Basics of Taiji Quan

Taiji Quan is one of the major Chinese martial arts (Wushu). It is used for life enhancement, health building and combat. It calls for an uncluttered mind and complete concentration; soft, slow, smooth and complete movements; and a clear distinction between force and yielding.

This book offers an introduction to the origins and development of Taiji Quan, its major schools and their characteristics, and its technical methods and postures. Space is also devoted to the routines of the 24 simplified forms of Taiji Quan recommended by the Physical Culture and Sports Commission of the People's Republic of China, with special emphasis on the points which merit attention in practising Taiji Quan.

In addition, readers will have the help of more than 100 illustrations as they study and practise this ancient martial art form.

Li Xingdong, born in Heilongjiang Province, China, in October 1953, graduated from the Physical Education Department of the Beijing Physical Culture Institute in 1979 with a specialization in Wushu. He entered the Chengdu Physical Culture Institute in 1984 as a graduate student in Wushu and received a master's degree in pedagogy in 1987. He now works at the Theoretical Research Department of the Chinese Wushu Research Institute. He was one of the compilers of the Chinese Wushu Dictionary and An Introduction to the Science of Wushu. He has published several articles on Wushu.