from cover

Om 1965 Sifu Kuko Lien-Ying, a Chinese master of tai-Chi Chuan, brought with him to the United states the traditional form of Tai-Chi from which the many other family-named forms were derived. Later Master Kuo founded the Lien-Ying Tai-Chi Chuan Academy in San Francisco.

Since Master Kuo's death Mme. Kuo has continued to teach his form, developing a substantial following. Two of her students have written the preface and foreword, respectively, to this book.

The precise sequencing of the photographs' coordination with the step-by-step instructions reflects Mme. Kuo's analysis of the original authentic moves over a twenty-year period. She traces the historical and philosophical development of Tai-Chi Chuan within the context of the sister martial arts from which it was created: Shao-lin Chuan, Shing-Yi Chuan, and Pa-Kua Tsang. Though intended for beginners, Long Life, Good Health should fascinate more advanced students who want to research and compare ancient forms and lineages of Tai-Chi Chuan.

Simmone Kuo has taught Chinese internal arts in San Francisco for the last two decades. She is familiar to Bay Area citizens and children from her many television and school appearances. She continues to lead classes at the Academy which bears her family name and is a member of the Physical Education Department at San Francisco State University.

Contents

Preface
Foreword
an introduction to the Kuo family
I. Brief history of Chinese martial arts
Yin-Yang and Tai-Chi philosophy
Tai-Chi chuan related to Tai-Chi philosophy
The benefits of Tai-Chi Chuan
II. Preparatory notes before practice
Major difficulties
Schedule for learning Tai-Chi Chuan
1-10 warm-up exercises and 64 movements
III. An introduction to the mojor concepts of Tai-Chi Chuan
IV. Instructions for pushing hands
V. Yu Chou Chung (Universal stance or the post of life)