Recommendations

This page will be a reference for all works that I have found useful in my study of Taijiquan. Clicking on the image links will allow you to directly purchase the books from Amazon.
Unfortunately various works are no longer in print or have been self-published but I will endeavour to supply contact information if availalble.

Complete Tai Chi Chuan Dan Docherty	This book is an updated version of the now out of print Wutan Tai Chi Chuan, which was written by Cheng Tin Hung and Dan Docherty. It contains a wealth of detail on the history and philosophy of Taijiquan some of it extremely contentious. Ignoring the political issues as to the foundation of Taiquan the book offers an overview of the complete system of the Martial Art of Taijiquan. This is an introductory text to the art and as such cannot be termed complete in the sense of it being a complete exposition of the art but it does fulfil its role as a complete guide to the elements that comprise the totality of Taijiqan. This is extremely invaluable as the majority of people in the West have no knowledge about the full range of the art, having only been exposed to the empty hand form. It contains a full set of pictures (without the repetitions of the original volume) displaying the static postures of the empty hand form, which can be used as a reference for learning, an explanation of Tui Shou (pushing hands), the theory behing the Taijiquan fighting method and an explanation of the Internal Strength Training and weapons. As with all Taijiquan forms, it is not possible to learn the form from a book, it should only be used in conjuction with the appropriate tuition.
Practical Chin Na: A Detailed Analysis...	An excellent introduction to the theory behind the principles of Locking, seizing and throwing. This is not a beginners guide as it does expect some level of expertise in close contact fighting, relying as it does on the ability to feel the opponents strengths and weaknesses. The applications are very similar and in most cases identical to those that we practise in our style of Taijiquan and the literary tradition seems to come from a corresponding source that is compatible with the precepts of Taijiquan.
Chinese Fast Wrestling For Fighting: The Art of San Shou Kuai Jiao	A definitive guide to Chinese wrestling methods. It contains many of the methods used in our Taijiquan freestyle moving step practise plus many others. The exposition is very systematic and uses modern terminology to describe the techniques. The advanced practictioner should have no difficulty in matching the techniques in this book with their poetic names from the style they practise. There is also a section on groundfighting methods which have gained popularity today. An imprtant book for any fighter's library.
T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ta Wen: Questions and Answers	An extremely short book, but all the better for it. Deep in insight, worth re-reading many times. Based upon questions and answers heard in the class of Yang Cheng Fu. It contains no pictures and for a very good reason. The Tai Chi Chuan method cannot be discovered by following photographs or drawings, it is based upon feeling and sensitivity and thus can only be learnt through the practise with someone who knows how to do it.
Tai Chi Touchstones: Yang Family Secret...	A book that should definitely be on the shelves of every Tai Chuan Practictioner. It contains actual photos of Yang Cheng Fu demonstrating pushing hands and applications which enables comparisond between the his postures and modern Yang stylists. Some of the applications are rather unrealistic and look to be reverse engineered. The real value of the book lies in the translations of the Yang family manuscripts which contain a great deal of useful information, particularly for Taijiquan martial artists.
	A very useful overview of Jujitsu , both theory and practise. The principles of the Taijiquan 5 step path as applied to fighting on the ground. For the Taijiquan practitioner it is essential to understand how takedown techniques are applied in order to prepare for this eventuality.Knowing what to expect is the first step to dealing with the sitiations.
	A series of essays on the nature of Martial Arts theory and practice, outlining the philosophy and principles. Non-dogmatic and a good addition to the general Martial Artists library.
	A compelling book about the mind and motivations of a fighter. Find out about preparations, training methods. Even boxers perform slow motion shadowboxing to perfect their form and movement.
	No Martial Arts collection would be complete without this book.
	The long awaited translation and interpretation of the Tai Chi Classics by my teacher,a former South-East Asian Martial Arts Champion. The Classics can be interpreted in many ways depending upon the intent of the translator. When translated from the perspective of a martial art they take on a much more practical and useful flavour.

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