HOME


WUWEI
PHILOSOPHY


CURRICULUM


LINEAGE


CLASSES
& EVENTS


LINKS


BOOKS
& VIDEOS


ARTICLES


PHOTO
GALLERY


OUR
FOUNDER

Contact
Joanne Chang
BOOKS  &  VIDEOS

When Yin Meets Yang: Illustrated Wisdom on Taijiquan and Its Philosophy
Written and Illustrated by David C. Chen
Published posthumously in Taiwan ISBN 986-124-685-1
Order Info: 240-418-5064 or Joanne@wuweitaichi.com

"David Chen was an exceptional taiji teacher and artist. This beautifully illustrated book includes many of his insights on Taijiquan philosophy, form practice and push hands. It is a delightful and thought provoking volume."
All proceeds from book sales go to the construction of the David Chen Memorial Tai Chi Court in Cabin John Regional Park, Montgomery County, MD.



CHENG TZU'S THIRTEEN TREATISES ON T'AI CHI CH'UAN
Translated by Benjamin Lo and Martin Inn.
North Atlantic Books. ISBN 0-938190-45-8
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"A must have textbook for CMC style practitioners; although it is not an instructional material for beginners but a theory reference for continuing students; I get inspirited every time I looked at Professor's postures in his early years. This is a book accompanied me as I grow."



CHENG MAN-CH'ING---MASTER OF FIVE EXCELLENCES
Translated by Mark Hennessy
Frog, Ltd. ISBN 1-883319-03-X
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"Since we are studying Cheng Man-ching style, you may want to know who he was and why he was so special to be called the master of five excellences, and why Tai Chi Chuan was his beloved excellence among other four, and further became the most popular style in the world."



TAI CHI CH'UAN TA WEN--- Questions & Answers on T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Translated by Benjamin Lo and Robert W. Smith
North Atlantic Books. ISBN 0-938190-67-9
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"A very famous book by Chen Wei-ming---Yang Cheng-fu's most senior disciple in the 30's. There are many valuable answers to the questions that are still existing in our modern time. A highly recommended reference book for your backpack."



CHENG MAN-CH'ING'S ADVANCED T'AI CHI FORM INSTRUCTIONS
Translated by Douglas Wile
Sweet Ch'i Press. ISBN 0-912059-03-6
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"This book is a good supplemental reading to the Thirteen Treatises translated by Ben Lo. It has additional selections of CMC's writings on Meditation, I-ching (the Book of Change), Chinese medicine and the Arts."



MASTER CHENG'S NEW METHOD OF TAI CHI CHUAN SELF-CULTIVATION
By Cheng Man-ching, translated by Mark Hennessy
Frog, Ltd. Berkeley, CA. ISBN 1-883319-92-7
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"A detailed description of Cheng's solo form with the transitional moves and foot diagrams. Although the photo quality is poor and with Professor in his loose rope, it is very difficult to see clearly his physical interpretation, however, the translation was well written for the movement. This book was first published in Chinese in the 40's and is still the standard textbook for all CMC practitioners in Taiwan. Thanks to Hennessy for making it available to the English readers. A great teaching manual for both students and instructors."



THERE ARE NO SECRETS
By Wolfe Lowenthal
North Atlantic Books. ISBN 1-55643-112-0
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"An excellent journal by a young student of Cheng Man-ching in New York Shr-Jung School. He vividly depicted the Professor's teaching to a roomful of Americans in the late 60's and 70's. The book tells many interesting stories and insights about this Tai Chi master who was living and teaching in New York City without speaking English but spreading the seeds to the global community."



GATEWAY TO THE MIRACULOUS
By Wolfe Lowenthal
Frog, Ltd. ISBN 1-883319-13-7
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"You must have both books to make a set. I get inspired everytime I re-read them. I enjoyed the photos as well, they looked so casual and warm that made me feel like having been there."



TAI CHI---THE SUPREME ULTIMATE
By Lawrence Galante
Samuel Weiser, Inc. ISBN 0-87728-497-0
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"This could be the first book for the junior students; it offers step-by-step instructional photos and foot diagrams, plus a suggestive demo on each application which gives students a better sense of how the technique would be used. The theory/philosophy chapters are also friendly enough for an entry level."



ZHENG MANQING'S LIFE & CONTRIBUTIONS TO TAIJIQUAN
By Barbara Davis. A thesis article published in
Journal of Asian Martial Arts magazine. ISSN 1057-8358
Volume 5, number 2, 1996. (Order back issue)
Order info: Via Media Publishing
941 Calle Mejia #822, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Tel: (505) 983-1919, Email: info@goviamedia.com

"An excellent research paper on Cheng Man-ching's life in China and USA. A collector's item."



CHEN WEIMING & ZHENG MANQING
By Robert W. Smith. A research paper published in
Journal Of Asian Martial Arts magazine. ISSN 1057-8385
Volume 6, number 1, 1997. (Order back issue)
Order info: Via Media Publishing
941 Calle Mejia #822, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Tel: (505) 983-1919, Email: info@goviamedia.com

"Mr. Smith's great insight stories on many legendary Tai Chi masters before Cheng Man-ching's time. It is an excellent reference to your list."



CONSERVATOR OF THE TAIJI CLASSICS
   --- An interview with Ben Lo

By Don Davis & Larry Mann. A research paper published in
Journal Of Asian Martial Arts magazine. ISSN 1057-8385
Volume 5, number 4, 1996. (Order back issue)
Order info: Via Media Publishing
941 Calle Mejia #822, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Tel: (505) 983-1919, Email: info@goviamedia.com

"This paper is definitely a collector's item! There has been very few articles on Mr. Lo and his famous painstaking training; this interview accompanies many precious photos of him and Cheng Man-ching in their younger days. It is a documentation of how a faithful Taiji disciple becomes a grandmaster. Don't miss out this one!"



LAO-TZU: MY WORDS ARE VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND
By Cheng Man-Ching and Translated by Tam Gibbs
North Atlantic Books. ISBN 0-913028-91-6
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/philosophy.htm

"A pure philosophical book on Lao-Tzu's <Tao Teh Ching>---the bible of Taoism written 2500 years ago. It contains profound wisdom and unspeakable truth about our mankind and society. It may not help you do better Tai Chi but intended to help you be a better person. Highly recommended for your inner cultivation."



FLOWING THE TAI CHI WAY
By Peter Uhlmann, a senior student of Henry Wang.
China Books & Periodicals. ISBN 0-8351-2636-6
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi5.htm

"Henry Wang studied with the late grand master Huang Shen-shyan in Malaysia in the '80s. Henry was a push-hands grand champion in Taiwan before he immigrated to Canada where he spent over 10 years on a small island near Vancouver realizing his Tao of Tai Chi; through Mr. Uhlmann's long years of close relationship with Wang, this book reveals a Tai Chi master's discovery."



SEARCHING FOR THE WAY
By Nigel Sutton
Multi-Media Books. ISBN 1-892515-0509
Order info: Unique Publications.
1-800-332-3330 http://www.CFWenterprises.com

"Sutton who has spent more than 20 years in Malaysia researching Tai Chi through various Chinese masters; this book is his journal about how a foreigner trying to learn kongfu secrets under the close-minded Chinese society. It records many interesting stories about the relationship between masters and disciples, and challenges between Tai Chi masters over their egos. Sutton also revealed many push-hands experiences with various players in the SE Asia. This is a great book for western practitioners to learn the bright side and dark side of the Tai Chi community in Asian countries."



THE I CHIEN T'AI CHI CH'UAN---with the I-Ching Definition
By Soon Jyh-Jian, a late grand master of CMC style.
Chinese Tai Chi Institute, Taipei, Taiwan, No ISBN code.
Order info: Tel--(02) 2738-5648, 2736-5086
12th Floor, #151-7, Sec. 2 Keelung Road,
Taipei, Taiwan 10669

"Mr. Soong passed away in 2001 at age of 90. This book attempts to adapt I-ching (The Book of Change) theory to explain the performance of Cheng Man-ching version of Tai Chi Chuan. It is a step-by-step instructional manual with Soong's photos and foot diagrams. Despite it is not an easy understanding book for an ordinary practitioner, it's Soong's life long study."



Tai-Chi Touchstone: YANG FAMILY SECRET TRANSMISSIONS
Translated by Douglas Wile
Sweet Ch'i Press. ISBN 0-912059-01-X
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"Almost every Tai Chi practitioner has this book in their pockets. Unfortunately those Yang Family secrets would not guarantee your success in Tai Chi if you do not comprehend and practice them. My high recommendation for dedicated players only."



The Essence of Tai Chi Chuan-The Literary Tradition
Translated and Edited by Benjamin Lo, Martin Inn, Robert Amacker and Susan Foe
North Atlantic Books. ISBN 0-913028-63-0
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi3.htm

"This little book contains 9 original and influential Tai Chi Classics by various Tai Chi ancestors from Chang San-feng (1279-1368), Wang Tsung-yueh (1736-1795), to Wu Yu-hsiang (1812-1880) and Cheng Man-ching (1901-1975). These Classics are the general guidelines for all Tai Chi Chuan styles despite different interpretations. The translations are very simple to read and understand, it serves as a map for us to evaluate our study."



LOST T'AI CHI CLASSICS FROM THE LATE CH'ING DYNASTY By Douglas Wile
State University of New York Press. ISBN 0-7914-2653-X
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"An excellent manual for those who want to know the Tai Chi history, the origin, and the important Classics; they help us to widen our understanding on what we are practicing for."



The Taijiquan Classics---An Annotated Translation
Translated by Barbara Davis
North Atlantic Books. ISBN 1-55643-431-6
Order info: In most book stores, and www.Amazon.com Or email to info@taijiquanjournal.com

"Barbara Davis offers a fresh translation and thorough annotation of the five core texts of the Yang Family Classics, with Chen Weiming's commentary from the 1920s. This book is not about Yang family secrets but a study report to help us deepen our understanding of the art."



THE DAO OF TAIJIQUAN---Way to Rejuvenation
By Jou Tsung-hwa
Tai Chi Foundation. ISBN 0-8048-1357-4
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"A very popular Tai Chi manual in the community. It is not an instructional book but an overview of how the Yin/Yang concept gets to evolve into our modern Tai Chi Chuan. There are many insights on Qi and meditation. It is a good theory book for intermediate students."



ADVANCED YANG STYLE TAI CHI CHUAN
By Yang Jwing-ming
YMAA (Yang's Martial Arts Association) Publication Center. ISBN 0-940871-02-5
Order info: http://www.ymaa.com/pubooks.html

"As the cover says, it's for advanced Tai Chi practitioners. There are lots of good application photos."



MASTERING YANG STYLE TAIJIQUAN
By Fu Zhong-wen, translated by Louis Swaim
North Atlantic Books. ISBN 1-55643-318-2
Order info: http://www.tai-chi.com/catalog/taichi.htm

"I wish this book could show photos of Fu Zhong-wen's routine instead of the drawings of Yang Cheng-fu's. However, that rare picture of Zhang Qinglin behind the wheel with Yang in the backseat really caught my eyes. It is said that Cheng Man-ching learned most of Push-hands with Zhang when Yang was not available."



T'AI CHI THIRTEEN SWORD---A Sword Master's Manual
By Stuart Olson, a senior student of grand master T.T. Liang.
Unique Publications, Inc. ISBN 1-892515-14-8
Order info: Any major book store in Martial Arts section
or try: http://www.addall.com/Browse/Detail/1892515148.html

"It is interesting to see the same sword posture interpreted differently by Chen Wei-ming (Shanghai), Hsiung Yang-ho (Taiwan), and T.T. Liang (New York). Also the 13 techniques of sword fencing are good reference too."



Body Mechanics of Tai Chi Chuan
By William C. C. Chen
8th printing in 1999, New York City, USA
Order info: WmCCChen@aol.com
Website: www.WilliamCCChen.com
The book is also available in most of local Martial Arts stores.

"One of the oldest and best selling Taijiquan books in North America. Chen, the youngest indoor disciple of Cheng Man-ching now is the grandmaster of the art. In the past 30 years, he has spreaded the seeds in almost every corner of the US and Europe. He is one of the few major influences in making CMC Taijiquan the most popular style in the western regions. This book is an instruction manual, with lots of Chen's photos in detail transitions and very simple to follow. I wish there were more writings on his famous 'Body Mechanics'in the book, but as he said to me: 'You have to come to my workshops.' :~) "



Tai Chi Ch'uan --- The interaction of Yin and Yang
By Mr. Lin Kuan-cheng of Taipei, Taiwan
Order info: www.lionbooks.com.tw

"Master Lin had an extensive study of martial arts in his youth but later gave up all he learned for a life-long commitment on Tai Chi. He is well known for his interpretation of the martial power of Yin-Yang interaction; his lively demonstration of receiving (Yin) and discharging (Yang) at the same time amazed many admirers from different backgrounds. Although the book is written in Chinese, it offers valuable visual references for those with trained eyes."



Martial Musings
By Robert W. Smith
Published by Via Media Publishing Co. ISBN 1-893765-00-8
Order info: www.Amazon.com under Tai Chi or Martial Arts.
Or check your local bookstores under Martial Arts section.

"Mr. Smith has been a great martial art story-teller in our time; his experiences with various masters and their teachings are a valuable reference for the younger generation, especially a large section on Cheng Man-ching and his teaching. There are many insights on the teacher-student relationship that I found inspiring. Through reading Smith's stories, I have learned the advices that I should follow in my practice."



The Tai Chi Book
By Robert Chuckrow, PhD.
YMAA Publication Center ISBN 1-886969-64-7
Order info: http://www.chuckrowtaichi.com/BooksVideos.html

"This book is very well written and easy to read. It covers enough ground to satisfy beginners and advanced students alike. The author was a student of Professor Cheng in the 1970's. He teaches Physics as well as Tai Chi, which may be why he is able to explain Tai Chi so clearly in this 209 page volume. This is a book you will want to read and reread."



Tai Chi Dynamics
By Robert Chuckrow, PhD.
YMAA Publication Center ISBN 978-1-59439-116-3
Order info: http://www.chuckrowtaichi.com/BooksVideos.html

"In his latest book, Robert Chuckrow is writing with the experienced student in mind. He explores Taiji principals in great detail, helping the reader understand how and why the Laws of Physics make Taiji so effective. Chuckrow provides lots of practical advice and challenges some widely held views, offering a clear interpretation of the teachings of Professor Cheng. This 252 page book may be a demanding read but it is well worth the effort."



The Taijiquan Classics -- The Essential Translation & Explanation with Commentary on History and Culture
By Zhang Yun, David Ho, Peter Capell & Susan Darley
Yin Cheng Gong Fa Association North American Headquarters. ISBN 978-0-578-17886-8
Order info: http://www.lulu.com/shop/yun-zhang/the-taijiquan-classics/hardcover/product-22654230.html

"This comprehensive volume translates the Taiji Classics passed down through the Chen, Yang and Wu Families. The authors spend 15 years compiling, and editing this work down to a single volume of nearly 800 pages! For non-Mandarin speakers, this book is the first complete compilation of the Classics in English, including clear and precise explanations of the essential concepts of Taijiquan. The Classics provide deep insight into Chinese culture generally, with descriptions of the teachings of Daoism that have guided a people over millennia. If you agree that reading the classics is an important part of your Tai Chi Training, this is book should be part of your library."


Videos


T'AI CHI CH'UAN---A Simplified Method of Calisthenics for Health and Self Defense
By Cheng Man-ching. Produced and edited by New York Shr-jung School.
Order info: CHO SAN Inc. P.O. Box 820792, Houston, TX 77282-0792
or send your enquiry to
Mr. Benjamin Lo at P.O. Box 210537, San Franscisco, CA 94121-0537
You may order a DVD version from Taipei Shr-jung School at:
http://www.37TaiChi.org.tw Under Book & DVD section.

"Although it is not an instructional video, I've been inspired by watching it over and over. Through the recording of Cheng's Tai Chi performance in his 50's and 70's, we get to witness the progression of his art. Despite It is a test of one's patience for ordering the video, it's definitely a collector's top choice."



PROFESSOR CHENG MAN CH'ING'S SIMPLIFIED T'AI CHI CH'UAN
By Benjamin Lo
Order info: Benjamin Lo. P.O. Box 210537, San Francisco, CA 94121-0537

"An excellent instructional video for students at all levels. Mr. Lo's teaching has been incredibly consistent in the past decades; the instructions are simple to follow for junior students, as well as the detailed reference for senior students. Highly recommended for both students and teachers."



CMC STYLE TAI CHI SWORD
By Ju Hon-Bing of Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Oversea ordering info: (Calling from USA) 011-8867-335-4605. Or fax (from USA): 011-8867-561-6527.

"Master Ju is one of the senior disciples of Professor Cheng Man-ching in Taiwan; he is responsible for the wide spread of CMC style Tai Chi practiced in Taiwan. His DVD package consists of the CMC style solo form, sword form, push-hands, and the two-person San-Shou form; his interpretation has become the standard of CMC style in southrn Taiwan."



37-POSTURE TAI CHI CHUAN
By Shu Yi-Jung of Taipei, Taiwan
Oversea ordering info: (Calling from USA) 011-8862-2501-4779
http://www.37TaiChi.org.tw Under Book & DVD section.

"Mr. Hsu is one of senior disciples of Professor Cheng in Taiwan; he is the principle of Taipei Shr-Jung School, which was passed down by the Professor in the 70's. Mr. Hsu is also well respected for his long term dedication in the promotion of CMC's teaching. He has successfuly introduced many skillful Tai Chi instructors within the lineage to share the teaching in the school, which created an open learning atmosphere for all levels. The DVD set contains the step-by-step instruction with professional quality of production."


Back to Top