It is quite ironic that Tai Chi Chuan, one of the oldest pugilistic systems in China, is at once the most popular as well as misunderstood Chinese martial art that is currently practiced. Tai Chi is the most popular of the Chinese martial arts because large numbers of people practice it for health and relaxation; on the other hand, Tai Chi is misunderstood because few people realize its martial foundation. This split between practice for health and practice for defense began early in the 20th century because more people began to use it as an easy method of exercise. At the same time, fewer people were studying it as a martial art. Therefore, a book which can combine both elements, defense and health, is much needed at this time. This book, then, will attempt to bridge the gap between theory and practice so that the reader can see Tai Chi Chuan, especifically Yang's style, in its complete form.
This book can thus be used by the martial Tai Chi practitioner, the beginner who is interested in starting Tai Chi as a serious discipline, and the person who is only interested in Tai Chi as a form of nonviolent exercise.

Format: 17,5 x 25 cm, 207 pages, softcover, with many black-and-white photos.
Year of publication: 1982.
Condition: Cover slightly rubbed, but otherwise a very good and clean copy.