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What's on my Tai Chi bookshelf?
In my journey of nearly three decades learning, practicing, and teaching Tai Chi Chuan, I've read countless books on the subject. While some Tai Chi books were just okay, others were good, and a select few were exceptional. The following titles are my favorites and are in my library. Most of them focus on Yang-style Tai Chi.
For those who are either new to Tai Chi or considering learning it, I highly recommend the following list to help you on your Tai Chi journey.
Recommended Tai Chi And Qigong Books
As a novice to Yang Tai Chi, my first teacher suggested I read "The Tai Chi Handbook For Exercise Meditation And Self-Defense" by Herman Kauz. This book was brimming with useful information and included helpful photos.
For those learning the Yang Tai Chi 24 competition form, "Tai Chi Chuan 24 and 48 postures With Martial Application" by Master Liang, Shou-Yu, and Wu, Wen-Ching is an excellent resource. This book offers Tai Chi principles, photos, and easy-to-understand explanations.
If you're interested in learning William C.C. Chen's version of Cheng Man Ching's short form, "Tai Chi Chuan Art of 60 Movements Yang Style Short Form" by William C.C. Chen is another good book that can aid you in your practice.
For those embarking on a Chen Tai Chi journey, "Chen Style T'ai Chi Chuan, Thirty-six and Fifty-six Movements" by Shing Yen-Ling can be a helpful reference guide for the postures, even if the form is not the exact one you're learning.
If you can't find the exact book you're looking for, don't worry – you may need to settle for something similar. Look for a book with clear pictures of the Tai Chi postures you're learning. Choose one that is easy to read.
If your favorite Tai Chi or martial arts book isn't listed, please share its title and author. I'm always on the lookout for great Tai Chi and Qigong books. And if you do decide to read any of these Tai Chi books, please let me know your thoughts.
You can find these books by clicking on the Amazon affiliate links below, searching on eBay, or borrowing them from your local library.
T'ai Chi Classics - by Waysun Liao
Steal My Art- by Master T.T. Liang
Tai Chi Chuan for Health and Self Defense - by Master T.T. Liang
Cheng Tzu's Thirteen Treatises on T'ai Chi Chuan - by Cheng Man Ching
Gateway to The Miraculous - by Wolf Lowenthol
There Are No Secrets - by Wolf Lowenthol
The Dao of TaijiQuan - by Jou, Tsung Hwa
The Tai Chi Book - by Robert Chuckrow, Ph,D.
Tai Chi, The Perfect Exercise - by Arthur Rosenfeld
Tai Chi Touchstones: Yang Family Secret Transmissions
Movements of Magic - Bob Klein
T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ta Wen: Questions and Answers on T'ai Chi - Chen Wei-Ming (Author), Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo (Translator), Robert W. Smith (Translator)
Chi Kung: Health and Martial Arts by Yang Jwing Ming
Books On Tai Chi, Qigong, And Other Martial Arts Suggested By The Followers Of Tai Chi Daily On Social Media
Angry White Pyjamas: A Scrawny Oxford Poet Takes Lessons From The Tokyo Riot Police by Robert Twigger
Chen - Living Taijiquan in the Classical Style by Jan Silberstorff
Dancer in the Light: The Life of Gerda Pytt Geddes by Frank Woods
Ki in Daily Life by Koichi Tohei
Looking for the Golden Needle by Gerda Geddes
Mastery by George Leonard
Simple Qigong Exercises for Health by Yang Jwing Ming
T'ai-Chi Ch'uan (Wu Style): Body And Mind In Harmony -- The Integration Of Meaning And Method by Sophia Delza
Movements of Power: Ancient Secrets of Unleashing Instinctual Vitality by Bob Klein
Tai Chi Secrets of the Wu Style by Yang Jwing Ming
Taijiquan by Li Dejin
The Art of Peace: Teachings of the Founder of Aikido by Morihei Ueshiba
The Art of the Straight Line: My Tai Chi by Lou Reed
The Complete works of Zhuangzi by Burton Watson
The Eight Pieces of Brocade: A Wai Dan Chi Kung Exercise Set for Maintaining and Improving Health by Yang Jwing Ming
The Healing Promise of Qi by Dr Roger Jahnke