Video Resources
Some Youtube links to the forms we practice
Chen Zhenglei's daughter doing Chen 18
This is performed outside so the angles are different from green screen views
Bagua (Basics, Qigong, 8 Mother Palms, Old 8 Palms, New 8 Palms)
42 Empty Hand Form Detail Playlist
This contains instruction from two different teaching DVDs. Although the audio is in Chinese the videos are helpful.
Chen Style Long Form (Lao Jia Yilu)
This is a playlist. Each video is a lesson on a single movement in the routine.
The entire Lao Jia Yilu as performed by Chen Zhenglei. Pinyin and German subtitles.
Taiji Gong Fu Fan 56 Forms Beautiful Sunset Fan Teaching Video
Recommended Book List
Taijiquan: The Art of Nurturing, The Science of Power
by Yang Yang
Not so much how as why!
by Jose Johnson
Obviously about mindfulness, and how to improve it. This my teacher’s book If you are looking to get a serious handle on mindfulness in the most efficient way this is your best bet!
Taijiquan [With DVD] (Book & DVD)
by Li Deyin
Tai Chi Chuan: 24 & 48 Postures with Martial Applications
by Liang Shou-Yu, Wu Wen-Ching
Taijiquan: Cultivating Inner Strength
by C.P. Ong
This book includes some history and other context content for beginners, but I find the explanation of essential Taijiquan theory is where this book shines! C. P.'s language borders on academic, but it is a natural voice. I know him, and he writes like he speaks, precise and to the point. If you have already studied the history of Taijiquan you may want to go directly to chapter 5. This is not a how-to as in how to do a specific routine, but rather on how to efficiently develop internal strength, and understand how taiji theory applies scientifically to your body mechanics. although this is Chen style based, I believe it is applicable to all the Taiji styles.
Lessons From Masters
by Jan Gyomber
This book is subtitled: Anecdotes and Training Tips from a student of Tai Chi and related arts.
Full disclosure- I am mentioned intros book, more than once! Jan tells a great story, and this is full of humor, excellent training tips, and glimpses into the characters of some of the most interesting teachers of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Drawing Silk: Masters' Secrets for Successful Tai Chi Practice
by Paul B. Gallagher
Sword Imperatives--Mastering the Kung Fu and Tai Chi Sword
by Ju-Rong Wang & Wen-Ching Wu
Master Cheng's Thirteen Chapters on Tai Chi Ch Uan
by Man-Ch'Ing
Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan
by Fu Zhongwen
Although you may not currently be studying the traditional Yang Long Form, the introductory chapters by the translator and the original author are illuminating, and will lead the intermediate and advanced student to a deeper understanding of all forms of Taijiquan. The translator's introduction is awesome!
A Tai Chi Imagery Workbook: Spirit, Intent, and Motion
by Martin Mellish
This book has tons of movement metaphors to help you understand the basics, as well as how to take your Taiji to the next level. Structure, stepping, and spirit are all discussed. some of these metaphors are sure to speak to you.
Tai Chi Ch’uan & Qigong
by Wolfgang Metzgerand Peifang Zhou with Manfred Grosser, Ph.D.
A very good book on basic Qigong and the 24 Form. Super helpful for beginners and informative for advanced students. It does not have applications as the Liang Shou yu’s book does, but it has more detailed written instructions for the form and the basics.
Qigong Empowerment
by Master Shou-yu Liang and Wen-Ching Wu
A big book on a lot of different Qigong Methods including Medical, Daoist, Buddhist, Wushu and energy Cultivation.Super helpful for beginners and informative for advanced students.
The Dao of Taijiquan
by Jou, Tsung Hwa,
When I was younger and new to my studies I found this book incomprehensible and full of esoteric information.I now find it interesting. Some of the translations are a bit off. And it is chock full of theory, but it has a lot of stuff that may be helpful to the intellectually inclined.