Tai chi, the Chinese art of soft and gentle exercise, is sometimes known as meditation in movement, promoting excellent health and relief from stress. Suitable for all ages, it continues to spread in popularity across the Western world

This accessible guide to tai chi, with easy to follow instructions and clear, high-quality illustrations, is a must for beginners, advanced students and teachers alike. It includes:

The first detailed explanation of the tai chi sequence of movements, the 48 form set.
Warmng-up exercises and basic stances.
The history and philsophy of tai chi.
The theory of chi kung-how to cultivate the vital energy which can maintain health.

Paul Crompton has studied tai chi and martial arts ofor twenty years, and is an internationally recoginzed expert in these areas. He has written extensively on the martial arts, including the bestselling title The Elements of Tai Chi.

Contents

Introduciton: What is tai chi chuan?
1 Tai chi and philosophy
2 The theory of chi kung
3 Aspects of physics in tai chi
4 Principles of tai chi chuan
5 Introductory exercises
6 Learning the 48 form set of tai chi
7 Push hands (tui shou)
8 Tai chi today
Further reading (bibliography)
Useful addresses
General index
Index of forms