Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan

great book! Very detailed and with good pictures showing all movements that is easy to follow

This is the best Tai Chi book I've read, and I've read many. I would have liked more detail, especially about the principles and applications, then again perhaps this contains as much as a book can. The author keeps stressing the importance of classes with a real teacher. There's a lot else to like in this book. Chen has the credentials, but is also skeptical about a lot of the published Tai Chi so-called history (the only intelligent position concerning any Chinese claims), coming up with a plausible new explanation. He gives a very realistic warning of how much pain and effort Tai Chi takes; and there's no new-age BS, very refreshing where such books are concerned. Above all he explains everything plainly and clearly. As far as I know, this is the only book in existence written by a master who is also a native English speaker and competent writer. I wish I could join his class. Very highly recommended.

This will be a sobering slap in the face for all the new age wishful thinking chi-power hippie types. This book is a down-to-earth overview of the old Chen form (Lao Jia, same one that was taught by Chen Changxing to Yang LuChan, founder of Yang Taijiquan.)At times Chen can sound cynical and critical, but I find this viewpoint to be very refreshing in the face of the current trend of new agery b.s. and martial arts fraud. He covers the history of Taiji Quan with a very realistic attitude, debunking various myths and wishful thinking (Cheng San Feng, etc., very much in line with the writings of Douglas Wile) which is what draws me to his style of writing.His teaching approach is in some ways like William C. Chen, where he talks about the biomechanics of the human body, rather than obscure esoteric topics. He de-mystifies things, explaining them in a clear-cut language using laymen's terminology, making the content easy to grasp.The old form itself is demonstrated very well. Directional arrows help understand the transition between the movements, and the text explanations clarify anything in between.All in all, one of the best books on old Chen style available.

As I have only ever so slightly dabbled in Taijiquan, I will keep the comments (or rather, compliments) on the skill in the book to a minimum.Anyway, the set up of this book is great. It is clearly written, extremely insightfut, honest, and even at times blunt. The illustration of the form is great. As a treat there is a small section showing some applications as well as exercises. My only complaint here is that I wished they would have had some more, which showed a more variety of the qin na (seizing and manipulation techniques) and wrestling techniques that Taiji is so deceptively adept at. This isn't enough for me to rob this book of its much deserved five stars, however.The book also outlines the other forms in Taiji, which is nice. The explantion of the seemingly ineffable and highly advanced methods of sensitivity and internal movement was surprisingly good. All in all, great stuff! This is real Taiji, guys; a combat system. Not that pseudo hippie stuff misguided Americans always practice slowly at parks in big cities.

This book is extraordinarily good. It provides a detailed description of the first Old Frame Chen style form (which would illuminate a good authentic DVD form display) and some very good discussion on body dynamics. But possibly the most useful feature is the manner in which it gives you a concrete idea of the point of Taiji and some of its fundamentals. It's a really good way for someone who has practiced a little (perhaps a few years) to start to develop their own feel for the essence of Taiji dynamics. I also liked that the author didn't mince words about the requirements for advancement - eg. if you're not hurting you're not doing it right (in the beginning). And his contempt for new-age drivel is a relief.Any one of numerous practical tips would be worth the cost of the book. In my case, a special hat tip for the "moving the dan tien toward the tail bone while rooting a rear leg" advice. Damned if it doesn't work great.I got more out of this book than any other I've read on Taijiquan. A very generous and sincere author.

This book offers detailed information on the Chen style. It is well written, and it provides plenty of photos to accompany the text. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about taiji quan.

This is the first book of Chen style Taichichuan I've found that actually shows the Old Frame Form. It does not dwell on the spiritualism of the style like other books on the subject. Each movement is illustrated step-by-step and described in detail. As a Taichi instructor, I can say this book is a great source in understanding the movements of the Old Frame Form. :)

I recently started chen taijiquan with a local instructor. Though I've studied other martial arts I was at a loss on how to determine a good taijiquan teacher from a wanna-be. This book is true to its intent. As the author puts it, "...this is the book I wish I had when I started taijiquan." I'm glad it's available to us newbies to the world of taijiquan; especially Chen style.Future readers should know the author's school is no-longer operating, at least as far as I can tell. This is unfortunate. I would love to be able to interact with either the author or his disciples to get some questions answered. Otherwise, this book is an invaluable resource to those embarking on a journey into Chen Taijiquan.

This book is brilliant. He starts off with some excellent theory and then moves into the actual instruction. I gave this book 5 stars but would actually mark it down half a star as I think it could do with clearer pictures. However, having said that once you read the directions and look at the pics a couple of times it all becomes clear. Also once you get used to the style of instruction it is relatively easy to pick up. He is thorough in his explainations of each posture/movement and has a pleasant and honest writing style. Over all I would absolutely recommend this book to someeone wishing to learn Chen Style old frame taiji.

Bought to help practice at home, good as a visual aid when combined with classes although some differences between book and style taught. A bit expensive

Yes this was a good buy it covered the Laojia form in detailed steps, Mark Chen's movement differed slightly from the ones' i'm used to but it was still easy to follow.

Clearly written and very helpful. A great way of reducing tension. Many thanks. John

This old frame Chen style taichi has some different movement to the new old frame Chen style ,but still use 74 forms.