Recommended Reading
There are undoubtedly hundreds of books available on the internet and bookstores relating to T'ai Chi Ch'uan and
Chi-gung. However if you are studying the Yang style and system, many of these books will be more of a hindrance
than a help. Also there are books poring off the print everyday by totally unqualified authors. It pays then to be very
vigilant regarding reading material, and because of this stiuation I have compiled a list below of literature, which is in
some cases essential study material and in others, simply interesting reading relating to the art in general.
This of course is by no manner of means a static listing, and will be added to as I come across material which I
consider worthy of inclusion.
Please remember that books are there to supplement your learning experience only. True knowledge and
understanding of the art can only come through practice, perseverance and patience. In all cases this knowledge will
take many years, if not decades of daily practice to acquire.
Books
T’ai Chi Ch’uan : For Health and Self - Defence, Philosophy and Practice.
by Master T.T. Liang. Vintage Press, 1977
(recommended first read)
The Tao of T’ai Chi Ch’uan : Way to Rejuvenation.
by Jou, Tsung Hwa, Charles E Tuttle, Co., 1981
T’ai Chi Ch’uan and Meditation
By Da Liu. Schocken Books, 1986
Cheng Tzu’s Thirteen Treatises on T’ai Chi Ch’uan.
By Cheng Man-ch’ing Translated by Benjamin Pang, Jeng Lo, and Martin Inn.
North Atlantic Books 1985.
T’ai Chi Touchstones : Yang Family Secret Transmissions
Compiled and Translated by Douglas Wile, Sweet Chi Press, 1983
A Complete Guide to Chi-Kung
By Daniel Reid, Shambhala Publications, 1998
The Tao of Health, Sex & Longevity
By Daniel Reid, Pocket Books, London., 2001 ( IBSN 0-7434-0907-8
The ‘Tao Te Ching’ by Lao Tsu must also be considered essential reading, as the roots of T’ai Chi Ch’uan are
buried in Taoist philosophy. Equally important is the “T’ai Chi Ch’uan Classics” in which lie the guiding principles
of the art. Also known as the Essence of T’ai Chi Ch’uan, it is a collection of guiding principles, left by the founder
of T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Chang San-feng [born 1247] Interpretation of these principles and further words of guidance from
later masters of the art. Both of these books should be considered as essential reading.
Cultivating The Chi
By Stuart Alve Olson, Dragon Door Publications, Minnesota, 1993,
IBSN-0-938045-11-3
Mastering Yang Style Tijiquan
By Fu Zhongwen, Tranlated by Louis Swain, North Atlantic Books, California, 1999
IBSN-1-55643-318-2
Tai Chi Chuan - The Code of Life
By Graham Horwood, Dragon Door Publcations, Minnesota 2002
IBSN - 0-938045-38-5
Steal My Art - The Life and Times of a Tai Chi Master - T.T.Liang
By Stuart Alve Olson, North Atlantic Books, California, 2002
IBSN - 1-55643-416-2
Warriors of Stillness - By Jan Diepersloot - IBSN 978-0-964997-0-8
An unusual but very rewarding collection of writings from a very unusual man!