More than a martial art, T'ai Chi is also a holistic method of self-healing, a form of moving meditation, and a philosophical way of life. Health, relaxation, and self-defense are but a few of the many reasons cited for practicing this traditional exercise, which was created by a Taoist sage eight centuries ago. Now a recreational activity practiced by millions of people worldwide, T'ai Chi, with its physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits widely recognized and praised, is the fastest-growing martial art in the world today. In this handy guide, Master Tri Thong Dang, who has been an instructor of the Chen, Yang, Zhao, and T'ai-Mantis systems of T'ai Chi Ch'uan for over three decades, describes the " Simplified T'ai Chi " form, a set of movements specifically designed for beginners by China's Ministry of Physical Culture and spirits. Master Tri's concise but lucid descriptions highlight the spiritual essence of the form and at the same time display its graceful simplicity. With over 160 clear, easy-to-understand illustrations, this excellent volume is the ultimate introduction to the world of T'ai Chi. Tri Thong Dang was born in Vietnam and studied under the reverend Grand Master Chiu Chuk-Kai, eighth-generation master of the Chinese T'ai-Mantis system. Master Tri also teaches Pa-kua Chang, Hising-i Ch'uaun, and Ch'i Kung. He is the author of the bestselling novel Beyond the Known (also published by Charles E. Tuttle), has an MA in physical education from California State University, and is the founder and director of the Budo Educational Center, Sacramento, California.

Contents: Acknowledgments; An introduction to the world of t'ai chi; Why t'ai chi?; A glimpse into the history of t'ai chi; Why this form for the beginner?; The basic movements; About learning from a book; The simplified t'ai chi form; Form One: Commencing; Form Two: Part the horse's mane (both sides); Form Three: White crane spreads its wings; Form Four: Brush knee (both sides); Form Five: Hands strum the lute; Form Six: Step back and roll arms (both sides); Form Seven: Grasp the bird's tail (left side); Form Eight: Grasp the bird's tail (right side); Form Nine: Single whip; Form Ten: Wave hands like clouds (left side); Form Eleven: Single whip; Form Twelve: High pat the horse; Form Thirteen: Kick with the right heel; Form Fourteen: Strike the opponent's ears with both fists; Form Fifteen: Turn and kick with the left heel; Form Sixteen: Push down and stand on one leg (left side); Form Seventeen: Push down and stand on one leg (right side); Form Eighteen: Work at shuttles (both sides); Form Nineteen: Needle at the bottom of the sea; Form Twenty: Flash arm; Form Twenty-one: Turn and deflect downward, parry, and punch; Form Twenty-two: Apparent close; Form Twenty-three: Cross hands; Form Twenty-four: Closing form; Conclusion