There Are No Secrets: Professor Cheng Man Ch'ing and His T'ai Chi Chuan

Disclosure -- I am a student of Wolfe LowenthalPeople study taichi for a variety of reasons. Some people want to learn to push others through the air, some just want to experience the flow of chi. This book addresses the latter through the former, presenting taichi as a way or tao that works through the physical. It is said in the taichi classics that "the mind leads the chi". Any "techniques" mentioned in this book are there to enhance the attitude and mind-set of taichi. And this is consistent with taichi itself, which does not prescribe a set response to a set stimulus, but rather seeks to develop a sense of a balance and aliveness such that the student learns how to respond appropriately in any situation.Cheng Manching was a complex person, and his teaching and approach can be taken in many different ways, but the key is that he said "There are no secrets in this taichichuan I am teaching. But if there was, it would be..." Wolfe says that it would be "the hands don't move", but I suspect CMC would say the secret is gongfu -- practice and time spent in principle. In principle -- that's the hard part! (From Chapter 1 -- "I can't accept that.")

This is in part a light-hearted recounting of the life of the late Professor Cheng M'an Ching. The author describes time spent at Professor Cheng's New York Taiji studio, and some of the lessons learned.While to an average reader this material will not seem like much, to Cheng M'an Ching style practitioners this is an affirmation of the Professor's skills, knowlege, and personality. Parts of the book contain anecdotes about the Professor's life, while others offer his advice for daily practice, with bits of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine,) Confucianism, and Taoist thought thrown in.If you are looking for stories about Professor Cheng and some of his advice to his students, this book is for you. If, however, you are not a CMC stylist, or are looking for a Taiji how-to book, you might need to look elsewhere. Otherwise, a welcome addition to any Cheng M'an Ching stylist's library.

A very enjoyable easy to read and informative book. Wolfe had the good fortune to spend so much time with a true Tai Chi master and it is our good fortune that he recorded much of his experience.

I have heard my Tai Chi instructors cite this book for three years, so I finally bought it. Like I expected, it was very helpful, teaching vital lessons to mastery of this enigmatic martial art. I was also surprised by how accessible it was--it is written in plain English and Wolfe Lowenthal does a superb job and putting into common English complicated Chinese words and ideas. I join my instructors in agreeing that this book will give your mind plenty of fodder to ruminate on when you're learning Tai Chi. Overall, it's easy to read, yet full of vital wisdom to meditate on and apply to your practice. Everyone can benefit from it, particularly students past the novice stage but not yet masters.

Well written book by and about Master William Chen, containing amusing stories of his time teaching in New York and in depth discussions of the chi and inner workings of doing Tai Chi. Easy book to read, a lot to think about. Better for someone who has a few years doing Tai Chi.

Excellent study of one of the Great Taiji Masters of our time. Lowenthal writes about his experiences as a Student of Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing. Thoroughly enjoyable and easily understood to a beginner Practitioner, such as myself. I enjoyed the reading and recommend it for all who are studying the Art of Taijiquan.

I rated, "There Are No Secrets: Professor Cheng Man Ch'ing and His T'ai Chi Chuan," by Wolfe Lowenthal with 1-star because I simply could not get into this book. Chapters 1-3 started off promising and strong. After reading that third chapter, I had to force myself to read each word on the page. Once I reached chapter 15 I decided to call it quits and give up on the book altogether.I have been practicing Tai Chi since November 2020. I thought this book would give me insight into the ancient art form. This book never flowed or read smoothly after chapter 3.

This book is full of practical as well as philosophical information. For a tai chi practitioner it is essential for growth.

Fast delivery, product in great condition, great service

Brilliant read

This is an excellent book and for any students of the Cheng man-Ching 37 movement form it truly is essential reading...A wonderful insight into his thinking and philosophy.

I "Looked Inside" on the Amazon site and read the first few pages and was inspired to buy the book which lived up to my expectations. I love the allegorical story of the Samurai and Sword Master that starts the book off, it contains the simple truth of all spiritual practices. The rest of the book continues with this profound simplicity all the way through. I thought it was a very honest and inspiring read that captures the essence of T'ai Chi. I practice this discipline myself and found this book very helpful to my practice and life.

This is a personal account of one man's experiences which helps to relate to the practice of the short form Prof Cheng Man-ching is accredited with creating. If you are serious about taking your practice of the short form to a deeper level, then this book and its sequel Gateway to the Miraculous are necessary to enable you to see what it is all about and where it should take you.It is a heartfelt commentary rather than an instructional book, but if you are already a student of Taichi with a good teacher, then you will find both books a treasure, which you will relate back toas you progress. Enjoy!