Tai Chi: The Way Of Balance In An Unbalanced World
A Complete Guide To Tai Chi And How It Can Stabilize You Life
by
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Table of Contents Chapter 1: SOME SPECIAL STUDENTS I HAVE KNOWN Jerry Maggie Doug Jeanne The Goat Keeper Chapter 2: INTRODUCTION TO TAI CHI, ITS HISTORY AND ORIGIN Chapter 3: START AT THE BEGINNING Tai Chi Styles Public Tai Chi Family Tai Chi How to Pick a School Know Yourself Establish a Planned Schedule Chapter 4: Thirty Minutes of Paradise Chapter 5: Taoist Influence in Tai Chi What Taoism Is and What it Is Not Verse 8: The Highest Good Verse 26: Seductions Verse 68: The Ethics of War Verse 78: Appearance and Reality Verse 76: Let Yin Predominate Over Yang Chapter 6: THE CHI IN TAI CHI What is Chi ? The Mind Directs the Chi, You Must Concentrate Relax the Mind and Body It is Imperative to Breathe Properly Put Your Mind, Body and Breath In Sync As One Put it All Together With Your Tai Chi Moves Chapter 7: MAINTAIN BALANCE AT ALL TIMES Bio-Mechanical Balance Physical Balance Mental/Spiritual Balance Yin /Yang…The Symbol of True Balance Yin Yang in Tai Chi Chapter 8: QIGONG, TAI CHI’S OLDER COUSIN Chapter 9: A FEW WORDS ABOUT TEACHING Chapter 10: THE TENS Ten Benefits of Tai Chi Ten Ways to Ensure a Good Tai Chi Form Ten Ways to Ensure a Good Tai Chi Workout Ten Steps to Meditation Ten Steps to Proper Breathing Ten Words to Live By Ten Stretches That Will Help Ten Everyday Experiences Where Tai Chi Can Help Ten Ways Tai Chi Principles Can Help A Marriage Ten Ways to Train for Self Defense Chapter 11: NEAT STUFF THAT’S NICE TO KNOW A Glossary of Terms Trees in Tai Chi, Qigong The Negative Ion Advantage Tai Chi Linage Learning Movements in the Form Illustrations: Linage Graph Yin/Yang Symbol Illustrations for Learning the Form Chapter 12: PARTING THOUGHTS Chapter 3 Start At The Beginning We have never met and I don’t know you. I do know this: you must have some interest in tai chi. Otherwise, you would not be reading this book. You may be a very nice person who wants to better yourself and tai chi may be the way. You may be getting a little older and no longer want to run marathons and do step aerobics and you are looking for a low impact way to stay in shape. You may think tai chi can melt away your stress and help you live healthier and longer. My thoughts in this book are directed to those who want to study tai chi, but get a little confused when they view a DVD or read a book about it. I am going to guide you through the maze that will result in your life becoming better as a result of being a student of tai chi. As I stated, we must start at the beginning. The beginning can be divided into four different categories: 1. Have a basic knowledge of tai chi styles, so you will know what to look for when picking a school. 2. How to choose the right school. 3. Know yourself and know what you want to gain from the study of tai chi. 4. Once you have selected a style and a school, develop a scheduled program. HOW TO PICK A SCHOOL There are two and only two requirements for a school. 1. It needs to be close to home, no more than a 30 minute drive. 2. After the first 10 minutes you should feel comfortable and right at home. Since your tai chi class may continue for years, it is important to be as close to home as possible. It seems long trips to class do a lot to sap your joy. I am a big fan of trusting my feelings. If it feels right, do it. If it does not, then leave. Remember, this is not soccer where the season ends in 14 weeks or so. This should be a long-term commitment. You must feel comfortable with your instructor and at the same time be aware of his/her qualifications. If he looks about 22 and tells you he is a master and a linage holder, leave tire marks in the parking lot. KNOW YOURSELF Always, when a new student enters my school, the first question I ask is, “What do you want to gain by taking tai chi?”I have heard answers that range from, “I want them to stop killing the whales.” to, “I would like to be able to beat up everyone on my softball team.” This is true. I have actually had these answers. Most, however, want to participate in an exercise program that is good for them and reduce stress. As a worksheet, I am going to list fifteen benefits tai chi offers and you check with a pencil five of these benefits you would like to enjoy the most:
Formats
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About the Book
With a picture of Mr. Robinson teaching his grandson, the back page reads:"Mr. Robinson, a Master of Yang Tai Chi, had undertaken two projects. The first is to hand down to his grandson, 46 years of knowledge and experience in the Martial Arts.
The second is to hand down this knowledge and experience to you through the pages of this book. Much effort has been taken to give the reader a complete guide to Tai Chi in a language that is uncomplicated and yet very detailed. This book is like none of the other books about Tai Chi you have ever seen.
This book, written through the eyes of a Master raised in the South, not only tells you of the history and origin of Tai Chi, but explains how Tai Chi can be such a positive influence in your life. The breathing, the relaxation, the harmony, the exercise, the philosophy, the self-defense, the health and healing created in ancient China allcome together in this book as a means to benefit you today.
This is a must read for everyone, from the complete novice to the experienced in Tai Chi."
About the Author
Mr. Robinson has been martial artist for over 46 years and has devoted his entire adult life to improving the quality of life in his students through the pratice of tai chi. He was promoted to Master of Yang Tai Chi in 1996 and has touched the lives of hundreds of people. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Mr. Robinson is also an avid dog lover and does much to give dogs a better life. He is a father and a grandfather who has children and grandchildren active in the martial arts.