The best Tai Chi books
As I started reading books about Tai Chi Chuan, I wanted to find out what are the best Tai Chi books. Thus I made my own wishlist of best Tai Chi books based on several recommendations I found all over the internet. I also analyzed the bestseller-lists on Amazon.
I did not find THE no.1 book, but there are 13 books that I consider the best based on my research. Click on the links below (in alphabetical order):
best Tai Chi books
- Cheng Tzu’s Thirteen Treatises of T’ai Chi Ch’uan by Cheng Man Ch’ing*
- How to Grasp the Bird’s Tail if You Don’t Speak Chinese by Jane Schorre* (this book is not very well known, but I think it is fantastic. I wrote more about the book here)
- Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan by Fu Zhongwen*
- Steal My Art by T.T. Liang* (actually this is one of my most favorite Taijiquan books. It is a very pleasurable read about the life of the Tai Chi Master T.T.Liang.)
- T’ai Chi Ch’uan for Health and Self-Defense by T.T.Liang*
- Tai Chi Theory & Martial Power by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming*
- The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin*
- The Dao of Taijiquan by Jou, Tsung Hwa*
- The Essence and Application of Taijiquan by Yang Chengfu*
- The Five Levels of Taijiquan by Chen Xiaowang*
- The Power of Internal Martial Arts and Qi by Bruce Frantzis*
- There are no secrets by Wolfe Lowenthal*
- Yang Family Secret Transmissions compiled by Douglas Wile*
And of course I will keep you updated on the books I read. Some of them have already arrived. I am looking forward to dive into them!
So I think within the next couple of years you will find MANY book reviews here at Qialance!
Plus maybe you are also interested in
- list of best Qi Gong books
- list of TCM books (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
- books written by Cheng Manching and his students
- list of interesting Push Hands books
Happy Qi!
Angelika
P.S.: I would like to add that I wrote my first book about Tai Chi! It is The Taijiquan & Qi Gong Dictionary*! I think it is great for any beginners and will help you to get an idea of many words and concepts that are covered in the other books. And I am proud to say that it has some 5-stars ratings on Amazon!
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23 Comments
You may try looking at the shop section of Jan Siblerstoff:
http://www.wctag-shop.de/
Your’re right, though I think many of his books are in German!
Hi Angelika,
Thank you for your great website.
I have been a tai chi teacher for about 7 years now and have taught simple to complex forms
to a number of people. I subscribed to your site because when I ask people if they have practiced
(it is apparent when they do) I’m often told “no, not much”.
Obviously those who understand the principles are more likely than beginners to benefit from practice
because they can flow through the forms.
I have been looking for ideas to stimulate beginners to spend the time practicing. What you suggest
here is very helpful. I will send them your contact information!
Warm Regards,
Dave
thank you for your kind words!
yes, I truly want people to do Taijiquan and Qi Gong more. Because one only benefits when on practices!
All books ok .. best to have a good teacher & train every day before breakfast. I started learning Taijiquan in Singapore in 1971 when I was teaching there & continue to train every morning 6-7am. cheers, lin
you could contact .. James Tan in Rottweil Germany
I agree, one should have a good teacher but it is necessary to learn and read on your own, too!
Hi Angelika, I have four of these books, plus a few others, Dr Yang Jwing Ming is one to look up.
Hi Angelika; I just found your blog through Pinterest and I am thoroughly enjoying your insight. Regarding books, I would recommend to your followers that “The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan” by Wong Kew Kit as an excellent foundation material. I refer back to it regularly and often make it required reading for students who have begun to show a serious interest in the art.
Hi Danel,
thanks for your comment! I do not know that book yet!
Angelika
Your book list is great. Own 10 out of 12.
I would add “Embrace Tiger Return to Mountian” by Alysung and the one that got me into Tai Chi in 1984 and playing Tai Chi since 1994. Alan Watts “Watercource Way”
Respectfully
Ed
Touch of Tao Tai Chi
Yuma Az
Sorry misspelled Al Huang
Respectfully
Ed
Hi, thank you for your comment! I haven’t read “Embrace Tiger Return to Mountain” yet, but I heard about it. Will put in onto my reading list!
Angelika
I switched from vigorous daily yoga practice to taijiquan practice so I am a beginner. I am learning Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming’s Tai Chi Chuan Classical Yang Style Long Form. Learning the long form is quite a challenge but I enjoy every minute. I love reading and learning about the Art. I practice 6 hours daily because I started my practice late in life. But I have a great instructor who is has studied with Dr. Yang for over 22 years so I have great direction. I buy books on martial arts and qigong every payday and now I can use your book lists to search for more books to buy. I plan to buy your book this week. Thanks for the great blog.
Hi Curtis,
thank you for your comment. And I am impressed by your dedication to the art, I am sure you will see how your body changes soon.
Angelika