Characterised by powerful Qigong exercises, agile steps and flowing movements.

"Sword Imperatives is a beautifully written book with captivating stories, clearly described movements, photos, and illustrations." The Chinese double edged sword is known in martial arts traditions as the king of blades. It is regarded by both scholars and martial artists as the most distinguished of all weapons. Sword ownership in ancient China represented power, prestige and rank. Sword Imperatives is the authoritative reference book dedicated to the proper and effective use of the double edged sword. Whether you practice sword for health or for martial arts, you will find this book the foremost guide to mastery in sword skills. With practice, you will be able to move the sword in perfect balance and harmony like an agile phoenix twisting and turning effortlessly with grace and power. This book includes: * Brief philosophy and history of sword development * 29 essential sword movements and drills * Green Dragon Kung Fu Sword routine * 32 Posture Tai Chi Sword routine

The Sword Form is an important aspect of the popular Chinese martial art, Tàijíquan. The 32-Posture Sword Form, from the point of view of the physical movements only, is not complex, but there is a significant amount of other information, relating to the applications, that is open to interpretation. Written by an experienced teacher of Tàijíquan, this book provides a detailed description of the Jian (the sword), its parts and how it should be held. Using photographs and illustrations, the author gives step-by-step instructions for the main 13 applications including sword strokes, stances and footwork techniques. This book contains a wealth of information on Sword Form technique and is an ideal resource for students of martial arts, experienced practitioners or anyone interested in learning about Tàijíquan.

Master the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan with this informative guide. One of the most popular Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan is also one of the most effective stress relievers available. In China, it is also used extensively for the prevention and treatment of illnesses, and its beneficial effects on health and fitness are now widely recognized in the West. The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan is a comprehensive and fascinating guide to the practical application and potential benefits of Tai Chi Chuan. This tai chi guide is packed with step-by-step illustrations for practice at home and covers everything you would want to know about this ancient art, including its benefits for mental, spiritual and emotional development. It is both an ideal introductory guide and an invaluable reminder for those who have already taken classes. Topics in The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan include: Tai Chi Chuan as a Martial Art The Concept of Yin-Yang and Tai Chi Chuan The Historical Development of the Various Styles Advice from the Great Masters Techniques and Skills of Pushing Hands Specific Techniques for Combat Situations Taoism and Spiritual Development in Tai Chi Chuan And much more

This extensively illustrated primer is the first English edition of Sun's classic 1919 book which explores both the theory and practice of the style, with emphasis on movements and postures. Tim Cartmell's translation provides both a standard by which practitioners can judge themselves and valuable information relevant to all versions of taijiquan. Tim Cartmell has done the American Taijiquan community a great service translating Sun Lutang's books into English.

A Guide to Sun Style 62 Step Sword Form uses text and photographs to illustrate the postures of the form and to help students learn and practise this sword form developed by Sun Lu-Tang and passed on to his daughter Sun Jian Yun, and through her to the author's two sword teachers, David Martin of Leicester, UK and later Zhang Zhen-Hua of Beijing, China. The book is composed of over 350 photographs which not only illustrate the postures of the sword form, but the transitions flowing from one posture to the next, close up of sword handling and reinforced by description and direction. There are also references to the teachings of Madam Sun Jian-Yun translated by the author of several books on Sun Style Taijiquan, Bradford Tyrey, at different points through the text adding a wider perspective to this book. The author teaches in the United Kingdom, and is part of a network of instructors, teachers and students based in the UK who train in the traditional Sun Style Taijiquan of Sun Jian-Yun which follow her father's teachings, and handed down through Zhang Zhen-Hua, David Martin and Bradford Tyrey by Sun Jian-Yun.

Book contains: Over 150 old photos and drawings, 135 pages of detailed information from the source. A distinctive book authored by one of Madam Sun Jian-Yun's (daughter of Grandmaster Sun Lu-T'ang) direct long-term students. Contains old translations from Chinese boxing masters, lectures and explanations from Madam Sun [1913-2003] and original students of Grandmaster Sun [1861-1933]. Topics covered concern old practices of Sun Taijiquan (Tai-Chi), Sun and Cheng styles of Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Qigong, sword practice methods, and an overview of Grandmaster Sun's history with photos. Introduction to several of Madam Sun's direct long-term students: Bradford Tyrey (USA), Dave Martin (United Kingdom), and Su-Ying Martin (United Kingdom). Writings on: Glimpses into the Life of Grandmaster Sun Lu-T'ang, The Essence & Smoothness of Qi Within the San-t'i Posture, Old Xingyiquan Teachings of Master Guo Yun-Shen [1827-1903], Baguazhang & Xingyiquan's I-Chin Jing (Changing Tendon Classic), Guo Yun-Shen's Animal Pairings in Xingyiquan: Dragon & Tiger, Developing Inner Force Through Standing, Ten Character Hands, Food & Drink That Harm Qi, Taoist Methods of Grandmaster Sun Lu-T'ang, Traditional Sun Family Sword Practices, Sun Family Bagua Sword Methods, Introduction to the Eight Immortals & Sword Methods, Ten True [Correct] Sword Shape Methods, A Lecture on Internal Sword Practices - Presented by Madam Sun Jian-Yun in 1987, An Explanation of Lao Yin Yunshou (Old Yin Cloud Hands), Questions & Answers, Moving Qi Among Three Points & The Skill of Nurturing the Small. This is our first book offered on traditional Sun family style practices. We highly recommend that you also purchase our second book 'Traditional Sun Lu-T'ang Style: Commentary by Madam Sun Jian-Yun, Daughter of Sun Lu-T'ang - Questions & Answers on Taijiquan - Baguazhang -Xingyiquan - Qigong (Volume I), full of old photos and training methods.