Tai Chi Chuan: Body and Mind in Harmony Review

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(More customer reviews)In this first popular explanation in English of T'ai Chi Ch'uan (Wu Style), Sophia Delza, the only Western woman master of the system [circa 1961], discusses its underlying philosophy and describes every step of each movement in picture and lucid text. Of it she says:
T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a system of activating the body for the development of physical, emotional and mental well-being that produces a feeling of satisfaction and a sense of tranquility that Western exercises do not give. This in itself may not sound unusual since many exercises so promise, but what is unique in this case is the technical method, with its form and spirit, which promotes the desirable state.
We in the West are apt to overdo in exercises and sports, believing that a hard, tense movement indicates strength and control and that power comes from the ability to expend strength violently. The technique of T'ai Chi Ch'uan is contrary to such a method. It is in the philosophy of T'ai Chi Ch'uan that energy can be controlled, strength balanced, vitality stabalized by using the body in such a way as not to strain the muscles, not to overactivate the heart, not to exert oneself excessively. The technique of T'ai Chi Ch'uan is based not only on a physical method, but also on an emotional and mental attitude, from which a state of awareness, calmness nd concentration evolves. This consideration of man's total health is intrinsic in the forms and techniques of T'ai Chi Ch'uan.
--- from book's dustjacket

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The Complete Book Of T'ai Chi (DK Living) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have studied three books on Tai Chi. The different forms used by different masters can create confusion. The form in this book is an accepted standard. The layout, details, photographs, tips and text are superb. Pictures of the entire form are reproduced, in sequence, on the fly leaves. Learning Tai Chi requires a teacher. But this book will accelerate your learning process appreciably.

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Chin Na in Ground Fighting: Principles, Theory and Submission Holds for All Martial Styles Review

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(More customer reviews)Author Al Arsenault offers a complete view of chin-na (gripping/grappling) techiques for the ground, from initial standing position to the ground application. The level of this book is basic to advanced--a person with little experience (you'll likely need some grappling experience to understand any book on ground or throwing arts) can hone their understanding through practicing and studing the explanations in the narrative. Advanced concepts are also demonstrated and explained in an organized manner.
The format in this book endears itself to study, with photos and diagrams clear and easy to comprehend. Arsenault goes beyond simply showing a technique which might be difficult to apply without an experienced instructor by explaining through detailed narrative precisely how one must manouver and position oneself. We also learn WHY the techniques and positioning are done as they are done, how they work, and how to get the most out of a technique. This practical and sensible approach can be appreciated by grapplers and strikers alike.
The square construction of this thick book makes it less likely to flop shut when you spread it on the mat to experiment with the techniques shown within. All in all, a straightforward offering which can offer new ideas and applications regardless of one's style of practice.

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Focuses on the use of joint locks, cavity presses and bone misplacement to subdue any aggressor.

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Tae Kwon Do: The Korean Martial Art Review

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(More customer reviews)To let you know up front I've been asked by YMAA Publication Center to review this book. Check my other reviews if you are concerned about bias. Honestly it takes a lot to ask me to review a book, because I will tell you exactly what I think. I have trained in the martial arts for over 25 years now primarily in aikido, jujitsu and boxing of various sorts. I have never been a big fan of striking in real combat. The idea of taking the smallest bones in my body and matching them up against, say your skull, doesn't seem like a real good idea to me. Bust you hand sometime and you'll see what I mean. Even with that bias I have to admitt that Master Chun's book is very impressive. It contains a ton of information especially about some basic things that a lot of the TKD people I've met should have studied. The section on learning falls is pretty good and if you do TKD do yourself a favor and learn this if you are not being taught. What makes this book so big is a lot of the space is devoted to providing decent photos of what is taught. The draw back here is that for someone like myself who has seen enough moves I know what is trying to be taught so my mind fills in any blanks. But if you look at some of the content with a beginners mind you can see where confusion could very easily set in. This is a good lesson in what a book in the martial arts is suppose to do....reinforce what you are already learning from your mat experience, so I don't consider any lapses to be a problem.
I do have some concerns about some of the practical applications especially the weapon disarms. The knife and firearm disarms are great ways to get killed. Don't even think about them.This is where kata is going to get you hurt. There are safer and better applications so I wouldn't try these in real training or a conflict. Often there are kicks or punches employed where they are in my opinion, high risk and of questionable yield. BUT keep in mind that they are being performed by someone who has done these things for a lifetime. For Master Chun these are as second nature to him as breathing. I've worked with people who are at this level in their striking and they feel very comfortable with these types of moves. It becomes a matter of your own level of practice and comfort. To get to that level thought you have to spend a lifetime working at it.
If you are studying TKD for a sport application, kata, or breaking boards this book is an exhaustive source.

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Inside you will find everything you need to reach the rank of Black Belt in most Taekwondo schools. With over 1400 illustrations, this reissued edition preserves the quality of the critically acclaimed cloth edition used by thousands of students over the last 30 years.

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