| After watching "Taiji Chin Na In Depth: The Seizing Art | | | | techniques taught in the course two portion of the |
| of Taijiquan" with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, the first thing | | | | DVD. Course three on this disc focuses on the parallel |
| that comes to mind is "WOW!" The amount of | | | | hands position in pushing hands. Dr. Yang teaches 21 |
| information and instruction contained in this two-disc set | | | | techniques from this position. The first disc also |
| is phenomenal. Originally the information was presented | | | | contains the YMAA extras that include About YMAA, |
| on five videos, now you can have all five on two discs | | | | the Catalog, Video Previews, and DVD Credits. |
| with over six hours of instruction. With the menu | | | | Disc Two contains two programs. The first is course |
| system on the DVD, it is very easy to select the | | | | four of the original four-course program. This course |
| portion of the program you wish to study, making | | | | contains 10 techniques specifically for countering an |
| these even better resources than video tape. | | | | opponent who is controlling your elbow in pushing |
| The format of the instruction is very good. First, Dr. | | | | hands. Dr. Yang continues his detailed instruction and |
| Yang teaches the technique, and he does so with | | | | then assisting his students performing the techniques. |
| more detail than you find in some programs, which I | | | | The remainder of disc one is a bonus program that |
| really like. I've always liked video programs where the | | | | consists of a catalog of over 80 taiji chin na |
| instructor teaches to the camera rather than just | | | | techniques. There is no instruction in this portion, just |
| demonstrating. Dr. Yang teaches in this program. He | | | | the demonstration of techniques in slow motion and |
| then brings in two students and allows them to do the | | | | regular speed. This was a video made to compliment |
| technique and he corrects them when they don't | | | | the book "Taiji Chin Na" and would be more useful with |
| perform it just right. Dr. Yang explains that the | | | | that written volume. While a beginner would not be |
| problems his students have might be the same as the | | | | able to learn the techniques by just watching Dr. Yang |
| viewer, and by helping them, he'll help the viewer too. I | | | | perform them, an experienced student of joint locks |
| believe it is a very good way to present the material | | | | will recognize techniques and could add to his or her |
| on DVD. As an added feature, there are subtitles | | | | arsenal. The second disc also contains the YMAA |
| across the bottom of the screen. However, they do | | | | extras. |
| not match what Dr. Yang is saying exactly. They | | | | For anyone who does pushing hands, this DVD set is |
| convey the meaning, but are not exact. The person | | | | a must. It is an excellent resource aimed directly at Taiji |
| who really wants to learn will spend many hours | | | | Pushing Hands practice. For those interested in |
| watching portions of this program at a time with a | | | | improving their Chin Na or joint locking expertise, this is |
| training partner and practicing the techniques Dr. Yang | | | | also a fantastic resource. YMAA rates this DVD at a |
| presents. | | | | skill level III. I agree that these are not simple techniques |
| Disc One contains three programs or courses. The | | | | to learn, but I do believe if a person has a good training |
| first course focuses on 19 techniques from the same | | | | partner and follows Dr. Yang's instruction, they could |
| beginning clockwise coiling move. The techniques are | | | | learn a lot. Obviously, if you have mastered the basics |
| initiated from a crossed pushing hands position and | | | | of movement and joint locks, this resource will be |
| consist of techniques that attack various joints, | | | | easier to follow and you can then "feel" the techniques. |
| including the elbow, wrist, fingers, and shoulder. The | | | | I primarily train in and teach Hapkido, another art known |
| second course on this disc is presented the same, | | | | for joint locks, so I found much of the information in |
| initiating techniques from the crossed pushing hands | | | | these discs to be complementary to my own style. |
| position, but the neutralizing portion is different. Dr. Yang | | | | Regardless of your style, if you want to gain a better |
| shows what he calls neutralizing that goes into some | | | | understanding of locking techniques, Dr. Yang's |
| finger locks, and then the counterclockwise coiling | | | | instructional DVDs on Chin Na are great. I highly |
| moves that go into various locks. There are 16 | | | | recommend this set and his others. |