The Five Levels of Taijiquan

A commentary by Master Jan Silberstorff based on the famous treatise by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang
A review by David Radford

I first came across CXW's article some years ago in a book by David Gaffney and Davidine Sim. It is helpful both to teachers and students in managing expectations whilst giving a glimpse of the heights that may be reached by the select few through dedicated training with the best teachers.

Now, the commentary suffers from the same problem as does anything which talks about advanced concepts, namely that when you read it before you reach the level, you only gain at best superficial understanding of it and may even misunderstand completely. Conversely once you have reached that level then it is clear but you already understood it anyway.

In his book Jan attempts to explain these concepts in simpler terms and much more detail and as a disciple of CXW he is in a good position to do so. He also adds an excellent introduction. At times the explanations feel a bit laboured but I would venture to suggest it is not the sort of book to read cover-to-cover in one sitting, more the sort of book you can return to again and again.

In summary, this short book is well worth reading and much of it probably applies not just to tai chi but also to learning any sport that involves full body power and co-ordination where you may find yourself with the opportunity of testing your progress in competition with others. Hopefully Jan will have inspired more people to progress beyond that feeling of stagnation to reach the point at which tai chi once again becomes a deep joy for both body and mind.

Snake Style Tai Chi Chuan

The Hidden System of the Yang Family - a book by Master Bob Boyd (a review by David Radford)

I attended a seminar last year with Bob Boyd. Knowing a little of his background I had expected a good seminar but hadn't been prepared for such a radical rethink of what I thought I knew. To be honest it was a bit of an eye opener. I had been teaching tai chi for many years and doing a reasonable job at it without getting too serious about it, understanding a little more each year and exploring links with meditation and correct body movement in sport (esp. tennis) movements. After putting into practice some the concepts explained in the seminar and now in this book I realised I couldn't bring myself to teach the old way any more. Although there is a long way to go, it has already improved and strengthened my posture and added an extra dimension to my tai chi practice. Most of all though, it just feels so good to do!

If you are prepared to empty your cup (yes it is a lot to ask, I know) then this book will set you on the path to a deeper understanding of the fundamentals principals of tai chi. If you want to move in a more fluid and connected way; if you ever get frustrated with your lack of progress in your tai chi training then you might find this book very interesting. Not averse to a touch of controversy you will find in the pages of this book some comments that might surprise you but you'll have to read the book to find out :-;.

I know all this 'hidden knowledge now revealed' sounds like a corny advert for a magic formula but no, if you want to make use of the knowledge in the book you will have to work hard but at least you will be heading in the right direction!

Hidden Immortal Lineage Taiji Qigong - The Mother Form

This DVD of the Hidden Immortal Lineage is the first I have seen from Master Wu although I gather he has made at least one other. It is nice to see this sort of thing created in English rather than 978-1-84819-040-5-sm being subtitled.

It is well presented, shot in a lakeside location and Master Wu as always looks quite serene as I suppose he should after 30 years of dedicated study. The qigong he teaches here is like a short 8 movement taiji sequence. He demonstrates the form repeatedly in the same position but I do wish he had shown us also mirror fashion and from the back to make it easier to follow.

For me a highlight of the DVD was the complete demonstration of the 75 movement form which until recently was not taught publicly. These days the ancient knowledge is available to all to have the commitment to learn it.

So put on the DVD, soak up the atmosphere and follow Master Wu as he demonstrates (with a certain amount of explanation) the Mother Form.

£25 http://www.jkp.com/singingdragon/catalogue/9781848190405

DVD reviewed by David Radford

A Tai Chi Imagery Workbook

Love this book! If you only ever buy one tai chi book then make it this one. Quite simply it makes tai chi movements intuitive. tai chi imagery workbook

There are many kinds of tai chi volumes around. Some describe and illustrate the movements, others give you the history, another group of books may tell a personal story. This book helps you to experience tai chi for yourself. And this is from someone who is not good at visualisations. I have tried imagining myself on a beach of white sand drinking blue water but it doesn't work for me. The ideas in the book are mostly not like that at all. They tend to be very practical 'images' of how the mind and the body feel and experience the postures and movements.

This book is suitable for all levels from beginner to experienced practitioner and instructor. There's some 30 years of experienced contained within its pages but such is the clarity and simplicity that you don't feel weighed down by all the knowledge but rather lifted up because things you thought were complicated can be experienced in a simple way.

Let me leave you with one thought. Why is it easy to screw in a hook with your bare hands but impossible to similarly drive in a nail?

http://www.jkp.com/singingdragon/catalogue/9781848190290

Simon Blow's Series of Books with DVDs

blow What's the biggest challenge to overcome when you want to make a big change to a healthier lifestyle? It isn't the learning of new habits, routines and states of mind, though that can itself be a challenge. It is staying on track, being inspired to know that it is all worth the effort, and that there is support available.

With Simon Blow you have a living example of the transformative effect of his dedication to learning and teaching qigong. I won't go into detail here because it it explained on his website and on the DVDs, but you only have to watch the DVDs to see in his calm concentrated approach an attitude that inspires you to follow his example.

The routines he teaches include standards such as the 8 Treasures (Silk Brocades), 18 Tai Chi Qigong where the emphasis is on movement, a sitting meditation and a more advanced though still easy to follow 'Guigen' qigong which is more about actively guiding and leading the qi.

The DVDs of these routines have proven popular with our customers over the years generating plenty of positive feedback and repeat orders. Some have said that they would have liked to have seen more actual tuition on the DVDs. A book and DVD combination (a favourite learning tool of mine) seems to be the answer. Simon's books provide that extra background to the forms and are a handy reference point whilst the included DVDs (the same ones as before) are the best way to follow and join in the routines.

For more information visit his site: http://www.simonblowqigong.com

The 12 Animals by Master Zhongxian Wu

First impressions are of a beautifully presented hardcover book that anyone with an interest in horoscopes or Chinese culture would be delighted to receive as a gift. But this book is not just decorative, it offers many new insights into the 12 animals of Chinese astrology.

It turns out that we have been oversimplifying the system all this time and that we each have not just the one animal but several with different ones assuming prominence at different stages in our lives. This makes a lot of sense because people's character does go through subtle changes from childhood and adolescence to adult life and then retirement and old age.

Master Wu shows us several hand positions or 'mudras' for meditation and tells us the time of day or night that these meditations are most effective. Mercifully there is a workaround for the 3am meditation!

So in one book we have both a coffee table book and a serious explanation of Chinese astrology, and Master Wu's personality shines through. Well worth considering.

ISBN 978-1-84819-031-3 published by: Singing Dragon