Discover the secrets of physical well-being and spiritual serenity as you practice the ancient art of t'ai chi ch'uan. Release the accumulated stresses of modern life under the benevolent influence of these gentle movements.

Expert, authoritative advice-
Author Stewart McFarlane's years of teaching experience and his extensie theoretical knnweldge wil help you learn the physical disciplines of t'ai chi ch'uan, which tone your muscles, improve circulation, and increase flexibility and posture. HIs clear explanations strengthen both the physical and the spiritual practices that will revitalize your life.

Explicit instruction
All the exercises, movements, and stances are explained in detail and illustrated with full-color step-by-step photographs. Footprint diagrams show the correct foot placements and weight distribution essential for each stance. Precise explanations and photographs enable you to test many positions with a partner.

The Complete Book of T'ai Chi enables beginners to discover for themselves the physical and spiritual benefits of t'ai chi and helps experts develop and perfect their technique.

Stewart McFarlane is a lecturer in religious studies at Lancaster University, specializing in religions and philosophies of China. He has been a visiting professor at the Chung Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies in Taiwan, and has published many academic papers on martial arts, Buddhist ethics, and Chinese religions. Stewart McFarlane is a qualified master instructor in Cheng Manch'ing t'ai chi ch'uan and an intitiated disciple of Master Tan Ching Ngee, as well as a teacher of Wing Chung Kung Fu.

Tan Mew Hong is now in her second decade of training and holds master-instructor status with the Zhong Ding Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Association. Tan Mew Hong combines her interest in the martial with the literary-as a talented calligrapher, she has won many awards in her home state of Johor, Malaysia.

Contents

How to use this book
Introduction
1 T'ai chi basics
T'ai chi for mind and body
Stretching and flexibility exercises
Preparing to learn t'ai chi
2 Master Cheng's t'ai chi
Prepaering for t'ai chi
Preparation
Beginning
Left ward-off
Right ward-off
Roll back, press, adn push
Turn the body, and lower the hands
Sngle whip
LIft hands
Shoulder strike
White crane speads wings
Brush knee, twist step
Strum the lute
Brush knee, twist step
Step forward, move, parry, and punch
Apparent close-up
Cross hands
Embrace Tiger, return to mountain
Ward-off, roll back, press, and push
Turn the body, and lower the hands
Diagonal single whip
Fist under elbow
Step back to repulse the monkey I and II
Diagonal flying
Cloud hands I and II
Decending single whip
Golden rooster stands on one leg
Right toe kick
Left toe kick
Turn body, heel kick
Brush knee, twist step
Step forward, and plant a punch
Step forward to right ward-off
Roll back, press, and push
Turn the body, and lower the hands
Single whip
Fair lady works shuttles I, II, and III
Left ward-off
Right ward-off, roll back, press, and push
Turn the body, and lower the hands
Descending single whip I and II
Step up to seven stars
Step back to ride the tiger
Turn body, lotus kick
Draw a bow to shoot the tiger
Step forward, move, parry, and punch
Apparent close-up
Cross hands
Close t'ai chi
3 T'ai chi skills
Developing t'ai chi skills
Pushing hands drills
Applications
Glossary
How to choose a t'ai chi class
Index
Acknowledgments