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What is 'Tai Chi'? Peter Gilligan

What is 'Tai Chi'? By Peter Gilligan

What is 'Tai Chi'? by Peter Gilligan


$15.49
Condition - Very Good
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Summary

This insightful book covers all aspects of 'Tai Chi', answering questions that are beyond the scope of many classes. A wide range of material is covered, including fundamental points about the mechanics of movement and the 'energetic' aspects of practice, as well as the relationship between body, mind and spirit that emerges.

What is 'Tai Chi'? Summary

What is 'Tai Chi'? by Peter Gilligan

This book grew out of a question one of the author's students asked. The answer proved to be longer than either teacher or student could have anticipated.

As he looks at the complex art of 'Tai Chi', the author answers questions such as why, unlike in other martial arts, 'Tai Chi' has no gradings; how hard you should try; and how to make the most of your teacher. A wide range of material is covered, including fundamental points about the mechanics of movement and the 'energetic' aspects of practice, as well as the relationship between body, mind and spirit that emerges. The author also provides answers to questions that even experienced practitioners may not have thought to ask, such as what are the levels of self-defense in 'Tai Chi'? How do I refine and develop my 'Tai Chi'? What is the difference between method and technique? How do I put principles into practice?

This insightful book covers all aspects of 'Tai Chi', answering questions that are beyond the scope of many classes. It will be of interest to anyone beginning 'Tai Chi' or Qi Gong, as well as to more experienced practitioners at all levels, practitioners of other martial arts, and friends and relatives of Tai Chi players who wonder what all the fuss and enthusiasm is about.

What is 'Tai Chi'? Reviews

Peter Gilligan's book perceptively explores many of the differences between Oriental and Occidental thought, explaining how overly simplified translations of Chinese terms and ideas have led to many misconceptions in the study of Taijiquan...This book explores some very basic ideas in very great depth, and will appeal as much to the seasoned practitioner as to the novice. Gilligan himself points out that this book is in no way a substitute for a good teacher. However, what it does is help you to understand what to look for in your studies - which may lead to some people re-evaluating what they are doing, and why. -- Dragon's Tale
What is 'Tai Chi'? will have the voyeur itching to take up the practice, while at the same time deepening the long-term sudent's understanding. If you like tai chi, you will want to read and ponder this book. -- huffingtopost.com
This book is an effective guide to the methods and techniques of the art form. Whether you're starting out in tai chi or are already a devotee, you'll learn much about how to improve the health of your mind, body and spirit. -- Australian Natural Health
A stellar offering for anyone interested in this rapidly growing art... In the end, this 209-page volume (plus some references and a brief index) is literary egg burped up whole and white and shining and pure. In avuncular fashion, the author sews together the threads of what may be China's greatest cultural treasure. What is 'Tai Chi'? will have the voyeur itching to take up the practice, while at the same time deepening the long-term student's understanding. If you like tai chi, you will want to read and ponder this book. -- Arthur Rosenfeld: novelist, philosopher, martial arts teacher

About Peter Gilligan

Peter Gilligan had over thirty years' experience of Tai Chi, Qi gong and the Nei Jia (internal arts).He also had extensive experience as an Outdoor Pursuits Instructor and as an Associate Research Assistant at the Ergonomics unit of University College London. This, coupled with three months study of the therapeutic applications of Qigong and Taijiquan within the Chinese National Health Service, made him uniquely qualified to relate the art of Taijiquan to both Western scientific method and physical culture and education. Peter was a registered instructor with the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts, and he was founder and director of the DAH School of Chinese Internal Arts, the only full-time school of its kind in Belfast.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements. A Note on Romanisation. Section 1. Preliminaries and Preconceptions. 1. A Punet of Problems. Introduction. The Problems of Gradings. The Problem of Cultural Communication. The Problem of Language. The Need for Contextual Study. The Systems Approach. The Basic Chinese World View. Conclusion. 2. What's in a Word? Preliminaries: Background, Chinese Terms, What is Taijiquan? Taijiquan as Self Cultivation. Cultivation. Qi. Yin-Yang. Qi Gong. Schools of Qi Gong: Internal and External. The Use of Sensitivity. The Use of Intention (Will/Imagination). The Three Systems of Qi Gong. Types of Qigong. Jing Gong. Jing - Dong Gong. Dong Gong. Use of Xin (Sensitivity) and Yi (Will) in Qi Gong. Summary. 3. Laying the Martial Ghost. Taijiquan as Self Defense. Self Defense and Martial Art. Wu and Martial are not the Same. Martial Art and Wu Shu. Wu Shu, Gong Fu and Self-Cultivation. Taijiquan as Wu Shu. Three Levels of Testing in Taijiquan. The Role of 'Sparring' in Taijiquan. A Taijiquan Approach to Wu Shu. A Personal Encounter. Conclusion. Section 2. Initial Foundation. 4. Returning to Nature, Restoring Spring. The Meaning of Natural in Taijiquan. The Rectification of the Body. The Need for a Teacher. The Rectified Body. The Rectified Body: No Blocking or Wasting. Natural Alignment. Structure and Posture. The Application of Yin-Yang to the Body. Conclusion. 5. Learning How to Learn. Don't Try Too Hard. Should is a Condition - Not a Command. Wei Wu-Wei. Song. Song is the Expression of Taiji in the Body. Testing. Methods of Testing. Testing Song. Making the Most of Your Teacher. Summary. Basic Standing Posture. Three Circle Theory. 6. Methods and Techniques. Taiji and Taijiquan are not the Same. Daoyin. What are Methods and Techniques. People are Individuals, Unique and Different. Daoyin is Qi Gong. Daoyin and Gong Fu; Internal and External. Daoyin in Taijiquan. An Exercise to Learn Daoyin. The Three Systems of Daoyin Qi Gong. Conclusion. Section 3. The Art of Taijiquan. 7. The Six Secrets. The Six Secrets. Nei Gong. The Six Secrets as Nei Gong. Discussion of the Six Secrets. Three-Circle Theory. Yin Yang Theory. Taijiquan Forms are Movements. Benefits of Yin-Yang Form Study. Stages of Yin Yang Study. Spiral, or Qi, Form. Problems in Spiral Form Study. Centre-Turn Form. Spiral in the Leg. Yin-Yang Head and Hands. Conclusion. 8. Practice to Perfection. The Syllabus of Taijiquan. The Taijiquan Teacher's Job. Practicing Taijiquan. Syllabus, Technique and Method. Internal Breathing; Nei Gong. Nei Gong Daoyin Exercise. Testing and Warnings. Traditional Nei Gong. Conclusion. Appendix. Taijiquan: Forms, Techniques and Practices. Supplementary Forms and Practices. Pushing Hands. Two Person Taijiquan. Weapons Forms. References. Bibliography.

Additional information

GOR004338979
9781848190245
1848190247
What is 'Tai Chi'? by Peter Gilligan
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
20091115
224
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

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