Yang-Style Taiji Book by Michael Babin

Author and veteran martial artist Michael Babin, a longtime practitioner of Yang-style taiji, has written the ultimate guide to reaching a true understanding of this form of the ancient Chinese martial art. Yang-Style Taiji is specifically designed for people who are interested not only in the health-building and meditative side of this discipline, but also in the principles, tactics and controversies of its martial side.

You will learn how Yang-style taiji practitioners can use this art to build a strong, flexible body and a calm, relaxed mind, while also learning specialized close-range combat techniques that include striking, grappling and throwing tactics as well as counters. In plain English, you will learn the most important considerations in finding a trainer, the role of meditation, methods of standing and moving qigong and key concepts in Yang-style martial form and function.

Babin also discusses at length the many controversies that surround the study of taiji. Beginners and seasoned practitioners alike will find a wealth of information in Babin’s latest work.

Chapters:

1 What is Taijiquan?
2 The Learning Process
3 Core Methods: Standing Qigong / Standing Like a Post
4 Core Methods: Moving Qigong and More - The Long, Slow Yang Sequence
5 Key Concepts: Yang Style Martial Form and Function
6 Controversial Issues
7 Final Thoughts

Length: 328 pages

Publication date: 2007