The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan: A Comprehensive Guide to the Principles and Practice

by Wong Kiew Kit

Master the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan with this informative guide.

One of the most popular Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan is also one of the most effective stress relievers available. In China, it is also used extensively for the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and its beneficial effects on health and fitness are now widely recognized in the West. The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan is a comprehensive and fascinating guide to the practical application and potential benefits of Tai Chi Chuan.

This tai chi guide is packed with step-by-step illustrations for practice at home and covers everything you would want to know about this ancient art, including its benefits for mental, spiritual and emotional development. It is both an ideal introductory guide and an invaluable reminder for those who have already taken classes.

Topics in The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan include:
Tai Chi Chuan as a Martial Art
The Concept of Yin-Yang and Tai Chi Chuan
The Historical Development of the Various Styles
Advice from the Great Masters
Techniques and Skills of Pushing Hands
Specific Techniques for Combat Situations
Taoism and Spiritual Development in Tai Chi Chuan
And much more

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Health, Reference

336 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2002

About the author

Wong Kiew Kit is a fourth generation successor from the Southern Shaolin Monastery in China (not to be confused with the more commonly known Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province) and is a grandmaster of Shaolin Kung Fu and Qigong. He is also the head of the Shaolin Wahnam Institute.

Reviews

[William Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to take taekwondo, but I couldn’t afford the classes. Beyond that, I haven’t had any training in martial arts.

The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan by Wong Kiew Kit is a martial arts manual and philosophical guide. The book discusses the theory and practice behind Tai Chi Chuan, and shows the five mainline schools.

A book is inadequate to describe the movements and stances, but the book does a respectable job. The author suggests finding a competent instructor several times.

The book is fascinating. The main hangup I have with the book is its description of chi and internal forces. It doesn’t seem real. I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.

[Adam Geisler · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The significance of Tai Chi Chuan lies not in its form but in its energy flow, not in the external but in the internal." These kinds of aphorisms are common in the literature of tai chi chuan, and Wong Kiew Kit includes many of them throughout his book. This guide has served as a handy compendium of all things tai chi. Many year ago while living in Beijing, I started learning the Chen style from a long-time master. The challenge was that I didn't speak much Mandarin, and he didn't speak any English. As I have been slowly reacquainting myself with the taijiquan that I learned long ago, I have used this book to try to comprehend some of the important principles behind the martial art, especially those concepts which likely eluded me in my first go round. Kit sets out to cover each of the main branches of tai chi while also explaining the connections to the practice of qi gong. Some of the diagrams are more detailed than others, which I found annoying, but to return to the opening quote, I tried to concentrate on the aspects of tai chi chuan that I had less of an understanding of: the energy flow and the internal.

[Jacob Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gives an excellent overview of Tai Chi's major styles, albeit a little more in the "Tai Chi solves everything" mode of those martial arts devotees that can veer towards cult-like obsession than I would like. It includes line-drawing illustrations of a form for each of Wudang, Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu, and Sun styles, which are largely excellent instructional tools for someone familiar with the art, but a little more explicit articulation of the differences in execution of some of the common moves would be helpful (e.g., Sun-style Brush Knee Twist Step v. Chen-style Brush Knee Twist Step). The rationale behind some of the forms is a little perplexing as well, since the author says that he's removed some duplication of techniques, but clearly left an abundance of others.

Overall, an excellent resource.

[Ilaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un’ottima guida. Sebbene lo stile che pratico da più di sette anni non sia menzionato nel libro, ho comunque ritrovato molte figure dallo stesso nome o simile (anche se eseguite a volte in modo diverso) e sono riuscita a immaginarle, e ciò ha reso la lettura molto scorrevole e piacevole. Ho scoperto e imparato alcune nozioni che ho integrato con quelle che già possedevo grazie agli insegnamenti del mio Maestro. In generale, nulla di quanto narrato mi è stato di oscura comprensione, perciò per comprenderlo consiglio di leggerlo dopo aver praticato il tai chi per qualche anno.

[Erick Corona · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a comprehensive book indeed, but not deep. It covers the history of Tai Chi Chuan as well as different styles, the relationship to Taoism, weapons, etc. It's great as an introduction or as a companion of actual practice with a Tai Chi master. The book has many illustrations, but they are difficult to follow. After reading, I feel motivated to learn more about Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Kung Fu, and Taoism in general. A downside is that it's a bit repetitive sometimes.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thorough guide to tai chi principles and practice.

[Cyril · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and hard to put in practice

[G C]

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[Ray Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for those wanting to learn more and take their Tai Chi deeper. I feel it's more geared towards the existing student than those who are new to Tai Chi.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK so I am a tai chi enthusiast and hope to teach it eventually so I'm slightly biased but there have been books and dvds which I have thrown across the room because they completely miss the point. This book is incredibly accessible, informative and useful for the practitioner or somebody interested in martial arts generally.
Parts of the text you can disagree with if you wish but you do need to keep an open mind. I found the description of how Chinese medicine approaches the treatment of disease.
I particularly loved the description of the practical applications of the art and even more the chi kung exercises in particular using Lifting Water as a chi kung exercise.

Give it a go you won't regret it.

[WIZE FOoL · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the beginner, this book is a must.
It walks you through all the basics with great details.
Some energy work is given too.
For the more advanced, there are numerous forms from different styles. If your the sort of person who likes different forms, this book would help you recall the sequences.
It also gives some push hands sequences. In tai chi these can be many. But those shown here will serve the beginner well.
This book seems to be more for people who don't have a local class to attend. You will not find the refinement you get from experienced teachers.
Yet all in all it is a good book for the Tai Chi practitioner.
Enjoy.

[Ayman Sieny · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book provides a good explanation of the development of tai chi chuan from traditional shaolin kung fu forms. It then attempt to explain some the hidden concepts involved in tai chi practice and the stages of proficiency. The gives his point of view on what types of exercise to avoid so as to not contradict the effects of practicing tai chi. Also includes some diagrams illustrating the main routines of push hands. Overall, it provides a good overview of tai chi's development and practice.

[Dustin Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written. It certainly lives up to it's name as a "complete" book of tai chi chuan. In my opinion it is the best and most complete book on tai chi out there. A definite must for any beginner and any serious student of the art of tai chi. An essential book. It covers the complete forms of several different styles - few books do that.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good general look at Tai Chi Chuan.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic overview of Tai Chi

[Glasspixie Pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'll be coming back to this book again and again.

[Al West · Rating 5 out of 5]

After studying Tai Chi for five year I found this book adds clarity to practice... Enjoy

[A Blane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive survey of various styles of Tai Chi Chuan.

[Karthik]

its a very good book