Alan Peck

What is T'ai chi?
How can it help me?
Where can I find a practitioner?

This essential handbook covers all the basics about T'ai Chi-an ancient Chinese martial art, instantly recognisable for its slow, graceful movements. T'ai Chi offers a flexible and yielding form of self defence and promotes balance, harmony and peace in daily life.

This comprehensive guide for both beginners and advanced students looks at the historical and philosophical roots of T'ai Chi and outlines the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of learning the technique. The author includes practical information on finding a class and progressing beyond the basics, together with straightforward exercises and techniques to try at home.

Alan Peck teaches T'ai chi at the Natural Way School in Bristol, which he established himelf. He also practices meditation and is training in acupuncture.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
1 What is T'ai Chi Chuan?
Origins of t'ai chi chuan
Balancethe essence of t'ai chi
The meaning of t'ai chi chuan
The supreme pole
Wkhok invented t'ai chi chuan?
2 Is t'ai chi chuan for me?
Wkhat do ou do?
Can anyone study t'ai chi?
Must I be fit?
Why start t'ai chi?
The benefits of practice
What is chi?
The main principles of t'ai chi
Must I understand the meaning to reap the benefits?
Effects of t'ai chi on daily mental habits
Does t'ai chi conflict with other sports?
Is t'ai chi a form of meditation?
Is t'a chi too passive for modern life?
3 The t'ai chi chuan basics
Preparation exercises
How do you practise the form?
What happens in pushing hands?
Must I practise all the forms?
4 Joining a class
Finding the right teacher
The different styles of t'ai chi chuan
What clothing is needed?
What can I expect in a class?
How much effort is involved in t'ai chi?
Is there any danger of injury?
Physical weaknesses which can prevent study
5 Beyond the basics
How much should I practise?
What progress can I expect?
Higher states of t'ai chi
Self-defence aspects of t'ai chi
6 Advice for effective learnng
Thinking and feeling
Getting it right, getting i wrong
The inner voice
Changing habits
Doing t'ai chi chuan
Being part of a class
7 Chi and t'ai chi chuan
How is chi used in t'ai chi?
The benefits of chi cultivation
How do I learn to feel chi?
Exercises to develop chi
More advanced stages
8 The t'ai chi chuan classics
Chang San-Feng's advice
Wang Dsung-Yueh's advice
9 The essential principles for a beginner
Relax
Cental equilibrium and the tan tien
Coordinating the whole body
In t'ai chi the arms do not move
Invest in losss
Why is softness important?
Some final words of advice
Glossary
Reference section (bibliography)
Index… (mais)