Showing posts with label taijiquan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taijiquan. Show all posts

May 15, 2025

New Book: Taijiquan Master Reference Anthology

 

  

 
Taijiquan Master Reference
Edited by Michael DeMarco
A comprehensive collection of articles from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, in two volumes.
Volume One & Two combined: 962 pages, hardcover, $74 US
https://www.viamediapublishing.com/china 

"This is an anthology of articles relating to taijquan (tai chi) that were previously publishing over two decades in the quarterly Journal of Asian Martial Arts, noted for its high academic and aesthetic standards. Included here in 960 pages are sixty-four articles, 735 illustrations, glossaries, maps, charts, and bibliographies. Researchers can benefit from this handy anthology, particularly for the information and analyses presented, including the rich bibliographic listings. Taiji practitioners will also gain insights to benefit their own practice, be it for health and/or self-defense.

"Via Media Publishing was founded in 1992 in order to produce the peer reviewed quarterly Journal of Asian Martial Arts (1992–2012)—the first publication of its kind to focus on martial traditions in an academic format. Many of the authors were scholar–practitioners, who utilized their unique talents to present articles from various specializations, such as Asian Studies, kinesiology, history, anthropology, philosophy, and physical education. Those who were serious about this field subscribed to the journal to read articles noted for their high academic and aesthetic standards. Most were in the United States, Canada, and Europe, but also in other areas of the world. These naturally included martial art schools and individual practitioners. There was a strong base among university and public libraries too. As founder of Via Media, I’ve decided to assemble this anthology of articles relating to taijiquan. There are over three hundred million taiji practitioners worldwide, drawn to the art mainly for health maintenance and it therapeutic value. Researchers can benefit from this handy anthology, particularly for the information and analyses presented, including the rich bibliographic listings. Taiji practitioners will also gain insights to benefit their own practice, be it for health and/or self-defense. Included here are sixty-four articles, the same number of hexagrams in the Book of Changes (Yijing). In addition to 735 illustrations, there are glossaries, maps, charts, and bibliographies. Taijiquan is the term representing the general category of study, but taijiquan can be subdivided into its branches, from the original Chen Family Style to the highly popular Yang Family Style. Other lineages are presented, such as the Wu and Sun systems. The variety of material in this anthology reflects in-depth scholarly research and the experience of master practitioners. It will be a valuable source taijiquan enthusiasts for future decades. By making this book available to individuals and libraries, we hope this rare material will greatly contribute to further research in this field and inspire many to learn taijiquan with aspirations to mastery."

Volume One authors include:

Robert W. Smith, Peter Lim Tian Tek, Stephan Berwick , Tim Cartmill , Bosco Seung-Chul Baek, David Gaffney, Zhang Yun , Russ Mason , Kenneth S. Cohen , Douglas Wile , Herman P. Kauz , Stanley E. Henning , Cai Naibiao, Wong Yuen Ming, John Loupos, Jake Burroughs , Benjamin Lo , Michael Rosario Graycar, C.J. Rhoads , Leroy Clark , Asr Cordes, Linda Lehrhaupt, Nigel Sutton , Dietmar Stubenbaum, Barbara Davis, Bradford Tyrey , Marcus Brinkman, Arieh Lev Breslow, Adam Wallace, Wong Jiaxiang, Sophia Delza , Charles Holcombe , Carol M. Derrickson, Stuart Kohler, Donald D. Davis , Dennis Willmont , Donald Mainfort , Miriam O’Connor , Andy Peck, Mark Hawthorne , Yaron Seidman , Joel Stein , Xu Yizhong , Yuan Weiming , Xu Zhengmei, Danny Emerick,  Hal Mosher, S. Dale Brown  Greg Brodsky, Lawrence L. Mann , Michael A DeMarco

Volume Two: Michael DeMarco, Robert W. Smith, David Gaffney  , Benjamin Lo , Tim Cartmill , Stephan Berwick , Stanley Henning , Herman Kaus , Douglas Wile , Bosco Seung-Chul Baek    

February 4, 2023

Yang Luchan, Taijiquan Patriarch

Image result for yang luchan picture

 ‘The Many Lives of Yang Luchan: Mythopoesis, Media, and the Martial Imagination.’

In Martial Arts Studies

By Douglas Wile, 2022

ABSTRACT:
The life of Yang Luchan, patriarch of the Yang lineage and founder
of taijiquan’s most popular style, is a biographical blank slate upon
which conservative, progressive, orientalist, and just plain rice bowl
interests have inscribed wildly divergent narratives. Conservative
scholar-disciples sought to link him with the invented Wudang-Daoist
lineage, while progressives emphasized his humble origins and health
benefits of the practice. His life (c.1799-1872) straddled the height of
the Manchu empire and decline into semi-colonial spheres of foreign
influence, while successive generations of Yang descendants propagated
his ‘intangible cultural heritage’ through Republican, Communist,
‘open’, and global eras. Practiced world-wide by hundreds of millions,
taijiquan’s name recognition made it ripe for media appropriation, and
Yang Luchan has been remythologized in countless novels, cartoons,
television series, and full-length feature films. The case of Yang Luchan
offers an unusual opportunity to witness an ongoing process of mytho-
poesis and to compare these narratives with traditional Chinese warrior
heroes and Western models of mythology and heroology. If the lack of
facts has not constrained the proliferation of invented biographies, nei-
ther should it discourage the quest for historical context as we sift and
winnow truth from trope in the many reconstructions of Yang’s life.
 

 


April 27, 2018

World Tai Chi Day April 28

Join millions of people around the world in celebrating World Tai Chi and Qigong Day! At 10 a.m. local time, groups and individuals will bring a public face to these ancient health-enhancing practices. For more information, visit the World Tai Chi Day site. 

March 21, 2016

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day 2016


Join people from across the globe in this great health-inspiring event! At 10 in the morning, local time, on Saturday, April 30th, people will gather to practice Taiji and Qigong of all styles, in an effort to share these wonderful healing exercises from ancient China. Taiji and Qigong help balance your energy, strengthen your body, focus your mind, improve your balance, and help you relax!

Check your local newspapers for information, or check the organizers' website.

September 25, 2015

Tai Chi for Fall Prevention, Even in Harsh Climates"

"Minnesota has the nation’s fourth-highest rate of fall-related deaths," the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported in a recent article about how Tai Chi can prevent falls. Many studies have shown that Tai Chi helps improves many aspects of health, mobility, and balance. State commissioners of health and human services are seen here, following along in a training workshop.

Tai Chi participants can note a dramatic and quick improvement in balance and mobility by practicing even just the basics. Tai Chi is very multi-faceted, and can serve as a mindfulness exercise, as well as a martial art.

September 18, 2015

Cloudgate Dance Theater on Tour

Image result for cloud gate dance 2015
The innovative Taiwan-based Cloudgate Dance Theater troupe will be performing a premiere of "RICE" in New York City at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in September 2015. Their roots are in traditional Western dance and Chinese movement disciplines such as taijiquan.

June 3, 2015

Media Reviews: New Book on Cheng Man-ch'ing's Taijiquan


Wisdom of the Masters: Insights into Cheng Man Ching's Art
Nigel Sutton

Tambuli Media, 2014
176 pages
ISBN-10: 0692250913

Cheng Man-ch'ing and his teachings are the subject of this new book from Nigel Sutton. The book is based on Sutton's encounters with the Malaysian branch of Cheng Man-ch'ing's tradition: Lau Kim Hong, Lee Bei Lei, Zhou Mu Tu, Ho Ah San, Tan Ching Ning, Dr. Fong Fung Tong, Wu Chiang Hsing and Koh Ah Tee. The focus is on practice of taijiquan as a martial art and neigong. The interviewees are of a calibre and age that allows for some deep reflections, insights on practice and teaching, melding taiji with spiritual practices, taiji as a "Dao," role of lineage, and many other topics, including the relationship of gongfu to years of practice, and the relationship to aging. 
 Reminiscent of Robert Smith's Masters and Methods, the book is conversational in tone, and explores the meaning of, and extreme dedication to taijiquan for these men's lives, with many insights into practice, regardless of the reader's lineage.

April 13, 2015

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day 2015

WTCQD Listings 
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is fast approaching! On Saturday, April 25, 2015, participate and learn about the great benefits of tai chi practice, see demonstrations, and network. See the WTCD website for listings of events in your local community.

November 19, 2013

Media Review: Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi

Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart & Sharp Mind, by Peter Wayne and Mark Fuerst (Shambhala, 2013). US$16.95.
This book is a very nice comprehensive look at t'ai chi ch'uan (taijiquan) for the general public as well as experienced practitioners. History, philosophy, and practice are discussed, and a short form is presented with clear instructions.
A particularly outstanding feature is the lengthy discussion of how tai chi can be used to help maintain good health, and how it can be used as part of treatment plans for various illness. Doctors and other medical practitioners will appreciate the well-annotated information. Attention is given to integrating tai chi into daily life and into other sports.

March 14, 2012

New Books and DVDs

William C.C. Chen's approach to taiji focuses on practical aspects of movement. Practical Body Mechanics of T'ai Chi Ch'uan is the title of his new DVD, an overview of his teaching system. This particular DVD gives a taste of his "three nails" principle for the foot, a look at the use of hand dynamics, gathering of qi, use of the kua, push hands, and more. Chen's presentation is very personable with a good dose of humor; the sound and other production values are quite good, including a fun "Pink Panther-like" introduction. The DVD is available only through Chen's association.
William C.C. Chen teaches in New York City and has a wide following around the world; he was a student of Cheng Man-ch'ing in Taiwan.

January 24, 2010

Books and Other Media Received Winter 2010

Silk: Meditations on T'ai-Chi Ch'uan & Other Poems, by Morgan Grayce Willow (Shu-Kuang)
Chen: Living Taijiquan in the Classical Style by Jan Silberstorff (Singing Dragon)
The Last Lama: The Secret Martial Art of Tibet, by Yogi Tchouzar Pa (Destiny)
Meditations on Violence: A Comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence, by Sgt. Rory Miller (YMAA)
Attack Proof: The Ultimate Guide to Personal Protection, by John Perkins, Al Ridenhour, and Matt Kovsky (Human Kinetics)
Qigong for Multiple Sclerosis: Finding Your Feet Again, Nigel Mills (Singing Dragon)
The Year of the Tiger by Justin Roth (Immedium Publishing) features young Teddy the tiger who is the prince of the jungle. In his explorations, he meets the girl Su. But will living on different sides of the tracks endanger their friendship?

August 29, 2009

International Taiji Symposium a Great Success

"More than 400 Tai Chi masters, scholars and practitioners from across the world came to Vanderbilt this summer for a special symposium sponsored by the Vanderbilt Center for Integrative Health." Read the article at the Vanderbilt Medical Center's Reporter and a report by a participant at the Yang Family Bulletin Board
. Taijiquan Journal's editor Barbara Davis' findings on creating short forms for special populations was presented.

August 17, 2009

New Books--August 2009

Two books on taijiquan:
The Complete Taiji Dao: The Art of the Chinese Saber by Zhang Yun (Blue Snake Books). "The dao, a single-edged sword with a curved blade, is one of the most popular weapons in traditional Chinese martial arts. The art of Taiji Dao is a set of skills for using the dao, derived from the popular martial art Taijiquan. One of the most important aspects of Taijiquan practice."

The Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan: Wisdom from Confucius, Lao Tzu, and Other Great Thinkers by Freya Boedicker and Martin Boedicker(Blue Snake Books) "The essence of Tai Chi Chuan lies in the rich philosophy of ancient China. While most Tai Chi practitioners are aware of the value that studying Chinese philosophy can bring to their practice, it is often difficult to pick out those texts that are most relevant to Tai Chi...."

Two new books from Three Pines Press focus on Daoism:
Beyond the Daode jing: Twofold Mystery in Tang Daoism by Friederike Assandri
"Developing at a time of intense interaction and debate among Daoists and Buddhists, Twofold Mystery integrates many originally Buddhist concepts into a Daoist theory of salvation based on, yet going beyond, the Daode jing. Heir to the philosophical tradition of Dark Learning or Mystery Study as well as to Daoist devotional and immortality schools of the Six Dynasties, Twofold Mystery is key to understanding medieval Daoist thought."
Internal Alchemy: Self, Society and the Quest for Immortality book coverInternal Alchemy: Self, Society, and the Quest for Immortality
edited by Livia Kohn and Robin R. Wang
"Internal alchemy (neidan) has been the dominant system of Daoist spiritual practice since the Song dynasty, when it was defined as the complex integration of multiple forms of Daoist self-cultivation. Its practitioners transform body energies into subtle levels of spirit and pure cosmic being, hoping to find illumination by returning to the fundamental order of the cosmos and in the process reconcile physiological training with intellectual speculation."

February 14, 2009

T'ai Chi in the Art Museum



Taijiquan Journal editor Barbara Davis led an overflow crowd of children and parents in a fun set of t'ai chi exercises at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts Chinese Lantern Festival Family Day.
Over 4,000 people attended the day's events which included pipa music by Gao Heng, painting activities withe Bob Schmitt of Laughing Waters Studio (Bob designed and did layout of the print edition of Taijiquan Journal), paper lantern-making, and performances by the CAAM, the Chinese Dance Theater. This annual event is one of the Art Institute's monthly family activities that highlight different parts of the museum's diverse, large collection.

October 28, 2008

Lecture on Tai Chi History & Cheng Man-ch'ing

“Cheng Man-ch’ing:
Master of Five Excellences”

A talk by Barbara Davis
Director, Cheng Man-ch’ing Biography Project and editor of Taijiquan Journal
Saturday, November 8th, 2008, 6:30 pm
Sun Gallery, 4760 Grand Avenue South
612-822-6388
Learn about this intriguing master of painting, calligraphy, poetry, medicine, and t’ai chi. Cheng is most well known for his role in the spread of t’ai chi into the US in the 1960s. Come explore his life, his dreams, and his prodigious talents. Slides and movies of his artwork and t’ai chi will also be shown .
For further information, read the project blog, call 612-822-5760,
or email editor"at" taijiquanjournal.com.

May 8, 2008

Tai Chi Featured on NBC News


NBC is running a series this week The Mind-Body Connection" on the Nightly News. The series features tai chi, acupuncture, food, massage and more. Dr. Shin Lin of UC-Irvine discusses with them researcch he is doing about the efficacy of tai chi practice in the areas of complementary and alternative medicine, mind/body signaling, qigong, tai chi, acupuncture, and exercise physiology.

For further information on research about tai chi, see our links column at the side.

July 25, 2007

National Qigong Association Conference


The National Qigong Association annual national conference "Dancing In Stillness" will be held in Chaska, Minnesota this August 17-20. This is a chance to explore qigong and t'ai chi-related topics with some of the world's leading experts, including Chunyi Lin.
A sampling of some workshops: Zhongxian Wu - Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong, Cari Shurman - Bringing Tai Chi and Qigong to the Schools, David Haines - 20 Minute Body/Mind Routine: Tai Chi and Qigong for Busy People, Jianye Jiang - Qigong for Diabetes and High Blood Pressure, Lawrence Galante - Basic Principles of Push Hands. See their site for registration information, or click on above image for more details.