The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi & QiGong Illustrated, Fourth Edition Paperback – October 2, 2012

If you are new to tai chi, or looking to learn a little more, you could not possibly go wrong with this book (either the Kindle or the print edition, I have both). It is comprehensive and in-depth - a veritable encyclopedia for tai chi - yet is accessible and easy to read and follow. The only way you could go beyond this book is with an in-person teacher. If you aren't doing that for whatever reason, get this book.There is a great deal of history and information about the benefits of tai chi, which I found fascinating. I mean, I thought it would be good for me, but I was really surprised learn learn all of the benefits practicing tai chi could bring. It made me even more dedicated to the practice.The instructions are very easy to follow, you are walked step by step through progressive stages so you will learn the right way. You might think learning complex (to the beginner) moves like this would be difficult from a book, but the diagrams and instructions make it all make sense.But the big bonus for this book is the website with accompanying videos, showing you the moves. This is invaluable, seeing it all in action. (If you have a Kindle Fire you can access the web page and play the videos right from the Kindle; choose the mpeg version, not the wmv version).Whether you just want the basics (that's here) or you want to go really in depth (that's here too), this book really does have it all. You cannot get a better book on tai chi, in my opinion.Not affiliated in any way, just very, very pleased.

A fantastic supplement to read while taking Tai Chi classes, and since it is very easy to understand it would also be a nice prelude before taking them as well. I'm fortunate enough to take group classes with Bill and Angela, and it's awe-inspiring to see the amount of older people, presumably some with physical challenges, that make it look like a beautiful symphony.This book put so many things in perspective for me regarding my health. How stress can damage the entire body, and how Tai Chi can help with so many different ailments. I have been adding vitamins to my daily routine for a couple of years, and none of them have given me the sense of wellness that I feel after leaving a Tai Chi class. I am just beginning my journey, and I'm very excited for the possibilities. My advice is to grab a highlighter while reading. There is so much great information.I am researching an illness that I'm trying to wrap my head around, and the list of alternative therapies are Tai Chi, yoga and massage. I'm not sure how many other illnesses include this in their literature, but something tells me if I were to look deeper, it would be more than I could imagine. I hope this helps you in making a decision about whether to buy this book. It just might change your life.

As a teacher of Tai Chi and Qigong I am always looking for more information on these healing and exercise arts. I recently purchased 300 page soft cover book (The complete idiot’s guide to Tai Chi and Qigong by Bill Douglas and Angela Wong Douglas) on Amazon for a bargain price. One of the things I like about “the complete idiot’s guide” book series is how they organize and format their material. This book is organized into 6 parts with twenty-two chapters and it covers a lot of essential material for anyone interested in taking up Tai Chi and/or Qigong.Part one (Tai Chi relax into raw power) provides an introduction to Tai chi and the many benefits of studying and practicing Tai Chi and Qigong. Part two (Suiting up and setting out) explains what to wear, practice sessions and horse stance and other terms. The third part (starting down the Qigong path to Tai Chi) focuses on the relationship between Tai Chi and Qigong. The fourth part (Learning the Tai Chi long form) explains through drawing illustrations the movements of the Tai Chi Long Form. Unfortunately, this is the least helpful chapter unless you are actually learning this form with a Tai Chi teacher it is very difficult to learn from merely reading this book. Part four covers a Tai Chi short fan form and a short sword form. I found these two forms interesting because I had learned the basic fan and sword form from my Tai Chi teacher. The final part is all about the value of Tai Chi and Qigong and relating these arts to life applications.Most books about the martial and healing arts have some value; however, the best combination for meaningful results is to study under a master along with reading a book on the subject. This book may be used as a good reference guide when combined with study under a Tai Chi/Qigong teacher.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Chair/Seated Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga stretching for seniors and the physically challenged).

I'm lucky to be a student in one of Bill's classes. I truly respect his open minded approach to T'ai Chi and QiGong. He wants to make this practice accessible to everyone. As I continue to play T'ai Chi, I discover there is no end to learning - just deepening. Since I can't take Bill home in my pocket, I find this book the next best thing. It's full of information and resources that I keep coming back to. When I began to learn the long form, I used the 3rd edition and its DVD. It was helpful. I still use it some. But I absolutely love the video support for this 4th edition where you have the excellent illustrations and moving demonstration side by side. So easy! And it goes anywhere my iPad goes. So you can use it in a room or in a porch or yard where you have room to move freely.The benefits of T'ai Chi are well researched. Personally, I just feel better when I do it and it's enjoyable. Thanks Bill for the enormous amount of thought and time that has gone into making the learning so attainable. Even for a senior !