This book by Sang H Kim has excellent advice for martial artists of every age but is especially good for those of us approaching our prime. When you're young and foolish, your body will handle more abuse, you heal more quickly, and you often don't think of the long term effect of your actions. As you get a little older, you're ready to put more thought into what you do and you want to make sure you are helping improve your quality of life.

If you're looking at just starting the martial arts or interested in keeping up your practice, this book will help you learn which exercises are beneficial and which are potentially dangerous. You'll learn which types of injuries are most common as you age and how to avoid them. With chapters on diet and nutrition, fitness, agility, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, reflexes, endurance, forms, weapons and more you'll learn how to keep up with those half your age! You're not too old to start getting into the best shape of your life.

Paperback, 352 pages.
Martial Arts After 40
Price: $16.95 $14.76

This book by Davidine Siaw-Voon Sim & David Gaffney is one of the most comprehensive books on Chen Style that I have seen. The authors trained and consulted with Chen Xiaowang, Chen Zhenglei, Zhu Taincai, and other leading figures in Chen TaijiQuan. It takes you through the historical development and philosophical roots of the system, training methods in Silk-Reeling Exercise, forms, Yi Lu, Paocui, Fajing, Qinna, equipment, push hands and weapons. The practical information is followed by a fun final chapter on Chen Family Legends. An excellent book for the serious Chen stylist! Paperback, 224 pages.

Chen Style TaijiQuan
Price: $16.95 $14.76

Volume 1 - Chen's Taichi for Health & Wellness

This is the first of a series of English language books by Chen ZhengLei. In this volume, Grandmaster Chen presents a complete system to promote health and wellness. Divided into four sections: Introduction, Basic Drills, Nurtuting the TaiChi Vital Qi, and Chen's Taichi Essential 18 Forms.

The first section discusses characteristics of the system, describes some of the health benefits and covers key points and specific requirements. The second section covers warming up the joints, spiral rotations or silk reeling exercises, and footwork. The third section covers a variety of sitting and standing exercises and meditative practices. The fourth section covers the 18 Forms in depth with over 88 photos, detailes descriptions and key requirements.

It's difficult to learn only from a book, but if you have an instructor to work with or are already familiar with the form, this book will greatly enhance your understanding of the 18 Form. 

Paperback, 94 pages.

Chen's Taichi for Health & Wellness
Price: $14.95

Volume 2 - Chen's Taichi Old Frame One & Two

This is the second of a series of English language books by Chen ZhengLei. In this volume, Grandmaster Chen presents a detailed description of Old Frame One (LaoJia YiLu) and Old Frame Two (LaoJia Erlu or PaoChui or Cannon Fist).

The first section of the book is a general introduction that covers history, benefits, basic requirements, training methods and principles, and basic movements and exercises.

The second section covers Old Frame One, move by move. The movements are described thoroughly, requirements are listed, internal strength is described and applications are provided. The same thorough approach is used in section three to cover Old Frame Two. There are well over 500 photos and diagrams in this book!

Paperback, 396 pages.

Volume 2 - Chen's Taichi Old Frame One & Two
Price: $39.95

Chen Style Taijiquan, Sword and Broadsword

There is a lot of information packed into this book! It covers some history, basic requirements, training methods, basic movements and exercises. It then covers LaoJia YiLu, the straightsword and the broadsword . The movements are presented individually, described thoroughly, actions are listed, internal energy is described and applications are provided. The same thorough approach is used for each form. Each movement is also carefully documented with photographs. This is the book I find myself referring to most often when I have a question about a movement.

Paperback, 367 pages.

Chen Style Taijiquan, Sword and Broadsword
Price: $28.00

Chin-Na Volume I, Chinese Grappling Techniques

Grandmaster Willy Lin provides instruction in Chin-Na (Qin Na) the "seize and control" art of Kung Fu. Joint locks, pressure points and cavity presses are used to control, immobilize or subdue attackers. The techniques rely on leverage rather than strength, making them very effective against larger and stronger opponents. Includes an introduction, preparation, basics, counters and a photo gallery. The focus of Volume I is on defense against grabs to the wrist and to the forearm

Chin-Na Volume I DVD
Price: $39.95

Grandmaster Willy Lin provides instruction in Chin-Na (Qin Na) the "seize and control" art of Kung Fu. Joint locks, pressure points and cavity presses are used to control, immobilize or subdue attackers. The techniques rely on leverage rather than strength, making them very effective against larger and stronger opponents. Includes an introduction, preparation, basics, counters and a photo gallery. The focus of Volume II is on more advanced defense techniques against arm locks, knives, pushes and bear hugs.

Chin-Na Volume II DVD
Price: $39.95

24 Beat (Primary Fist)

Also known as ChuJi Quan, this is the first form in our system.  Master Willy Lin, who first brought these forms to the US, demonstrates the form step-by-step. He also includes variations of the form along with the 2 person fighting set which pits the first half of the form against the second half. This form is filled with good offensive and defensive techniques and the two person set builds important skills in timing and distance control needed for fighting.

24 Beat II DVD
Price: $39.95

Taiji . . . The Details: The Eighteen Movement Chen Essence Form

This DVD by Sean Marshall is now the one I recommend to anyone who wants to learn the 18 movement Essence Form. This short form removes duplication and distills the essential movements of Lao Jia Yi Lu, the traditional beginner form of Chen TaiJi from which the other major styles of taiji are derived.

Previously, I recommended the DVD produced by Chen ZhengLei who created the form. Why wouldn't a DVD by the person who actually created the form still be my top recommendation?  It did an excellent job of providing instruction on silk reeling exercises, warm ups, basic movements and body positions, but when it came to the actual form, it only provided a demonstration.

This new DVD by Sean Marshall corrects that problem. It also shows warm ups, but it demonstrated the form also breaks it down in a step by step instructional format. Split screen views allow you to see sections from both sides so you can see hand movements that might otherwise be obscured by the body. Important details are highlighted by on screen text, voice narration or picture in picture views that let you see close-ups. Slow motion sequences also help ensure you see all the details.

This is now the DVD I recommend to our new students. You get instruction by Sean Marshall, the head instructor of Jing Ying, a wonderful soundtrack performed on Eastern instruments by Jing Ying student Bill Bechtold, and beautiful scenery from the Chesapeake area.

DVD
Taiji . . . The Details
Price: $19.95

This is a great DVD for the beginning Chen enthusiast. The basic movements and silk reeling exercises are covered in detail as well as the Qigong exercises which are great for warming up. In addition, the 18 form or "Essence Form" is demonstrated along with several other forms. Master Chen ZhengLei

Chen-Style Qigong and 18 Form DVD
Price: $29.95 $27.62

Chen-style Taiji Push-Hand

This DVD features Chen ZhengLei and Wang HaiJun demonstrating the basic principals of push-hand exercises used to develop sensitivity and responsiveness while working with a partner. Covers basic requirements and methods with practice for a single person. This includes separate practice for foot work and hand movements as well as combining the two. Partner work includes fixed-stance single hand and double hand work and moves on to moving-stance work. Includes five methods of push-hands and also a demonstration of the Lao Jia Yi Lu form. Even without a practice partner, there's a lot you can get from this DVD.

Chen-Style TaiJi Push-Hand DVD
Price: $29.95 $27.62

Chen-style Taiji Single Sword (Straight Sword)

This DVD features Chen ZhengLei and provides details of working with the straight sword. Six chapters cover basic requirements, parts and names of the sword, how to hold the sword and basic movements, detailed step-by-step instruction of the form, demonstrations of the forms, and demonstrations of the Old Frame form.

Chen-Style TaiJi Single Sword DVD
Price: $29.95 $27.62

Chen TaijiQuan Lao Jia YiLu & Straight Sword

This DVD features Master Ren GuangYi in powerful demonstrations of YiLu and straight sword. Captured in high-def video and surround sound with a soundtrack by Lou Reed, this DVD presents a unique learning experience. Use the "Angle" button on your DVD to view the performance from the side, front or rear. Use "Rear View" to follow along as if you were behind Master Ren as he leads a class. You can also view the forms in "FlipperVision" - a slideshow presentation of nearly 2,000 photos that allow you to see each movement in extreme detail. Choose from multiple languages, two soundtracks for energy or centering and narration by Lou Reed.

Chen TaiJiQuan Lao Jia YiLu & Straight Sword DVD
Price: $39.95

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