| There's a plethora of books and DVDs on Tai Chi, so | | | | Chinese language, self-defense, and training. It is mostly |
| why do we need one more? Because "What is Tai | | | | text, with some drawings and photographs to illustrate |
| Chi" by Peter A. Gilligan in not another book on how to | | | | certain points. It is definitely not a "picture book" |
| perform one of the various forms. In fact, if you want | | | | teaching forms. |
| to learn how to do one of the specific forms, this book | | | | I enjoyed the book, and am glad Gilligan added this text |
| will not teach you, you'll need another resource or two, | | | | to the literature on qi and Tai Chi. When I was younger, |
| and hopefully a competent instructor. This book is | | | | my main interest in the martial arts was self-defense |
| more of an academic study on what Tai Chi is with | | | | and fighting. As I grow older, I am still much interested in |
| suggestions and tips on how to make your practice | | | | the self-defense aspects, but I also enjoy learning |
| more effective. | | | | more about the countries and origins of arts, the |
| When I was in law school, there were classes that | | | | internal benefits, and the history behind them. This is a |
| focused on the academic aspects of law, including a | | | | good addition to anyone's knowledge of Tai Chi. Gilligan |
| lot of theory, and there were classes that were more | | | | explains what it is and then assists the reader with |
| practice oriented that had assignments that reflected | | | | how to train. I'm not sure I'd recommend it to the |
| what attorneys actually do. A complete education | | | | novice who just wants to know a little about what Tai |
| includes both, and while practicing the attorney learns | | | | Chi is all about. It is a bit deep for that person. I think it is |
| how to incorporate both the academic elements and | | | | a text that best accompanies training in Tai Chi for the |
| the practical skills to become the best lawyer he or | | | | person who wants to better understand the art and |
| she can be. | | | | delve deeper into them selves and training. Very good |
| That's what this book reminded me of. It is the history | | | | academic study to accompany the practice of Tai Chi. |
| and relationship of Tai Chi to Qi, other forms of Qigong, | | | | |