Product Description

The 24 Forms and the 48 Forms.

BETTER HEALTH IN 20 MINUTES A DAY!

Learn two of the most popular forms of Tai Chi Chuan, the ancient Chinese martial art which is often described as ‘moving meditation’. The ‘Simplified’ 24-posture form is taught and demonstrated by Master Liang, Shou-Yu, with martial fighting applications. The form is shown from several angles, with breathing instructions. The Standard 48-posture form is also demonstrated.

This expanded DVD edition contains much more instruction than the VHS editions. DVD-only Detail Sections for both forms instruct each movement, and offer ‘guidelines’ for refining your training. Chapter markers for each technique and extensive DVD navigation make it simple to find any posture on the DVD with just a couple clicks, so you can continue your study where you left off.

In only 20 minutes a day, you can gain the health benefits of Tai Chi Chuan: increased strength and energy, better balance, and improved bodily awareness. Excellent for beginning students, those who want a low-impact alternative to jogging or aerobics, and those with limited time for exercise.

This DVD complements the best-selling book Tai Chi Chuan—24 Postures with Applications & 48 Posture Routine, by Liang, Shou-Yu & Wen-Ching Wu (sold separately).

Special Features: Over 100 Chapter sections • Narration: English or French • Multi-Language Menus and Subtitles: English, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, & French • History of Tai Chi Chuan sections • Slideshows of Master Liang demonstrating correct posture alignment • Interactive YMAA Product Catalog with previews of all YMAA video titles.

YMAA PRODUCTION • LIANG, SHOU-YU • "TAI CHI CHUAN 24 POSTURES WITH APPLICATIONS & STANDARD 48 POSTURES" • WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY LIANG, SHOU-YU WITH KELLY MACLEAN AND RAMEL RONES • EDITED BY DAVID SILVER AND MEDIAMANIC • VIDEO PRODUCTION SUPERVISION BY DAVID SILVER • DIRECTED BY DR. YANG, JWING-MING

150 minutes - color/ DVD9 - NTSC -All Regions

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3339 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-10-25
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, Digital Sound, Director's Cut, Dubbed, Full length, Original recording remastered, Special Edition, Subtitled, NTSC
• Original language: English, French
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 150 minutes

From the Actor
Search Amazon for "YMAA" , "Jwing-Ming Yang" or "Dr. Yang" to find more instructional health DVDs available from YMAA Publication Center. YMAA: Yang's Martial Arts Association was established in Boston, MA in 1982. With the intent of preserving traditional Chinese Gongfu (Kung Fu) and Qigong , Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming began training students in the rigors of Shaolin Long Fist and White Crane Gongfu as well as Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. Dr. Yang also undertook his life-long dream of teaching and researching the Chinese arts and introducing them to the West through many books, videos and DVDs. YMAA Publication Center has been a publisher of high quality traditional martial arts and health books, videos and DVDs since 1983, and is a pioneer in the cultural exchange between the East and West. While the West has successfully developed the material sciences, the East is celebrated for its levels of spiritual cultivation. During this period of exchange, the building of bridges is critical for the successful integration of the achievements of both societies. As YMAA Publication Center continues to grow, we will continue to pursue Dr. Yang’s dream, and bring you important books on Martial Arts, Qigong, Health, and Spiritual Cultivation. Many thanks and appreciation to all our friends and customers for their continued encouragement and support.

About the Actor
Master Liang, Shou-Yu began his training in Qigong at the age of six, under the tutelage of his renowned grandfather, the late Liang, Zhi- Xiang. Master Liang was taught the esoteric skills of the Emei Mountain sect, including Da Peng Qigong. When he was eight, his grandfather made special arrangement for him to begin training Emei Wushu (Martial Arts). By age twenty, Master Liang had received instruction from ten of the most well-known grandmasters of both Southern and Northern origin, learning more than one-hundred sequences from many different styles. He has devoted more than fifty years to training and teaching Chinese martial arts and Qigong. Master Liang lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Tai Chi DVD
This DVD teaches the history of Tai Chi, and the History of the 24 posture form and 48 posture form. It explains that these two Tai Chi forms were originally a martial art style, and that now they are usually done for health improvement.

Then it shows the 24 posture form from the front, and the back, and with breathing instructions. Im not quite ready to try to coordinate my breathing with the movements, but when I am, this is a great guide. It then shows each of the 24 postures, and their original martial art applications, which helps you have a strong intent during the posture, and keeps your arms and legs in proper position. THEN, it teaches the 24 posture form, step by step, with very detailed instruction. This is a much more expanded version of this video by Master Liang than the original VHS.

The DVD also shows the 48 posture form, which repeats several of the movements from the 24 posture form, and has other movements from other styles.

It has absolutely helped me develop strength and balance in a few short weeks of practicing only the 24 posture form about 4 days a week on average. It has also improved my confidence, and people keep saying I have a glow about me. I just feel healthier, and happier too.

This DVD is easy to learn from quickly. The Chinese bamboo flute music is nice. Oh, actually, my FAVORITE part is at the end, it shows a 'slideshow' of photos of the master, doing each posture move-by-move, with great music. I like to do my form along to this section, because it is a bit slower than the actual form, and you can exactly match your movements to the master. Its like having a one-on-one class with him. I find that this mimicing of his postures has helped me to learn more quickly. I remember the form now, without having to 'THINK', so I can try to turn my attention inward.

A great DVD.

A Good Guide To Tai Chi Learners
Simplified Tai Chi Chuan DVD is a perfect guide to those who wish to learn 24 or 48 postures Tai Chi Chuan by themselves.Separate front view,rear view,breathing instructions and details sections answer to almost any question you would ask to the master about the postures.I found the rear view especially useful to follow while playing the DVD.For front view perhaps a mirror image would make the postures much easier to follow on the screen.I suggest the book Tai Chi Chuan by Master Liang,Shou-yu&Wu,Wen-Ching as a comlementary companion.

Ahmet Taviloglu Kocaeli-Türkiye

LIANG HAS A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR
Liang, Shou Yu has published some excellent martial arts books and videos in collaboration with Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming. Together they have published books on Bagau, Hsing I and Taijiquan, to name a few.

Liang, Shou Yu has impeccable credentials, having studied with the top masters of the Northern and Southern styles of China. Besides being a highly skilled martial artist and effective teacher, Liang, Shou Yu has a wonderful sense of humor.

Simplified Tai Chi Chuan DVD contains the following sections:

Introduction to Taijiquan
Slideshow of the two forms, Simplified 24 and the Standard 48
The Simplified 24 postures form
The Standard 48 postures form

SIMPLIFIED 24

This DVD offers the following sections for the Simplified 24 form:

Front View of the Form
Rear View of the Form
Breathing Instructions
Martial Applications
24 Postures Details

This section starts off with an explanation of how the Simplified 24 was created by the Chinese Sports Commission in 1956. The masters who helped create this form borrowed postures from the long style Yang Taijiquan form, taking out the more difficult moves and the repeated sections.

The DVD instructs one to focus on one or two aspects of Taijiquan at a time. When the practitioner feels comfortable, then they can move onto other aspects of Taijiquan. The user is counseled to become smooth in the practice of the form before worrying about how or when to breath. Once the form is smooth and relaxed, then the practitioner can begin to learn the proper breathing methods.

The following is a list of the Simplified 24 postures:

Commencing
Part the Wild Horse's mane
White Crane Spreads Wings
Brush Knee Step Forward
Playing the Lute
Repulse the Monkey
Left Grasp Sparrow's Tail
Right Grasp Sparrow's Tail
Single Whip
Wave Hands Like Clouds
Single Whip
High Pat on Horse
Right Heel Kick
Strike Ears Both Fists
Turn Body Heel Kick
Left Lower Body Stand on One Leg
Right Lower Body Stand on One Leg
Shuttle Back and Forth
Needle at Sea Bottom
Fan Through the Back
Turn Body, Deflect, Parry and Punch
Appears Closed
Cross Hands
Closing

The first form I ever learned was the simplified 24 back in 1978. I later stopped practicing this form after learning the Chen Simplified, First Lu Chen long form and the Yang long form, as well as the Tung Family Fast Set. However, even though I no longer practice the Simplified 24, it is the form that was my first introduction to Taijiquan.

Many people that want to learn Taijiquan attempt to learn either too long a form or too complex a form when they are beginners. Consequently, many people that start to learn Taijiquan give up after becoming frustrated. The Simplified 24 is a good form to start with to help determine if Taijiquan is right for you. Pretty much Taijiquan is right for everyone, and the Simplified 24 makes it a little easier to persevere and spend enough time to realize the benefits of practicing the form and recognize the value of making Taijiquan a lifetime commitment.

MARTIAL APPLICATIONS

Liang, Shou Yu demonstrates two to three applications for each of the 24 postures in the form. The applications are demonstrated as follows:
FIRST: Solo demonstration, with Liang, Shou Yu showing the move from the form

SECOND: Demo of the application in slow motion with Liang, Shou Yu and a student

THIRD: Demo of the application at regular speed with Liang, Shou Yu and a student

STANDARD 48

This DVD offers the following sections for the Standard 48 form:

Front View of the Form
48 Postures Details

This section starts off with an explanation of how the Standard 48 was created by the Chinese Sports Commission in 1976. The masters who helped create this form used many of the same postures from the Simplified 24 as well as postures from the CHEN, YANG, WU and SUN Styles of Taijiquan. Where the Simplified 24 would be done at a slow steady pace, the Standard 48 includes fast movements to illustrate the power of FA JING (issuing of power).

The Standard 48 does not include martial applications. Whereas the Simplified 24 could be learned reasonably well from this DVD, the Standard 48 would require that one be experienced in Taijiquan as well as having the assistance of an instructor.

The production quality is excellent on this DVD, and the DVD menus allow one to access any part of the material easily and quickly.
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