Tai Chi Chuan

This book is intended as an introduction and a reference. It is not possible to learn Tai Chi from a book, without a teacher. We have written in the hope of engaging your curiosity and offering inspiration to begin. For those already involved in Tai Chi we hope this will be a source book, opening the way to a study of the philosophy that gives meaning and substance to the exercise.

Our book is written in part for Westerners, by Westerners. Much of the Tai Chi literature to date falls into one of two categories. Books written by Orientals with an incomplete understanding of the Western perspective tend to be quaint and somewhat obscure, while books written in the effusive California flower style encourage unrealistic expectations. Tai Chi will not change your life in a week-end or in a week. It is a slow, slow process and you must be willing to be sometimes bored in order to learn the solace of repetition. Everyone yearns for inspiration. Tai Chi is genuine sustaining inspiration, but not of the lightning and thunder variety. The exercise gives its blessing in return for time and energy, and most of all patience.