A compilation of Master T.T. Liang's teachings on T'ai-Chi, plus articles and stories about Master Liang.

Now 101 years old, Master T. T. Liang came to the U.S. from Taiwan in the 1960s to introduce t'ai chi to America. His life story is full of the stuff that makes a great martial arts adventure: a career as a high-ranking government official, street fights and shootouts, opium dens and prostitutes, mystical martial arts masters and monks—the story of a life lived to the absolute maximum. Twenty-five photographs add to the captivating life story of this great t'ai chi master.

For the student who has already mastered the basic postures, this book addresses itself to the philosophy behind the system of movements and to all the variations possible.

The distilled essence of Tai Chi philosophy and practical training tips from legendary masters past and present. What every serious Tai Chi student must know to really benefit from Tai Chi practice. Yang Cheng Fu's 'Ten Points,' priceless guidelines for Yang Style practice from the source of the art. Master J.J.Sung's 'Twelve points,' further elaboration and refinement of Yang's Ten Points. Ten Steps in training, a systematic guide toward greater achievement in Tai Chi. Nine ways for students to multiply the effectiveness of their training. Translation of the four major Tai Chi Classics, considered by many masters to be the foundation of the art. Taoist tales, showing the inner 'mystical' dimension of training. Translation of the Classics of the famed 'Five Animal Frolics,' precursors of Tai Chi, dating back more than 1800 years. What is the entire Tai Chi System and best ways to learn it. How to find a qualified Tai Chi Teacher. 'Secrets' of Chinese martial arts etiquette. And more.

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.

"Wolfe Lowenthal's quiet little memoir will with window-opening wisdom reinforce, I think, my view of how Cheng stood on Tai Chi. It tells how a young writer reacted to this strange Chinese man when he appeared in New York City in the mid-1960s and stayed there for a decade before returning to Taiwan to die in 1975. In a nickel town where neurosis is a cardinal virtue, the Tai Chi center established by Cheng soon became an oasis of learning. In my visits there I was invariably approached by a quiet fellow with a ready smile and loads of questions. His form and sensing hands improved but he never lost his kindly ways. This led me once to tell the three seniors that the one person in the club who best exemplified Tai Chi was this junior. That man who has since become a teacher of the art is the author if this book." -Robert W. Smith, from the Preface