Classical Northern Wu Style Tai Ji Quan: The Fighting Art of the Manchurian Palace Guard

by Tina Chunna Zhang, Frank Allen

Here is the original, rarely seen Tai Ji Quan developed by Yang Lu Chan's best Imperial Palace Guard student, Quan You, over 150 years ago. While other styles branched off into sport, health, and meditation, Quan You's disciples preserved the traditional ways. This book covers the principles, characteristics, and essentials of the Wu method, along with its famous masters. The entire classical form is illustrated step-by-step, and includes weapons skills.

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2006

Reviews

[Dang Minh]

I have been studying taijiquan for 5 years (think of math, or English, for comparison). The book is informative, makes a good introduction to taijiquan. The form is congruent with what I learned from my teacher, but not nearly enough details to help with practice. The most valuable pages are the ones on good practices, and the translation of the classics. The pictures and forms are, well, not very useful.
If I am still practicing taijiquan ten years from now I will write a better review.