Yang Tai Chi for Beginners

I dont normally care for reviews that are done before the product is thoroughly used, the book completely read, etc. "I'm on page 10 and I know I'm going to love it", or "The shoes just arrived today and I love them". These don't tell you how the person felt after reading the whole book or wearing the shoes. Having said that, it may take years for me to thoroughly comprehend and make use of everything in this DVD. Its that dense with information.So, caveats aside, I've had the DVD for several months but I'm only about 1.5 hours into this 4+ hour DVD and so far I'm very impressed. I'm only that far in because I'm trying to master each motion before moving on to the next one, and I have limited time for practice. Dr Yang goes into great detail about how to do each move properly, but he doesn't linger so long on each one that you get bored. He shows each motion from multiple points of view, so you get a 3D view of each one. He explains the martial application of each move, and then demonstrates it with in assistant. I don't plan to do combat but I did want to learn a form of Tai Chi with martial applications, and this provides a basis for those applications. Dr Yang frequently refers to his other DVDs for those interested in learning the martial applications in depth. For now, I'm pleased just to have that inclusion for an overview. I didn't want to learn Tai Chi strictly from a "performance" or "relaxation" or Western perspective, even though improved relaxation, concentration, muscle tone and balance are my main goals. As one reviewer said, this DVD "isnt for the masses". if you just want a quick superficial fix Its not for you. Its for those interested in going a little more in depth. And he says this in the DVD-if all you want is to relax and make some flowing motions, you dont need this DVD.He can be a little hard to understand on certain words, but really not bad. Its clear even though I havent watched the entire DVD yet that he is a true master and his teaching method is extremely thorough and grounded in traditional knowledge of Tai Chi. I couldn't be happier with it and am sure I'll be learning from it for years to come. Even if I never go any farther (I will) its a steal for 4+ hours of master instruction for under $20.

First. Dr. Yang differentiates between Tai Chi "Calisthenics Feel Good In The Park" (or gym room) and Tai Chi approached, learned, and practiced, traditionally as an internal martial art with all its commitments and requirements . . and rewards. I was very impressed by this. Especially in an age where keeping the students happy makes for larger classes, a fun experience, and a great reputation, while compromising the "art" and "root" of the Practice. As Dr Yang roughly states, there's nothing wrong with "feel good" Tai Chi as long as you understand the differences in what you are really learning. There are very few Sensei's/Sifu's that take the effort, and risk, to be so frank (or go against conventions).Second, Dr Yang introduces the inter-relationship between the internal arts, Chi Kung, Tai Chi, and the Practices of the Dao. Excellent. Understandable. And practical. Versus much of the esoteric presentations done today.Congratulations Dr. Yang on your efforts to spread traditional (and real) Chinese arts in a professional and passionate manner. And, for resisting the mass marketing glossy advertising and (feel good) methodologies and programs seemingly so common today.As far as step by step form instruction, there are other of varying effectiveness. Yang Jun (6th descendent direct) from the Yang Family must be ordered direct but will be the "source" so why not get that for form instruction. Or reputable "sifu's" such as Amin Wu or Helen Liang. But as far as Dr. Yangs explanations, it is of the best.

I bought this after having taken a Tai Chi class over 20 yrs ago; and after a shoulder injury, thought it would be a good option to get my exercise with. Video is very nice, and the scenery is beautiful…and though it is slow enough to follow, if you’ve already had some experience with Tai Chi; but it’s definitely not broken down enough for a absolute beginner. I was actually disappointed, because it’s always good to have a review of some kind.

I very much appreciate the detail that Dr. Yang provides in this video. Having trained in martial arts, the fact that he explains the hidden martial art in each form is valuable information to me. And I love that. There is meaning to every movement you make when practicing Tai Chi. If you want to "dance" tai chi, then this video is not for you. However, if you are ready to break out a pen and some paper to jot down the time frames he begins each new form/movement, do it! One hour into this video, I had to take a break and practice the first 4 movements. He even reminds the viewer to review until you are comfortable. So, here I am, in the middle of this pandemic, learning tai chi. He explains the movements from different angles, and you may feel like you want to fast forward, don't. Or again, this video may not be for you. This video is pretty much a one-on-one instructional with you and Dr. Yang. Glad I gave this video a chance rather than going based off of star ratings at first glance. I am currently finding myself rewinding to selected segments of the video to perfect my forms.