First we should all recognize that there is one indisputable fact about Yang style Taiji, namely that there are indeed a number of Indoor aspects to the knowledge (see Jason Tsou's book below). Whether or not these are “secret” forms and such is another issue but there’s not doubt that many martial practitioners are still looking for the “whole story” on the Yang style and the causes of it powerful reputation. We actually sell a VCD from the “Imperial Court” teachings of the Yang style. This book is the written description in English of one of these Imperial teachings, the Wisdom Hammering form. This set is based on the Taiji method of punching and supplements the Long Form with its specializing in the punching skills of Yang style. The layout is good and straight forward with slightly smallish pictures and “footwork boxes” indicating stance and weight distribution. Kershaw gives the breakdown of the movements and general principles for Taiji performance. This is the first presenation of this knowledge we know of in the English language.

Jason Tsou and Arthur Schonfeld have created a major project. This is a complete renovation of the approach to Tai Chi with a blending of deep Tai Chi theory and modern concepts from math and science. In one sense we see this upsurge as a new validation of martial studies coming from many quarters but this particular effort is a keystone because it incorporates classical martial theory with a strong rationalist approach. What is even better is that all of Tsou's previous efforts—such as his Random Circle approach and the "reaction force" of his highly interesting take on Chin Na— dovetail with this new contribution and fit right in as stepping stones on the same path.Taking an equational approach, this book offers teachers and students much to think about and, more importantly, much to research. We at PLUM see the whole field finally passing from the earlier phase of parroting to preserve and into a phase of true research and validation. This book is a major step in that direction with enough ideas to scrutinize and experiment with to more than justify the price.

Also: See the Random Circle on Push Hands and Jason Tsou's course on Chin Na.
Two Qigong DVDs: Taiji Qigong and Bagua Qigong.

From the back cover...
"This is the Tai Chi book that westerners have been waiting for. Anatomy of Yang Family Tai Chi finally gives the West the real secrets of Tai Chi Chuan practice. Teachers and students alike will find this text both enlightening and challenging.

Learn the relationship between Yi, Qi , Jing and Shen. This volume one of two explains in great detail how to create your perfect Chuan Jia (fighting frame) and how to move your conscious mind into all parts of your body. Achieving conscious movement sometimes seems unattainable but the author take you takes you there in a language you can understand."

See a review of this text and Steffan de Graffenried's background.

#ETC88 Yang Chen Fu: The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan
Translated by Louis Swaim
US $16.95, 124 pages, old photographs, softbound

"The publication in 1934 of Yang Cheng Fu's book Essence and Applications of Taijiquan (Taijiquan Ti Yong Quan Shu) marked a milestone in the modern evolution of the art of Tai Chi. Yang Cheng Fu uses what is best termed 'demonstration narrative' to present form postures and suggested applications from his own perceptive as he performed them. This methodology renders his direct, hands-on teaching of the art with such immediacy and liveliness that the reader experiences the master's teaching much as his students did.

This English translation finally makes Yang Cheng Fu's classic work available to Tai Chi enthusiasts in the West. It includes notes and commentary that clarify the author's frequent classical and literary turns of phrase and elucidate the philosophical and political underpinning that shape the text. The translator investigates and compares several early Tai Chi books to help explain the roles played by two of Yang Cheng Fu's students, Dong Ying Jie and Zheng Man Qing in bringing Yang Cheng Fu's words and teachings into print."

This translation, by Louis Swaim, is interesting in that he gives his own textural notes on the translation. In some ways this can be considered a bit of "not playing the game" for it is the translator's problem to make decisions, not the readers. On the other hand Swaim's comments on the ambiguity of the language give us an insight into exactly the problems deal with and sometimes even solved by anyone working in the Chinese language. This is a key book for anyone studying Tai Chi, especially followers of the Yang style.

See Lion Books' original Chinese version of the text.

#ETC58Yang Style Taijiquan
by Yang Zhen Dou
US $15.95, 124 pages, old photographs, softbound

This was one of the first substantial English books on the art of Yang style Taiji. Written by Yang Zhen Dou, Yang Chen Fu's son, it gives a very clear, standardized and well written accounting of the form and numerous other key points. A very good, solid book for the money.

DVDs by this author

#ETC52 Taijiquan in 88 Forms
Compiled by Victor Wu, translated by Huang Jin
229 pages, softbound, illustrations
US $10.95

Talk about a best seller! This little edition of the official 88 movement Taijiquan sold over 1,500, 000 copies in its native mainland China. This edition was brought out in 1980 and shows a longish official version based on the Yang style Taiji. The introduction has much then current information on the scientifically validated benefits of Taijiquan. The rear section deals with the basics of push hands operations. The text is clear and detailed. The overall presentation is straight forward with clean illustrations (see scan). In addition, this book is presented with side by side Chinese and English.