Complete Tai-Chi: The Definitive Guide to Physical and Emotional Self-Improvement

This book is a great book to learn the basics and fundamentals of Wu tai chi. This style does not apply low stances. It is applicable for any practitioner, I like to complement my training which require more physical demand with the soft approach of tai chi. The body needs this balance. I recommend it.

I brought it for mainly Mr Huangs Translation of the Tai Chi Classics at the end of the book.

I practice Tai Chi with this book and I it's easy to follow instruction of this Master. And it's great that now I have this book on my iPad.

All good.

Despite not being a Wu style practitioner, I found this book to contain a wealth of knowlege about Taiji Quan. Unlike most books which claim to be "Complete" Taiji anything, this one delivers with finesse.First, the history section is a gem. Rather than delving into myths and legends, Alfred Huang puts forward solid historical research which disproves both the Cheng San-Feng theory, and the Wang Zhongyu chronology (showing how it would be impossible for Wang to have taught the Chens.) This alone, makes the book valuable to anyone interested in authentic history of Taiji Quan.Next, the form. The form presented in this book, is Wu style. It is a condensed 36 posture form that Alfred Huang derives from the Wu private family form. The photographs are easy to follow, and the transitions between movements are simple to grasp.Last, the section on the Taiji Classics are what cemented my opinion on this book. Most texts simply throw in the photos with descriptions, and call it a day. The classics are the heart/bible of Taiji Quan practice, and their inclusion is essential for any book to be a "complete" guide. The author does just that, allowing the reader to draw from the experience of the founders.In conclusion, this is a great addition to any serious practitioner's library. Even though the form is non-standard (you probably won't be able to use it as a reference to what you learn in class,) the rest of the material is top notch, and even a non-student with no prior experience will take away something solid from this book.

Leave it on the shelf. He takes about 150 pages to do 39 forms. "Grasping the bird's tail" is 11 pages. it is so detailed that it is not helpful. Absolutely gets lost in the minutiae. The author says "you might feel bored after being reminded again and again" and he is right. Get Wu Style Taichichuan instead. Much more practical. Then get lessons or check out videos. Have used both. Huang's book suffers through each movement. Sorry to those who want great mystery and nuances into every glance (which are there but get real)...

As a Tai Chi practitioner for several years, I've read a number of books and this is definitely one of the best. Master Huang provides great information about how the properly practice your forms, the reasons why from Chinese medicine, and a wonderful history of the martial art. Yet his writing is clear and very understandable, making it a pleasure to read. Though I don't practice the style or the form he describes, I learned a lot about why I was taught to do my forms a certain way. (Sometimes, in the old way of teaching, they don't teach why, but just show you how.)I would highly recommend anyone who is practicing Tai Chi or is interested to read this book, as a great supplement to whatever class or instruction you have.

Good book

There are many westerners who profess to being experts in Eastern Culture and Practices, however, in this book the true master (Alfred Huang) has produced a definitive step by step guide to achieve true fulfilment in Tai Chi in an illustrative way that is easily comprehended by beginners and enthusiasts alike. He discusses the origins and style variations of Tai Chi with fascinating detail and incorporates his consummate knowledge and experience of the "I Ching" into every page of this wonderful book. For those who aspire to learn and practice Tai Chi, this book is an excellent reference piece and Alfred Huang is a true Master, indeed. See also his book "The Complete I Ching "

this book is a really good read i cant put it down