Tai Chi Book

      Tai Chi Manual
             by Brett Wagland
             illustrations by Bernie Slater

Paperback - 94 pages
210x145mm (A5 size) 
Saddleback binding
Published 2006

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Introduction
Today, Tai Chi is practised by a steadily growing number of enthusiasts in almost every city of the world. Unlike many conventional forms of exercise, Tai Chi is a complete and holistic approach to health and self defence. Its early development can be traced back thousands of years to a time when Taoism flourished in China.

Taoists studied the workings of the universe by observing nature and contemplating the meaning of existence through various forms of meditation. In time, this knowledge evolved into a sophisticated system of developing the mind, body and spirit to their full potential. A glance at the subjects studied by Taoists reveals the breadth and depth of their knowledge. They were medicine, health arts, philosophy, military strategy, I Ching, herbalism, feng shui, martial arts, acupuncture, painting, poetry and meditation. The art of Tai Chi can be said to be a precious jewel in the crown of the Taoist health and martial arts.

Over the years, I have studied Tai Chi and other martial arts with many different teachers. Some were good and others - not so good. I feel very fortunate to have a teacher such as Wang Chang Fei here in Canberra. Wang Chang Fei is a traditional Chinese medical practitioner and Qigong expert. His guidance and friendship have been invaluable to my development in the internal arts. My traditional Yang Style Tai Chi teacher is Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan, 5th generation ambassador and a world recognised authority on Yang Style Tai Chi. His depth of knowledge is immeasurable.  I also have had the good fortune to train with the founder of the Hun Yuan Tai Chi system, Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang and his daughter, Feng Xiu Qian.  Grandmaster Feng is an inspiration in both his training of the Hun Yuan and in his focus on the Tao in daily life.  Ms Feng's generosity of spirit and her expertise as a teacher of the art are very much valued and appreciated.  I feel truly blessed to be able to learn from teachers of this calibre. They helped me to distinguish the wheat from the chaff. I am very indebted to their kindness and their generosity in passing on their knowledge to me.

Since 1982, a group of dedicated instructors and I have been promoting the rewards of practising Tai Chi. Because of the benefits we have gained from Tai Chi, we are very strongly motivated to pass on this precious art to others. I am delighted to share this art with you, so that your lives will also be enriched by these teachings.

This unique Tai Chi manual has been produced to enhance the progress of all Tai Chi practitioners, as they travel along the Tai Chi road. It is filled with fascinating articles and helpful training tips which will be of great interest, enjoyment and benefit, not only to beginners, but also to advanced students. It also provides very interesting reading for others who may have an interest in the art of traditional Chinese training.

The manual offers you information in many different areas of Tai Chi and Qigong.  Each article contains so much material that the reader can return again and again, and find yet more helpful suggestions to incorporate into his practice.

Beginners will be delighted to find details about training which will help to make their practice more effective and enjoyable. As you develop your Tai Chi training and knowledge, you will find a much deeper meaning in the principles and philosophy of Tai Chi that are explained in the manual.

Through the inspiring words of wisdom, guidance and encouragement given in the articles, advanced students will find renewed effort in further developing and refining their Tai Chi.

You are ensured of many hours of enjoyable and informative reading. The insight realised from this manual will bring much enrichment and greater understanding to your Tai Chi and Qigong practice, and enable you to gain numerous benefits which you can enjoy for the rest of your life.
– Brett Wagland
 

Table of Contents
Introduction	1
Introduction to the History and Development of Tai Chi	3
Qigong	7
Relaxation of the Mind	10
Learning to Let Go Attachments	12
Centring : Stillness in Activity	14
Breaking the Cycle of Stress	16
How Tai Chi can Help You to Relieve Stress	18
Tai Chi and its Many Health Benefits	20
Strengthening the Lower Back	24
A Look at the Various Stage of Tai Chi	26
Staying on the Path	28
The Ten Important Principles of Tai Chi	30
Why is the Hun Yuan System so Effective?	34
Experiencing the First Stage of Hun Yuan Tai Chi	37
The Many Faces of Yin Yang	40
The Philosophy of Yin Yang	42
Tai Chi : A Study of Equanimity	44
Learning to Relax	46
Flow like a River and Be Still as a Mountain	49
Living in the Moment Brings True Happiness	51
Ming Mun : the Gate of Life	53
The First Step in Tai Chi	55
Get the Right Feel!	57
The Never-Ending Path to Mastery	59
Develop Your Potential	61
The Tao of Learning	63
Empower Yourself through Tai Chi	65
Your Guide to Stress Relief	67
Learning Tools - Tai Chi DVDs	67
Tai Chi Warm Up Exercises	68
Cultivating Your Internal Energy through Qigong	70
Calming the Mind	74
Training Tips : Regular Practice	76
Your Tai Chi Training Program	78
Keeping Your Practice on Track	85
Components of the Hun Yuan Tai Chi System	89

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