Mastering Tai Chi Cane for Health & Self-Defense: Chen-Style, Yang-Style & Stretch-Massage Forms Rooted in the Taoist Eight Immortals

The cane has been used as a self-defense weapon for centuries. But it is more than just a weapon or a walking aid—it is a useful tool to practice the ancient Chinese art of tai chi and gain all the benefits of relaxation, health, and wellness for students of any age or fitness level. For the very first time, Master Jesse Tsao brings his fifty years of tai chi practice and training, combined with his PhD in Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Education, to this comprehensive guide to mastering the tai chi cane with routines he has created.
Rooted in the Taoist Eight Immortals legends, this book takes you through the steps of tai chi cane stretch and self-massage to increase flexibility, loosen tight muscles, and prepare the body for daily activities as well as stimulating energy points to open the body’s blockages and flush out stagnation and toxins to promote self-healing. Routine I blends the softer flow and circular movements of the popular Yang-style tai chi for stress management and personal fitness. And for students looking for training in cane self-defense, Routine II is based on the fast and vigorous practice of traditional Chen-style Cannon Fist that mixes robust leaps with explosive strikes—ideal for diehard martial artists.
With more than 300 photographs and illustrations, Mastering Tai Chi Cane for Health & Self-Defense provides clear, step-by-step instructions for each posture followed by key points for mastery, making it a perfect manual for beginners while the in-depth content will be invaluable to martial artists and tai chi instructors.