From the chaos of war and martial conflict, a gentle system of exercise was born. Graceful and serene, tai chi is sometimes described as 'moving meditation' and has long-reaching benefits for body, mind, and spirit. Benefit from centuries of wisdom in the comfort of your own home and join author Master Saho Zhao-Ming as he helps you discover the phsycial, emotional, and spiritual benefits of tai chi.

Twice National Open Champion of China in martial arts, Master Shao Zhao-Ming has been appointed coach of China's prestigious Beijing University of Physical Education tai chi and kung fu-wushu team. He believes that the benefits of tai chi can only be fully appreciated when shared.

This 64-page full color tai chi book takes you through a full yang-style tai chi program, breaking down each movement into simple steps, accompanied by color photographs that demonstrate each step. Sections covering meditation and introducing the concept of qi are also included.

The program has been designed to improve the mobiity, stability, and strength of your body, and soothe and calm your mind. Through the practices outlined in this book you will be able to take the wisdom gained from centureis of evolution and truly experience The Power of Tai Chi.

Contents

Introduction
1 About tai chi
History
Different styles of tai chi
Timeline of the development of the five major tai chi styles by the founders
Martial application
Tai chi aids and weapons
Tai chi and you-getting better with age
2 Chinese philosphy and tai chi
Origins of Chinese philosphy
The yin yang symbol
The meaning of tai chi
3 The concept of Qi
Qi
Dan tian
4 Breathing
5 Benefitsof tai chi
Tai chi physical benefits in the Eastern context
Tai chi in the context of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
6 Getting started
7 Warm-up exercises
Arms-swinging
Shoulders-rotating
Wrists-rotating and stretching
Neck-stretching forwards and backwards
Neck-stretching sides
Lower back and hip
Knees
Ankles
8 Qi gong exercises
Lao-gong
Bai hui
Ming men
Qi gong exercise 1-rooster crowing in the morning
Qi gong exercise 3-boosting the qi
9 Tai chi basics
Tai chi posture
Coordination of handwork and footwork
Horse stance
Bow stance
Empty stance
Stepping forwards and backwards
Stepping out to the corner
10 Tai chi 8 form
Raising hands
Repulse monkey
Brush knee
Parting the horse's mane
Cloud hands (without stepping)
Golden rooster stands on one leg
Jade lady
Press and push
Cross hands
Closing
11 Cooling down exercises
Relaxation massage
Returning qi to the origin
12 Tai chi standing meditation
Meditative sequence
13 Conclusion
14 About the author
15 Acknowledgments