An Introduction to T'ai Chi

T'ai chi chuan is becoming increasingly popular and, if you want to study, it is becoming easier to find a class, especially if you live in a town or city. There are a variety of styles to choose from and within each style a teacher will have his or her own individual approach, so that you will probably find that one class is quite different from another. But in spite of the variety of approaches there are clear principles which are accepted by all t'ai chi experts, and it is this fact which makes it possible to write an introduction to t'ai chi chuan. This book is intended for anyone who is curious to find out more about t'ai chi chuan, because they are thinking of joining a class. The outline of the history and meaning of t'ai chi, together with a section on finding a class, will help you to make an informed decision when you come to choose a teacher to suit your interests. You will also read something of what you are likely to find when you go to your first class, and there are some guidelines to help you with the learning. The stages of progress are mapped out, starting from the beginning through to the more advanced levels; even if you are already studying t'ai chi, you might therefore find this a valuable reference book. T'ai chi chuan has absorbed the attention of countless people during its long history, and many different facets of Chinese culture are revealed when you begin to practise. It is as if you gain wisdom from the experience of practice, without resorting to the written word or ideas from a book. I hope that anyone reading this book may be inspired to practise t'ai chi chuan and discover this for themselves.