adepts developed tai chi as both a martial art and a way to cultivate their physical body, energy body, and spirit body. Like all Taoist exercises, its main purpose is to form a connection to the basic energy that is the foundation of all life: chi. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, tai chi was considered a secret practice that was passed down only within a closely knit structure of family and loyal disciples. Despite its widespread growth in popularity as a martial art and health exercise, many of its underlying internal practices remain unknown. The Inner Structure of Tai Chi explores the deep, internal work necessary for the effective practice of tai chi. Designed for practitioners at every level, the book contains step-by-step illustrated instructions for mastering the 13 forms of early Yang-style tai chi, also known as Tai Chi Chi Kung. The authors demonstrate the relationship of the inner structure of tai chi to the absorption, transformation, and circulation of the three forces that animate all life--the Universal force, the Cosmic force, and the Earth force--revealing the principles and practices necessary to receive the full spectrum of physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits that tai chi can bring.