By Popular Request: Books To Begin Your Journey

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1. Steal My Art: The Life and Times of T'ai Chi Master T.T. Liang

Author: Stuart Alve Olson

Publisher: North Atlantic Books

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In this book, you learn about T.T. Liang, Jonathan Russell, Stuart Alve Olson, and what it was like to be a protege of T.T. Liang. Many claim to be a students of T.T. Liang, but few get the kind of hands on instruction that Stuart and Jonathan received while living in the home of T.T. With this level of complete immersion comes a depth of understanding that no other means of study can produce. Don't think this book is entirely about grueling study, 2 am lessons, and being tempted by mysterious pills of longevity; to the contrary. The entire book is full of fun stories and humerus anecdotes about T.T.'s life and what it was like to be close to the "Bob Hope of Tai Chi".

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Without a doubt, this book should be first on the list of where to start and what you are in for.

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2. Imagination Becomes Reality: The Teachings of Master T.T. Liang: A Complete Guide to the 150 Solo Posture Form

Author: T. T. Liang (Author), Stuart Alve Olson (Compiler)

Publisher: Dragon Door Publications

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This version is hard to find, but with searching I am sure you are able to find a copy. If you can't find this book, there is a more recent publication that is in the same spirit of, "Imagination Becomes Reality," by T.T. Liang's first protege, Johnathan Russell.

 

T. T. Liang's Tai Chi Chuan: The Tai Chi Solo Form with Rhythm

Author: Jonathan L Russell

Publisher: Ride Books

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In both of these books, there is detailed instructions as to the 150 posture Yang family form. Nothing can replace the instruction of a knowledgeable teacher, but combine skilled instruction with this compilation of direct instruction from T.T. Liang and you will be off on the right foot.

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3. The 22 Principles of Tai Chi Chuan: From Original Yang Family Records

Author: Stuart Alve Olson

Publisher: ‎ Independently Published

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Following this posting, you will find the 10 principles of Tai Chi as learned by Al during his time with Stuart. In Stuart's most recent publication of the 22 principles, he takes the original 10 and expands them to 22 easy to understand principles outlined in full detail with practices to aid in their mastery. Through these principles, you will gain the strong core of what makes Tai Chi so effective for the promotion of health and longevity. In addition, he adds at the end the essentials of Tai Chi, a collection of the original writings that formed the core of Tai Chi practice. This is a vital work that contains the core of what is Tai Chi.

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