Yang Style Traditional Long Form T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Gordon Muir began his martial arts studies at the age of twelve, followed by years of serious study of a wide variety of disciplines including judo, kyokushinkai, karate, kempo, several kung fu styles, and kickboxing. Eventually he discovered the internal martial arts, which led to t’ai chi and Master T. T. Liang, renowned teacher of Yang style. The culmination of the author’s longtime study of this style is this enlightening look at the Yang style of t’ai chi. Focusing on the revered traditional form rather than the more recently created short form, the book describes in depth the type of movement t’ai chi strives for that distinguishes it from other martial arts. Clear and concise instructions help students understand how to move in order to create internal strength. Numerous photographs and detailed descriptions showcase and simplify the movements, which include the traditional Yang stances, hand and arm positions, and moving and powering. Written in a simple, engaging style, the book is designed to help new students get started in this rewarding tradition and more advanced practitioners deepen their knowledge of it.“As a young man Gordon Muir was a hard stylist who studied the soft styles first from books, and then went to extraordinary lengths to track down a great Taiji master. May his example inspire other external artists to pursue the internal arts. Gordon's book is a great place to start; his down-to-earth practical approach makes clear the more esoteric rewards of Taiji that come only through sincere, diligent practice.”
—Brian Preston, author of Me, Chi, and Bruce Lee: Adventures in Martial ArtsGordon Muir studied intensively with Master Liang for seven years and for another seven with students of Master Liang and with his own students. Currently a disciple of Master Chen Zhonghua, he lives in Victoria, British Columbia.